The inaugural Altadena Forever Run raised more than $100,000 for Eaton Fire victims, surpassing organizers’ expectations as the first anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires approaches.
According to USA TODAY, the January 4 run generated over $100,000 through sponsorships and participant registrations. Event co-chair Victoria Knapp confirmed the total in an email to the USA TODAY Network, noting that funds raised exceeded initial projections.
The fundraising run was organized through a partnership between the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Athletic Association, the Altadena Sheriff’s Station, and the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena. Proceeds will benefit both the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund and the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena, Knapp said.
The Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund was launched by the Altadena Town Council in partnership with GoFundMe and has previously distributed grants to impacted residents, according to the Town Council.
More than 3,200 people registered for the event, which took runners and walkers through Altadena’s foothill neighborhoods, despite rainy weather conditions.
Knapp said organizers had hoped the event would reach the $100,000 mark and were encouraged by the strong community turnout.
“Which it did,” Knapp said, adding that many participants described the run as the first moment of joy they had experienced since the fire. Several runners told organizers they were overwhelmed by the community support, especially given the rain and the number of residents still displaced.
Community members also lined portions of the course, cheering on participants, an outcome Knapp described as unexpected but deeply meaningful.
“It would be fair to say that the entire Altadena Forever Run team felt that the run exceeded our expectations,” Knapp said. “We are looking forward to next year.”
