Golfers and Guests Celebrate Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month at 37th Annual Five Acres Tee-iesta! Golf Classic & Dinner

ALTADENA, CALIF., September 17, 2025 — Five Acres golfers and guests celebrated Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month at its 37th Annual Golf Classic & Dinner: Five Acres Tee-iesta!, an annual celebration of community and compassion for a charitable cause, on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the San Gabriel Country Club. Presented by the title sponsor IMA Financial Group, Inc – Brad Reaume, the event brought together golf enthusiasts, community leaders, and friends for a day of fun on the fairway in support of nearly 7,000 children and families throughout Southern California.

Co-chaired by dedicated Five Acres supporters Nick Mosaquites and Rachel Duarte Mosaquites, they were inspired by the rich traditions of Spanish fiestas.

“Tonight is particularly important as we mark the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, in honor of recognizing the contributions and influence on our nation’s history and culture and with 62% of our clients as Latinos,” said Nick Mosaquites, who also took time to acknowledge the individuals and companies that supported the charitable event.  “As you know, it takes so many hands to make this night possible—the golf committee, volunteers, the Five Acres team and our San Gabriel friends —all working together this past year to help us raise critical funds for children in need.”

The event began with golfers teeing off at noon before enjoying tacos on the course, courtesy of Tacomasa, an authentic, Tijuana-style taqueria with locations across Los Angeles and Orange County and the beer donated by Budweiser. Guests joined them at the 19th hole and were entertained by Suemy G, a Grammy™-nominated pop music violinist and vocalist who captivates audiences with her vibrant performances and genre-blending style, and Mariachi Ausente, a mariachi group that performs at Rams games.

Guests feasted on a Latin-themed dinner on the fairway before raising their bid paddles for a entertaining live auction that drew laughter while vying for exciting vacations, sports and concert experiences, and a Meet the Makers with Skorpios Tequila master blender and Pez Coastal Kitchen executive chef and proprietor.

Five Acres Chief of Staff Elizabeth Gonzales and staff Alvin Marshall and James Merritt addressed the guests and shared their testimonials about the Eaton Fire experience, including receiving a six year old who social workers brought to the agency that night. After hearing touching stories, guests raised their paddles to support the agency’s mission to promote safety, well-being, and permanency for children and families.

The evening concluded with the golf awards going to Brian Arnold, Dan Jeffries, Dan Sullivan, and Goran Hagegard for first place, David Ajalat, Laurent Grill, Austin Heberger, and Roy Stigall for second place, and Jason Nava, Leo Lei, Ellis Choi, and Charles Hung for third place. Closest to the Pin award went to Nick Chavez and Longest Drive awards went to Josh McIntire and Alex Viglione.

Besides IMA Financial Group, Inc – Brad Reaume, other sponsors include: Ace sponsor – Nick Mosaquites and Leo Bolanos on behalf of BMO Wealth Management; Double Eagle sponsors –David Ajalat, e360, IMA Financial Group, Inc., La Canada Preparatory and The Learning Castle in partnership with the Strait Up Foundation, and Muir-Chase Plumbing; Eagle sponsors – Adventist Health White Memorial, American Business Bank, Stephen and Chantal Bennett, Centro Benefits Research, Excelsior Partners, LLC, Fish King Seafood, Grace Helen Sparman Charitable Foundation, Alma D. Banuelos, Board of Directors, William R. & Virginia Hayden Foundation, Hyperice, Lagerlof, LLP, LifeSource Water Systems Inc., Lionsgate Television, Richard McWhorter, Lance and Amy Polverini, Rey-Crest Roofing, Chris and Steve Selak, Serrano Development Group, Inc., and Craig and Cheryl Stewart; Birdie sponsors – Dennis Duran and Lori Sandoval, GulfEagle Supply, Moveworks, Chad Richardson, Turner Techtronics, Inc., U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, and Winston & Strawn LLP; Technology sponsor – Arthur J. Gallagher, Inc.

Underwriters include Dining – Majestic Realty Foundation, Bill Hayden; Fiesta on the Fairway – Andrew Crowell and Family; Golfer’s Lunch – Tanabe, Tanimoto, Farmer & Holcher Group; Golf Cart – BMO Wealth Management; Entertainment – Erica and Alan Adler; Decor – Signature/Town and Country; On-course Tacos – Tacomasa;19th Hole – David and Laura Quigg, Wildfire Recovery Attorneys; Cannon Shot – Whit Gilfillan; Signature Cocktail – Andrew Crowell and Family; On-Course Beverages and Snacks – Daniel and Sarah Rothenberg; Flowers – Paradise Florist; Musical Performance – Rodri J. Rodriguez; Photography – Allison Maginn Photography; Beer- Budweiser; Rentals – Signature/Town and Country,  Linens – BBJ LA Tavola, Volunteer Meals – Marcus and Eisanne Tanimoto, Dessert – Nothing Bundt Cakes; and Lockbox – Rachel Duarte Design Studio, Lux Events and Design, Shannon Whalin.

