Nearly 4,000 participants crossed the finish line at the annual WalkUnitedLA event at the Rose Bowl Sunday morning, July 20, joining the Los Angeles Rams and United Way of Greater Los Angeles in fundraising for Eaton and Palisades wildfire recovery.
Additionally, participants were able to enjoy a selection of food trucks, programming and live music. America’s Got Talent contestants, The Benn Family Band, a multi-generational family from Altadena who lost their home in the Eaton fire, delivered a performance to participants before they headed to the start line.
United Way hosts the annual walk to raise money for local housing, educational, and community resilience-centered initiatives in Los Angeles. However, this year, just six months after the Eaton and Palisades wildfires devastated parts of L.A. County, the organization focused on wildfire recovery efforts, including specialized support for affected low-income and homeless people, students, renters, and homeowners.
“Close to our hearts this year, on this six-month anniversary of the devastating wildfires, our funds will also go to help the fire recovery efforts here and in the Palisades,” said Elise Buick, CEO of United Way of Greater L.A.
Some of the fundraising event’s initiatives this year include pro-bono legal support for elderly and dependent adults, housing and economic solutions for renters and homeowners, and community-driven rebuilding efforts in Altadena and the Palisades.
Participants represented local fundraising partners, including Pasadena City College, Cedar-Sinai Hospital, and East West Bank, the event’s top fundraising team thus far. Top individual and team fundraisers can earn prizes including VIP access to Rams training at Loyola Marymount University, signed Rams jerseys, photo opportunities with team members, and tickets to upcoming games.
As Altadena, the Pacific Palisades, and its surrounding communities continue to rebuild, local advocacy groups and massive sports teams alike stepped in to support their fellow Angelenos.
This year, LA Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly, served as honorary co-chairs for the fundraiser.
“After the fires happened, we [LA Rams] were trying to find a way to get involved,” said Matthew. “It was important that not only are we there immediately after—but let’s not leave them. Let’s stick around.”
In March, Matthew and Kelly surprised the Pasadena High School football team with new uniforms and equipment after players lost those items in the Eaton fire. The Staffords also donated new uniforms to Pasadena Panthers youth football teams.
As a Pasadena native, LA Rams center Coleman Shelton said it “means so much” to come out to the Rose Bowl to support wildfire recovery.
“We’re the LA Rams,” said Shelton. “It means we cover all parts of LA. Pasadena and the Palisades, we’re all here and we’re all part of this team.”