Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena CEO Lisa Cavelier, David Blazek, Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Board Chair and Event Chair Melina Montoya, and Robby Moon at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Anne and Phil Lee at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Jon Jon Harreld, Jerell Hill, and Steven Sneed at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Robert and Tu Fong at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Jennifer Hall Lee, Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, Brian Biery, and Michelle Richardson Bailey at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Declan Floyd and Leslie Clayton at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Chris Wood, Barbara Wood, Jan Siechert, and Carl Siechert at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Cyril Vergis, Lucy Vergis, Amisha Shaw, adn Christopher Seneca at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Dr. Carolyn Ford and Delene Mitchell at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Robby Moon, Alex Lee, Pete Siu, Alvin Yang, and Ken So at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena CEO Lisa Cavelier, John Stipanov, and Andrea Chang at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Chloe Cavelier, Patti Winkel, Daniel Winkel, and Jon Primuth at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
David Blazek, Simon Waters, and Sherri Francois at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Kiki and Brandon Joel at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Magaly Ponce, Jose Ponce, and Edward Mariscal at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Priscilla and Lino Jubilado at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Michael Pollack, Deborah Chung, and Paul Baker at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Denise and Stephen Matthews at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Karin Primuth, Irene Nakhasi, and Atul Nahkasi at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Sian and Todd Seligman at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena's 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers Gala [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
The 16th Annual Black Tie & Burgers gala, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena brought friends, admirers and supporters together for a good cause. Held at the Club’s east Pasadena Clubhouse, the event celebrated the theme “Through the Blue Doors,” highlighting the organization’s profound impact on thousands of Pasadena children.
Attendees were treated to a unique experience as they gathered in the “front yard” of the Slavik Clubhouse, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of the Club. The evening featured gourmet cheeseburgers, exciting auctions, and lively music and dancing. Special performances by Club members added a heartwarming touch to the evening.
Melina Montoya, serving as both the Club’s Board Chair and Black Tie & Burgers Event Chair, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s success. She emphasized the importance of the funds raised, which will support crucial after-school and summer programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character and leadership development.
A poignant moment of the evening was dedicated to honoring two Club legends who passed away earlier in the year. “Big John” Matthiessen, former Board Chair and interim Executive Director, and Larry Cole, former Director of BGCP’s Mackenzie-Scott Clubhouse, were remembered for their significant contributions to the organization. Special tributes highlighted their roles in opening doors of opportunity for countless Club kids over the decades.
The event not only celebrated the Club’s past achievements but also reinforced its ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of young people in the Pasadena community. Since 1937, the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena has been dedicated to helping youth reach their full potential as productive, caring, healthy, and responsible citizens.
With four locations serving more than 2,000 youth annually, the Club continues to provide a welcoming, safe, and positive environment for kids and teens. The success of the “Through the Blue Doors” Black Tie & Burgers event ensures that the Club can continue its vital work, bridging the gap between school and home, and offering life-changing programs to the youth of Pasadena.
