San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity brought together nearly 300 community leaders, volunteers, donors, advocates and supporters for its 2026 Raise the Roof Gala, celebrating a year of progress in affordable homeownership and the rebuilding of Altadena following the Eaton Fire.
“Tonight was about celebrating what is possible when a community aligns around a shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Bryan Wong, CEO of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity.”
Approximately 8 months after the Eaton Fire, SGV Habitat has completed 5 homes, has 20 homes under construction in Altadena, with more than a dozen additional homes moving through the permitting process. Each home represents an opportunity for a family to return home, rebuild economic security and remain rooted in the community.
From left: Mandy Moore; Bryan Wong, CEO of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity; California State Senator Susan Rubio; 2026 Raise the Roof Gala Honoree Caitlin McHugh Stamos; and John Stamos.
Caitlin McHugh Stamos received the Ace Cain Humanitarian Award for her commitment to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and support for Eaton Fire survivors.
The Presbytery of San Gabriel received the Roof Raisers Award for its longstanding partnership with SGV Habitat, including the transfer of the former First Presbyterian Church of Baldwin Park property, which will be transformed into an affordable homeownership community serving 15 local families.
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation received the Community Builder Award for its innovative partnership with SGV Habitat. Following the Eaton Fire, Fender’s Custom Shop created four one-of-a-kind guitars using wood salvaged from a fallen Deodar cedar in Altadena.
Held at Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia, the event honored three partners whose leadership reflects the power of collaboration: Altadena native and community leader Caitlin McHugh Stamos, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and the Presbytery of San Gabriel.
This is just the beginning. Mark your calendars for September 25, 2027, and join us at the beautiful Los Angeles Arboretum for the next Raise the Roof Gala. We’ll come together once again to celebrate the extraordinary progress our community is making, honor those who are helping build a stronger future, and create another unforgettable evening in support of affordable homeownership. Save the date—and plan to be there. You won’t want to miss what we’ll build together next.
Just a sneak peek at some of the fun…
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This year, we are proud to honor three outstanding partners whose generosity and leadership have helped raise critical funds, awareness, and support for families in need of safe, affordable housing: Fender Musical Instrument Corporation, Caitlin McHugh Stamos, and the Presbytery of San Gabriel. Through their dedication and unique contributions, they have helped create more opportunities for families to achieve affordable homeownership and supported our efforts to help Altadena families rebuild and return home following the Eaton Fire.
Thank You to the 2026 Raise the Roof Sponsors
Take a peek at some of the fun from 2025 Raise the Roof Gala.
The 2025 Raise the Roof for Altadena Gala was a huge success – raising over $400,000 to support SGV Habitat’s work helping underinsured families affected by the Eaton Fires. The event took place on September 27th at the Le Meridien in Arcadia. Nearly 265 guest attended to celebrate our 35th year and the work being done to help rebuild Altadena.
Following the devastating Eaton Fire SGV Habitat has been focused on long-term recovery efforts and has created plans that include helping underinsured homeowners rebuild, adding ADUs to support multi-generational families and offering home repairs for those looking for ways to return to safe, livable conditions in homes they own but became uninhabitable following the fire.
Actor and musician John Stamos took the stage as he was announced as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. He shared a heartfelt reflection about his time volunteering with SGV Habitat and the deep significance of having a home where one feels safe and secure. Stamos spoke about how picking up a hammer on the build site gave him a renewed sense of community and purpose.
“When you’re in it — you feel something you can’t fake. You feel connection. You feel purpose.”
— John Stamos on volunteering with SGV Habitat
Later in the program, Bryan Wong, SGV Habitat CEO, shared exciting news about the organization’s commitment to build 25 homes and 15 ADUs in Altadena within the next 12 months. The audience erupted in applause as he revealed that construction on the first home has already begun—marking a hopeful new chapter for the community.
2025 Raise the Roof Honorees
2025 Raise the Roof Sponsors
Thank you to the Gala sponsors that are supporting rebuilding homes in Altadena. SGV Habitat could not provide stability, comfort, and peace of mind to these families without your help. Together we can make four walls feel like home.
Sponsors include: KPMG, City of Hope, Grifols, James Hardie, Los Angeles Federal Credit Union, MMA Architects, South Coast AQMD, Golden Management, Foothill Transit, US Bank, Spectrum, Nickelodeon, Bluebeam, East-West Bank, and Edison International.
2024 Raise the Roof
2023 Raise the Roof
PASADENANOW.COM“The event was more than just a night of celebration; it was an opportunity to make a difference. The Gala aimed to raise awareness and funds to empower families and build strength and stability in communities through homeownership and home preservation.”