First published in the Jan. 26 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
Cancer Support Community recently began construction on its new Sierra Madre facility with extensive interior improvements.
The organization purchased the new property in July 2022. The “Be the Key” capital campaign was launched with a series of transformative gifts, starting with a lead $1 million gift from Ellen and Harvey Knell, followed by major commitments from the Valenta family, Terri and Jerry Kohl, and LeeAnn and Ron Havner.
Over 115 individual donors have also made cash gifts and multi-year pledges to the campaign. Additionally, Cancer Support Community announced six charitable foundation grants to its “Be the Key” campaign. Among the grants that helped push the campaign’s progress to more than $3 million were from the Ahmanson Foundation, Ann Peppers Foundation, Fitzberg Foundation, Oak Tree Racing Association and Patron Saints Foundation.
Additional grant applications are pending, which total $100,000.
“This is an extraordinary moment for Cancer Support Community,” said Patricia Ostiller, executive director of Cancer Support Community. “We asked our community to ‘Be the Key,’ and they have answered the call, coming together to support the growth of an organization that is a lifeline to so many people facing cancer across the greater San Gabriel Valley. I am truly humbled by this generosity.”
After 33 years of providing support, education and hope to families facing cancer ― in three different leased facilities ― CSC is very grateful to own its building. Anyone facing cancer will now be assured that CSC’s services will be here in future decades.
The organization’s $3.75 million “Be the Key” campaign is closing in on its goal, with approximately $750,000 left to raise before the new building’s grand opening in summer. Funds will support the interior renovations needed to facilitate program delivery and increase the organization’s reserves for building maintenance.
To pledge your support and make a difference for families impacted by cancer, visit bethekey.cscpasadena.org, or contact Ostiller at (626) 796-1083 or p.ostiller@cscpasadena.org.
