.png)
Today, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® celebrated the fifth anniversary of their Community Open House celebration, in partnership with the Pasadena Community Coalition. This event brought people together to celebrate the diversity of the community, as well as honor the 2024 President Alex Aghajanian. He has been a volunteer Member of the Association since 1989 and is the current president for the Tournament of Roses, providing leadership for the 135th Rose Parade® and 110th Rose Bowl Game® on January 1, 2024.
“Being celebrated at the Community Open House is an immense honor with profound personal significance. I have a deep and meaningful connection to our community being a lifelong resident of the Pasadena and Altadena areas. This event embodies a sense of community spirit and celebrates the shared tapestry of experiences that make Pasadena a truly special place,” said Alex Aghajanian. “The Community Open House is not just a commemoration of individual achievements, but a testament to the commitment of inclusivity of the 935 volunteer Members of the Tournament of Roses. Our volunteers work to bring people together and continue to enhance our dedication to improving connections to, and working with, our diverse community.”
For more than a century, the Tournament of Roses has contributed to various communities through event-driven economic impact and other forms of giving. The Community Open House is another way to celebrate our local community and our commitment to further community engagement and initiatives.
The gathering of neighbors at Tournament House fosters a sense of unity. It serves as a powerful testament to the commitment of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and their dedication to enhancing relationships and community collaboration, including the valued partnership with the Pasadena Community Coalition.
“This year holds special significance as it marks the fifth anniversary of the Community Open House. The inaugural event, which celebrated Gerald Freeny as the first African American President, set a precedent for honoring diverse leadership,” said Martin Gordon, Chair and CEO of the Pasadena Community Coalition. “Subsequent years continued to celebrate milestones with the recognition of two female Presidents, Amy Wainscott and Laura Farber, the latter being the first Latina President. These commemorations reflect the Tournament of Roses’ commitment to recognizing and celebrating a rich tapestry of leadership within the Pasadena community.”
