As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves into almost a manageable way of life, some Pasadena residents will don tuxedos, dresses and maybe even kilts again, for the 2021 “Black Tie and Burgers” event, usually held each year to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena.
This year’s event will take place in person at a private Pasadena home on Saturday, October 9.
And while the attendees will be safely social distancing, organizers are hoping for a fundraising effort equal to previous years past.
Along with Italian-inspired entertainment, the evening will feature Habit Burger meals, live and online silent auctions, as well as the ever-popular Wine Wagon raffle.
The club itself has been a longtime friend and haven to the children of Pasadena.
As noted on their website, “Five days a week, throughout the year, the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena provides opportunity and hope to more than 2,500 community kids, many of whom come from disadvantaged economic, social, and family circumstances. We offer our programs and services to every child, regardless of race, gender, religion, economic status, or any other factor.”
For Melina Montoya, event chair, the annual event hits close to home.
“I was brought up in the San Gabriel Valley,” said Montoya, “by parents who insisted that you always treat people equally and give back to your community if you are fortunate enough to do so. I had the opportunity a few years ago to choose something I wanted to give back to full-time. I chose the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena.”
And this is far from her first rodeo. She’s led the last four Burgers and Black Tie events.
“I love to throw a party,” said Montoya this week. “I have done fundraisers for the Junior League of Los Angeles and Pasadena. I have chaired silent auctions for my son’s schools, K-8, and high school.”
She added that “With a fabulous party at a private home, I felt I could raise the money the club needed. I am proud to lead the charge for children in Pasadena.
“We were open during Covid to children that had no internet,” Montoya continued. “Those children went to school, safely distanced, with staff who helped with school work and more. No child or staff member got Covid. The Boys & Girls Club is committed to the families we serve, and so am I.”
“What fun it will be to see everyone dressed up and in person again.”
Lisa Cavelier, Boys & Girls Club CEO shares Montoya’s excitement at the upcoming event.
“We are excited to host our 13th annual Black Tie & Burgers gala outside and in-person this year,” said Cavelier. “Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena has provided high-quality out-of-school programming for children for 84 years, and we strive to provide the same quality programming for another 84 years and beyond. Black Tie & Burgers is a celebration of our past, our present, our future, and the supporters who make it all possible.”
More information on the Black Tie & Burgers event is available here.
