Foothill Family Chief Executive Officer Steve Allen with Capital Group Honorees and Board Members Keith Piken and Will Ford with Board Chair Vince Lawler
PASADENA, CA – Foothill Family marked its 100th anniversary at the Tip Your Cap & Pass the Hat Luncheon on October 20, raising nearly $150,000. Held at the University Club of Pasadena, the annual gathering brought together community leaders, longtime supporters and partners to celebrate a century of strengthening children and families throughout Southern California.
The event highlighted Foothill Family’s beginnings in 1926, when founder Josephine Marsh passed a hat among community members to raise funds for families in need. One hundred years later, that same spirit of generosity continues through the annual Pass the Hat Challenge, where guests participate in a friendly team fundraising competition to support the Foothill Family’s mental health, early childhood development, school-based, and youth and family services.
“Behind every dollar raised is a child, a parent or a family who will have access to the support they need to move forward,” said Steve Allen, Chief Executive Officer of Foothill Family. “For 100 years, our mission has been about helping people find their strength, overcome challenges and build healthier lives. This incredible generosity allows us to continue that work, reaching more families and making sure they have someone to turn to when they need it most.”
A highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of Capital Group for more than five decades of partnership with Foothill Family. Through generations of leadership, volunteerism and philanthropic support, Capital Group and its associates have played an important role in advancing the organization’s mission and strengthening the communities it serves. Capital Group associates and Foothill Family Board members Will Ford and Keith Piken accepted the recognition on behalf of the company.
“At Capital Group, we know the value of investing for the long term, and that commitment extends to the communities where we live and work,” said Will Ford, Senior Vice President, Capital Group, Foothill Family Board of Directors. “Giving back has long been part of who we are, and our more than 50-year partnership with Foothill Family reflects that belief. We’re proud of the role our associates have played in supporting children and families and look forward to continuing that investment for generations to come.”
Guests also heard the personal stories of two Foothill Family clients whose journeys as mothers were different, yet whose hopes for their children were much the same. Both wanted to be the best parents they could be and turned to Foothill Family for support. Their experiences brought the organization’s mission to life, showing how helping a parent can create lasting change for an entire family.
California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez also joined the celebration, recognizing Foothill Family’s century of service and the important role community-based organizations play in helping families thrive.
Today, Foothill Family serves more than 28,000 children, individuals and families annually. What began as a grassroots effort to help neighbors in need has grown into a comprehensive network of care reaching communities throughout the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys and beyond.
As Foothill Family enters its second century, the record-breaking generosity of this year’s Pass the Hat Luncheon reflects the enduring power of its founding vision: a community coming together to help families build healthier, stronger futures.
About Foothill Family
Celebrating 100 years, Foothill Family works to create healthier families and stronger communities across Southern California. This community-based nonprofit supports children and families through prevention, intervention, and treatment services through four core areas: mental health, early childhood development, school-based services, and youth and family services. These services are delivered at Foothill Family Centers, in homes, schools, and community settings, all to improve emotional well-being and build stability so that children, adults, caregivers, and families thrive.
Foothill Family was named a 2026 Top Workplace, holds accreditation from COA, has earned Candid’s highest level of recognition with a Platinum Seal of Transparency, and is a 4-Star Charity Navigator nonprofit. Visit www.foothillfamily.org.
Pass the Hat Winning Fundraising Team, Capital Group
Foothill Family Chief Executive Officer Steve Allen with Steve Allen, Senator Sasha Renee Perez