Foothill Family Celebrates Generosity and Community at 8th Annual Tip Your Cap & Pass the Hat Luncheon Honoring Marisa and Ezra Callahan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2025
Contact: Patti Johnson
pjohnson@foothillfamily.org | 626-993-3097
PASADENA, CA – Foothill Family’s 8th Annual Tip Your Cap and Pass the Hat Luncheon brought together
community and business leaders at the University Club of Pasadena on October 23 for an afternoon of
celebration, philanthropy, and gratitude honoring longtime advocates Marisa and Ezra Callahan.
Hosted by Foothill Family CEO Steve Allen and emceed by John Cervenka, the event raised more than
$145,000 to support the agency’s life-changing mental health, early childhood development, and family
services.
“This event is a tribute to the power of compassion in action,” said Steve Allen, Foothill Family Chief
Executive Officer. “Foothill Family was founded nearly a century ago when our founder, Josephine Marsh,
literally passed a hat to help neighbors in her community. Today, that same spirit of generosity and
connection continues to define who we are.”
The afternoon program featured heartfelt remarks by Dr. Laurel Bear, Foothill Family’s Board Chair, and a
special message from Assemblymember John Harabedian, who underscored the importance of mental
health as the foundation of strong communities. Steve Allen recognized Sheila Thornton, Clinical Director
and Director of Mental Health Services, honoring her 40 years of service to Foothill Family and celebrating
her recent retirement.
In a moving moment, Steve Allen recognized Altadena business owners who suffered losses in the Eaton
Fire, honoring their courage and resilience as symbols of the community’s strength and perseverance.
A video spotlighting Ms. Wu, a graduate of Foothill Family’s Early Head Start and Pathways to Professions
programs, showcased the agency’s lasting impact in helping families achieve success. Once a young mother
in the program, Ms. Wu now operates her own licensed childcare center and serves as a Foothill Family
Early Head Start partner.
Following this uplifting story, Foothill Family turned to celebrate two individuals whose leadership makes
such success stories possible: Marisa and Ezra Callahan, longtime supporters and community advocates.
Marisa, Co-Founder of 4th Trimester and a 14-year member of the Friends of Foothill Family, was
recognized for her advocacy in maternal health and early childhood development. Ezra, a Pasadena native
and Polytechnic School alumnus, was honored for his leadership in community rebuilding following the
Eaton Fire. Together, the couple was celebrated for modeling philanthropy and service as a family, joined
by their children in attendance.
Foothill Family’s 8th Annual Pass the Hat Luncheon
The event culminated in a spirited Pass the Hat Fundraising Challenge, where guests competed by table to
raise funds for Foothill Family programs. The afternoon concluded with a heartfelt toast to the Callahans,
who also led the way as the top fundraising team, and recognition of other team winners. Guests left
inspired and energized to continue “passing the hat” through the holiday season and beyond, ensuring that
Foothill Family’s legacy of strengthening families and communities lives on for generations to come.
About Foothill Family
Serving the community for nearly 100 years, Foothill Family was founded in 1926 with a mission to
empower children and families on their journey to achieve personal success. Guided by its vision of creating
generations of healthy families and thriving communities, Foothill Family provides a comprehensive range
of community-based mental health and social services throughout Southern California.
Through its leadership in supporting underserved populations, the agency has earned a reputation for
delivering high-quality care that uplifts individuals, strengthens families, and builds brighter futures across
generations. Programs include mental health and school-based services for children, early childhood
development and parent education, youth and family services including child abuse and domestic violence
prevention and treatment, and services for pregnant and parenting teens.
For more information, please call (626) 993-3000 or visit www.foothillfamily.org.