Pasadena City College donation and distribution event, Jan. 10, 2025 (Photo – Melissa Michelson)
Pasadena City College (PCC) has received a $1 million grant from Ballmer Group to support those affected by the devastating Eaton Fire.
By News Desk
The funding will provide critical relief to students, faculty, staff, and community members working to recover from the destruction caused by the fires.
“The PCC community is extremely grateful to Steve and Connie Ballmer and the entire team at Ballmer Group,” said José A. Gómez, superintendent/president of Pasadena City College. “With this gift we will continue to support those whose lives have been upended by this disaster.”
The recent Eaton Fire caused significant damage across Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre. Many PCC students and employees were directly affected, with hundreds losing homes, possessions, and vehicles. “Recovery will require time and commitment,” Gómez added, emphasizing that the community’s path to rebuilding will be long and challenging.
The grant is the largest single donation to PCC’s Community Relief Fund, which provides monetary and practical assistance to those facing the greatest need. Frank Cardenas, executive director of the PCC Foundation, praised the gift, noting that it would support a wide range of recovery efforts. “The PCC Foundation stands with everyone at Pasadena City College as we rise in service to the community that sustains us,” said Hoyt Hilsman, president of the PCC Foundation Board of Directors.
Ballmer Group, led by Steve and Connie Ballmer, has been quick to support wildfire survivors. Earlier in January, the organization committed $15 million to address immediate needs for food, shelter, and assistance for first responders. “We understand that there will be a long road to recovery for the L.A. region and remain committed to supporting the community,” Ballmer Group representatives stated.
PCC has also played a pivotal role in the community’s recovery, offering free meals, distributing donations, and providing space for displaced teachers. The college’s Foothill campus became a central hub, housing a Disaster Recovery Center where residents could meet with FEMA and other agencies for assistance. It also hosted the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center.
Alton Wang, President of the PCC Board of Trustees, thanked Ballmer Group for their support, saying, “The support from our community has been a bright spot in a very difficult time. We are grateful to Ballmer Group for standing with our community as it begins the healing process.”
Gómez concluded, “Our community needs us now more than ever. We are a part of the community, and we are part of the solution.”
> PCC campus will be closed on Friday, February 14 through Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
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