“We Are L.A. Strong!”

(East Los Angeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: Rams Nation and the generous public rose to the occasion as always, when thousands of loyal and faithful fans and their fine families turned out to support the WalkUnitedLA 2025 Annual Fundraiser that this year was held at the world-famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.

Representing the Rams team was Quarterback Matthew Stafford, along with his wife, Kelly, and their two daughters.

The primary beneficiaries of this large fundraiser were the families affected by the devastating Eaton wildfire that swept through much of the City of Altadena, located within Los Angeles County.

We’ve also added a short photo gallery, courtesy of WalkUnitedLA2025, to provide you with a good snapshot of several activities that took place during the day.

THOUSANDS UNITE AT ROSE BOWL FOR WALKUNITEDLA 2025 RAISING FUNDS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-DRIVEN WILDFIRE RECOVERY AND UPLIFT ANGELENOS IN NEED

United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Rams hosted WalkUnitedLA 2025, an inspiring day of unity and community resilience

PASADENA, CA (July 21, 2025) — Thousands of people from across Los Angeles came together at the Rose Bowl Stadium on Sunday, July 20, to support wildfire recovery and uplift communities in need at WalkUnitedLA 2025. Hosted by United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Rams, this annual run/walk served as a powerful outlet for solidarity, resiliency, and hope.

Walkers, runners, and donors raised $500,000 to support community-driven wildfire recovery and healing efforts in Altadena and surrounding communities. This year, funds will support Pasadena City College’s Construction Career Program that provides students impacted by the Eaton Fire with both college credit and the construction trade skills necessary to play an active role in rebuilding their community. Proceeds will also benefit United Way’s mission to end poverty and homelessness in Los Angeles County and create educational opportunities for low-income students.

Pasadena-based East West Bank, the event’s presenting sponsor, provided a generous $100,000 matching donation.

WalkUnitedLA 2025 was co-chaired by Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly Stafford, whose family joined community members, business leaders, labor representatives, and Rams fans in an inspiring day of unity and action. Stage program highlights included a poignant reflection by Reverend Zach Hoover, and moving vocal performances by The Benn Family, who lost their Altadena home in the Eaton fire, and by Rams Captain and Defensive End Kobie Turner, who sang a cover of “Praying,” backed by a Gospel ensemble.

[PHOTO GALLERY COURTESY]: WalkUnitedLA2025“

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“After the fires happened, we were trying to find a way to get involved. It was important that not only were we there immediately after, but that we stuck around for the long-term recovery efforts,” said Stafford. “This opportunity came for our family to come and be a part of today, six months after the fires broke out, to be able to give back and let people know that myself, my family, the Rams, we’re all here to help and continue to help. Whether we’re at SoFi Stadium or doing something like this, it really is special to be a part of this community.”

Community leaders stood shoulder to shoulder with families still struggling to rebuild and find healing, including NAACP-Pasadena President Brandon Lamar, DENA Heal’s Mike de la Rocha, and Pasadena Vice Mayor Jess Rivas. Six months after the fires, hundreds continue to be displaced, facing challenges in finding permanent housing and hurdles in rebuilding their homes.

“Hosting WalkUnitedLA at the Rose Bowl for the first time, six months after the fires, was a powerful reminder to those directly impacted that they are not alone,” said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “We are healing together and rising stronger. In a time of uncertainty and division, this event reminds us of what Los Angeles is truly made of: resilience, unity, and hope. That’s why this event is truly special.”

“We know the needs, and we know the solutions,” said de la Rocha. “Right now, connection, hope, and a sense of belonging are the medicine we all need. That’s where community comes in.”

“Altadena once had the highest rate of African American homeownership in the country,” said Lamar. “This tragedy threatens that legacy. It’s up to all of us to ensure every family has the resources to rebuild—and we can’t do it alone.”

In Los Angeles County, an estimated 1.17 million households (41%) struggle to make ends meet, including paying for housing, food, childcare, health care, transportation, and taxes. More than 1 million households pay 30% or more on housing. Over the years, United Way continues to invest in scalable, community-driven solutions to address these challenges, from affordable housing to education and opportunities for prosperity for communities across Los Angeles County.

“Our team is only as good as the community around us,” said Los Angeles Rams President Kevin Demoff. “For years, we’ve partnered with United Way to tackle homelessness, social, economic, and educational inequities, but this year has taken on a special meaning as we help our neighbors rebuild from the devastating fires. Los Angeles is defined by its reliance, and everyone here today shares our sense that a healthy Los Angeles can only exist by us all jumping in to do our part.”

Participants also enjoyed fun activations such as photo opportunities with Rams Cheerleaders, Rams mascot Rampage, Rams Kids Zone, food truck, picnic area, outdoor games, and more. Rams players, including Pasadena native and center Coleman Shelton, tight end Davis Allen, offensive lineman Justin Dedich, and defensive end Brennan Jackson, all were in attendance to uplift the community and cheer on runners and walkers as they crossed the finish line.

Since 2007, WalkUnitedLA (formerly known as HomeWalk) has brought together nearly 150,000 people from across Los Angeles County and raised over $10 million to end homelessness, becoming the single largest annual event to end homelessness nationwide.

WalkUnitedLA 2025: United for Our Future was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors including presenting sponsor East West Bank, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Burns & McDonnell, Banc of California, City National Bank, Cedars-Sinai, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Kaiser Permanente, KPMG, L.A. Care, PwC, Target, U.S. Bank, Wildfire Recovery Attorneys, and media sponsors ABC-7/KABC-TV Los Angeles and LAist.

For more information and to make a donation through August, please visit www.walkunitedla.org.