May 25, 2007        
Contact:  Christle Balvin
(626) 792-6463

SAN MARINO WOMAN’S CLUB CREATES $1 MILLION ENDOWMENT WITH THE PASADENA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Pasadena Community Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of one of the largest charitable endowment funds ever received by the 54-year old Foundation. The $1 million endowment fund comes from the San Marino Woman’s Club that, after 71-years of continuous operation, sold its clubhouse in 2004 to the City of San Marino that plans to use it as a community center. The club membership has moved its meetings to the historic Blinn House in Pasadena.  “The Pasadena Community Foundation was the perfect fit for us,” says woman’s club member Arlene Kelly.  “The charitable endowment fund with the Pasadena Community Foundation allows us to stay involved with the management of our assets while being sure that the money goes to our first priority, helping women and children. It also assures us that our philanthropic efforts will continue long into the future.” 

Some fifty-two women who met in the San Marino Police Department’s courtroom founded the San
Marino Woman’s Club in 1936. Following the war effort to which members gave countless hours and resources, members refocused their efforts on building a much-needed clubhouse. Three years later and with an ever-increasing membership, they purchased the property for their clubhouse on Huntington Drive for approximately $6,000. By the time the club’s charter list was closed, it had grown from its initial 50 members to 420 members. The Club continues to meet today in the historic Blinn House at the Women’s City Club in Pasadena.

Over the years, donations from the San Marino Woman’s Club have benefited countless local
organizations and institutions. It has endowed a bed at Orthopedic Hospital, awarded nursing
scholarships, and supported Toys for Tots and Five Acres. From the Assistance League to the
Bienvenidos Children’s Center, from the American Red Cross to the City of Hope, the San Marino
Woman’s Club has assisted the vital work of important local agencies. Throughout the years, free use of the beautiful clubhouse was made available to countless organizations for important community causes.

 “The Pasadena Community Foundation was delighted to be selected to manage this major new
charitable endowment fund created by San Marino Woman’s Club.  We welcome the opportunity to
work with the club’s dedicated members to fulfill their goals of helping women and children through
targeted donations and grants.”  Says Jennifer DeVoll, Executive Director of the Pasadena Community Foundation. The Pasadena Community Foundation works with many groups and individuals to manage charitable funds and assist with grant making. From their unrestricted endowment funds, the Foundation will distribute over $700,000 in charitable donations to 54 non-profit organizations serving the most crucial needs of Pasadena area residents. 

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