For John Pipia and Betty Ma, supporting veterans and active-duty military members is a passion. Their earlier careers have influenced their passion to give to and to serve others. John was in active duty for several years, serving in the U.S. Army and in active combat in Vietnam. Betty was an inner city school teacher and she has mentored veterans.
In 2021, the La Canada Flintridge couple turned to Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) to facilitate the creation of the Pipia/Ma Welcome Home Fund to support the well-being and self-care of veterans and active-duty military service members through various community outreach programs. Together, John and Betty own and operate a privately held real estate investment company. Their prior holdings include the Hyatt-Sacramento Hotel and Gateway Metro Center in Pasadena. Betty is also a member of PCF’s Professional Advisors Committee.
The Welcome Home Fund generously supported a free admission event for veterans and active-duty military service members at The Huntington on Memorial Day, 2023. John Pipia says, “Well-being outreach community programs is our way to honor veterans, Memorial Day, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I hope that these well-being and self-care programs will give veterans time for reflection, peace and enjoyment.”
Established May 2021