A gathering of over 800 community members took place on January 10, 2024, at Harambee Ministries in Pasadena to commemorate the first anniversary of the devastating Eaton fire. The event, organized by the Dena Relief Drive, served not only as a memorial but also as a celebration of resilience and community support for those impacted by the disaster.
In the weeks leading up to the anniversary, Brandon Lamar, founder of Project Passion, reached out to Josh McCurry, executive director of the Flintridge Center, with the idea of holding a celebration. Initially surprised, McCurry quickly understood the importance of recognizing the challenges faced over the past year. He noted, “A celebration not of hardship but coming together,” which encapsulated the atmosphere of the event.
The Dena Relief Drive, initiated just two days after the Eaton fire, has become a vital resource for survivors. It is the longest-running distribution program in the affected area and has significantly impacted the lives of many families. According to Lamar, the event marked not just a year of loss but also of collective healing and progress.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in various activities, including live music, prayers, and children’s events, which fostered a sense of hope and community spirit. The event also facilitated the distribution of essential supplies to those still in need, emphasizing the ongoing support required for recovery.
Rep. Judy Chu, who represents the area, attended the event and acknowledged the efforts of local organizations, including Neighborhood Servants and Juicy Little Society. She praised their collective achievements over the past year, which included providing 1.9 million pounds of essential items and more than $300,000 in direct cash assistance to over 5,000 families affected by the fire. Chu expressed her commitment to ensuring continued federal aid for recovery efforts.
Lamar, whose organization has evolved to meet the growing needs of survivors, highlighted the necessity of delivering essentials to families as they navigate their rebuilding processes. “We get them the essentials they need so they can focus on their rebuilds,” he stated, reflecting on the challenges many families continue to face.
The anniversary event also gathered various resource groups offering services such as soil remediation and home renovations, further demonstrating the strengthened ties within the community. State Senator Sasha Renee Perez made a surprise appearance, thanking volunteers like Maria Lopez-Finister and her husband Jimmi for their dedication to supporting local initiatives.
Lopez-Finister shared her sentiment about the importance of their work, stating, “We needed to do it a year ago, and we still here. Our message is love. Lots of love.” This sentiment resonated throughout the day, as participants embraced both the grief of the past and the joy of coming together.
The event featured performances from local artists, including singer Courtney Lindsey, known as “Sun Whoa.” He captivated the crowd with songs inspired by the Eaton fire, reinforcing the message of unity and resilience. Lindsey remarked, “Brick by brick we’re building our city back,” a powerful reminder of the community’s determination to recover and rebuild.
As the anniversary of the Eaton fire passes, the ongoing efforts of individuals and organizations in Pasadena demonstrate a profound commitment to healing and restoring the community. The Dena Relief Drive’s continued support reflects a collective spirit that will remain essential in the months and years to come.
