PCHF chair, Bob Harrison, receives the annual J. Donald Thomas Award.
While this year’s Young & Healthy Gala was a virtual fundraiser, the nonprofit’s annual J. Donald Thomas Award acknowledges real-life support that has changed the lives of countless needy children in the Pasadena area.
“This award to the Pasadena Child Health Foundation (PCHF) is recognition for all the support they have given us through the years; they have been such a stable friend to us,” says Mary Donnelly-Crocker, Executive Director who presented the award to PCHF chair Bob Harrison. “Their priority to health and wellness has been a perfect match for us.”
The Pasadena-based Y&H is a network of volunteers and physicians who donate time and services so children in the low-income areas can receive free medical, dental and mental health care as well as help in navigating insurance options. Since 1992, PCHF has provided more than $1.9 million in grants to Y&H, making them an indispensable ally in the quest for a healthier community.
Numerous other organizations have benefitted from PCHF. Since 1951, the charitable foundation has supported local groups that work to reduce health disparities for children living in the PUSD. In 2016, PCHF decided to maximize its financial efforts and streamline its administrative arm by becoming an official fund of PCF. It bears the distinction of being the largest single gift in PCF history: $6 million.
Today, the PCHF Fund has grown to $7,591,667 and its grant program continues to affect community change. Since its alignment under the PCF umbrella, PCHF has deployed $750,000 with 43 total grants to 15 different organizations — consistently supporting outstanding programs, such as Y&H, year after year.
This year, responding to the pandemic, PCHF expanded the number of annual grantees from 10 to 14, and worked with the organizations as they pivoted their programs to comply with safety protocols while continuing to be of active service in the community.