Pass the Hat
Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future. Passing the Hat Together.
One hundred years ago, Josephine Marsh passed the hat to rally her community around a shared mission: supporting children and families in need. That simple act of generosity sparked a legacy that has transformed lives for a century.
Join us as we honor 100 years of generosity through our Centennial Pass the Hat Challenge. Together, we’ll raise critical funds to meet the growing needs of children and families across our communities. Enjoy inspiring stories of impact, live music, meaningful connections, and a little friendly competition, all while helping shape the next century of hope and healing.
Today, we invite you to join our Centennial Pass the Hat. Help us honor our past while investing in the next 100 years of hope, healing, and opportunity for the families we serve.
100 Years
Be part of a century of generosity. Our Centennial Pass the Hat celebration brings together supporters, partners, and community leaders to honor Foothill Family’s 100-year legacy while helping shape the future of our mission. This free community event welcomes all who believe in strengthening children and families. Join us beginning at 11:30 a.m. for an afternoon of heartfelt stories, live music, community connection, and our beloved Pass the Hat Challenge, a spirited fundraising tradition inspired by the generosity that started it all.
OUR JOURNEY
100 Years of Passing the Hat
1926
Founded with Purpose
Foothill Family began as a grassroots effort to support young mothers and strengthen families. Mrs. Josephine Marsh passes the hat at a gathering to help families in need.
1930s–2000s
Community Growth
For generations, community members continued the tradition of giving, helping Foothill Family expand its support for children, individuals, and families.
2010s
A Tradition Renewed
Pass the Hat was revitalized as a meaningful way for supporters to directly contribute to Foothill Family’s programs and the growing needs of the community.
2026
A Centennial Celebration
One hundred years after Josephine Marsh first passed the hat, Foothill Family celebrates a century of compassion, connection, and community support.
Today
The Next 100 Years
The Legacy Continues With You. Every gift carries Josephine Marsh’s vision forward, helping create hope, healing, and opportunity for families for generations to come.
ABOUT OUR 2026 HONOREE
Capital Group
For more than 50 years, Capital Group has been a dedicated partner in advancing Foothill Family’s mission to strengthen children and families throughout the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. As Foothill Family celebrates its Centennial year, we are proud to recognize an organization whose longstanding commitment to our community has helped expand opportunity, foster resilience and improve outcomes for generations of families.
Capital Group’s partnership reflects a deep belief in the power of investing in people and communities, a value that closely aligns with Foothill Family’s vision that every child, family, and individual has the opportunity to thrive. we celebrate 100 years of Foothill Family, we honor the resilience, compassion, and commitment that have guided our work since 1926.
What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a trusted source of care for thousands of children and families each year.
STORYTELLING WITH FOOTHILL FAMILY
The Story that Inpired a Community
Last year, we shared Ms. Wu’s inspiring journey, a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to invest in families. Through Foothill Family’s Early Head Start and Pathways to Professions programs, Ms. Wu transformed her dream into reality, building a thriving childcare business while creating brighter futures for children in her community. Her story is just one example of the lives made possible through the generosity of supporters like you.
Watch Ms. Wu’s story and see the impact of giving in action.
ABOUT OUR 2025 HONOREES: MARISA & EZRA CALLAHAN
In 2025, Foothill Family proudly recognized Marisa and Ezra Callahan for their extraordinary leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to strengthening our community. Through their advocacy, generosity, and dedication to children and families, they embody the spirit of compassion and service that continues to inspire our mission.
Questions? Please contact the Philanthropy Department at donate@foothillfamily.org or (626) 993-3636.
Share your Foothill Family story and celebrate with us! #Foothill100Years.