To learn more about Five Acres, visit 5acres.org.

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About Five Acres 

Since 1888, Five Acres has protected the most vulnerable members of our community: children. Serving nearly 7,000 children and family members annually across six counties, Five Acres now strives for permanency—a permanent, loving home—for all children in their care. The three pillars of safety, well-being and permanencyprovide the framework for its programs and guide the steps as the agency develops even more effective means of caring for children and families in crisis.

Media Contact

Marisol Barrios Perez, MSPA, APR 

626-491-3594

marisolperez@5acres.org

Recognizing the Signs: Supporting Children and Teens at Risk of Suicide

Suicide among children and teens is a growing concern that can feel overwhelming for caregivers, but recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to respond can make a life-saving difference. Young people often communicate their pain through changes in behavior, mood, or daily habits, and these signals, though sometimes subtle, should never be overlooked.

Kate McGevna, Five Acres director of training and organizational development, provides signs that parents can recognize and how they can help. By understanding what to look for and how to respond with compassion and calm, caregivers can create a safe space that encourages open dialogue and connection.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Children and teens may not always directly express when they are struggling with thoughts of suicide. Instead, they may show signs through shifts in behavior, mood, or physical health. Some important indicators include:

  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities: A sudden loss of interest in things they once enjoyed can signal emotional distress.
  • Changes in sleep or eating habits: Sleeping too much or too little, or noticeable changes in appetite, may be a red flag.
  • Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness: Phrases like “I’m a burden” or “Nothing matters” should always be taken seriously.
  • Talking, writing, or drawing about death or suicide: This may show up in conversations, journal entries, or even social media posts.
  • Giving away possessions: A child may believe they won’t need their belongings anymore.
  • Sudden mood changes: A rapid shift from sadness to unusual calmness or cheerfulness may indicate a decision to act on suicidal thoughts.
  • Declining school performance: Falling grades or loss of interest in academics can reflect underlying mental health struggles.
  • Risky or self-harming behaviors: Using drugs or alcohol, engaging in dangerous activities, or physically harming themselves are strong signals of distress.
  • Unexplained physical complaints: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other symptoms can sometimes mask emotional pain.

How Caregivers Can Help

If you notice these signs, staying calm and supportive is the most important first step. Here are practical ways to respond:

  • Stay calm and present: Your steady demeanor helps your child feel safe. Avoid reacting with panic or anger.
  • Ask directly and compassionately: It is okay to ask, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” Direct questions show you care and do not increase the risk.
  • Listen without judgment: Let your child express their feelings without interruption. Acknowledge their emotions by saying things like, “That sounds really hard. I’m here for you.”
  • Remove access to harmful items: Secure medications, firearms, sharp objects, or anything that could be used for self-harm.
  • Seek professional help: Contact a pediatrician, school counselor, or mental health provider. In emergencies, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
  • Educate yourself: Learn about depression, anxiety, and suicide risk factors to better understand what your child may be experiencing.
  • Monitor digital activity: Be aware of online interactions, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. Encourage safe and positive online use.
  • Promote healthy coping skills: Model and encourage journaling, exercise, creative outlets, or other stress-relieving activities.

Supporting a child or teen who may be thinking about suicide requires patience, awareness, and action. Caregivers play a crucial role in listening without judgment, asking direct but caring questions, and seeking professional help when needed. Most importantly, showing consistent love and presence can remind young people that they are not alone and that hope and help are within reach.

Together, through awareness and proactive support, we can protect our children’s well-being and guide them toward healing and resilience. With this knowledge, individuals can become more comfortable with the S word.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, email at HOPE@5acres.org or text Five Acres at 1-800-696-6793, or if you or someone you know is in crisis, text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right away.

Back-to-school tips for parents and caregivers to help children experiencing anxiety

Parents with an elementary age young boy.

Five Acres adoptive parents, Shana Honeyman and Robert Forman with Leonard, their son. Photo courtesy of Five Acres

Young children going back to school can have big feelings about the transition from summer to a new academic year. Five Acres, a foster care and adoptions charity based in Altadena, provide support to parents, caregivers, and families to improve relationships, develop skill sets, and cope with symptoms in a positive and safe way.

Five Acres Director of Training and Organizational Development Kate McGevna offers seven practical and compassionate tips for parents and caregivers on how to help their children, especially those with anxiety, transition smoothly back to school.

Begin talking about school a few weeks before it starts. Ask open-ended questions like:What are you looking forward to?Is there anything you’re nervous about?This helps normalize their feelings and gives you time to address concerns.

Re-establish routines gradually. Ease into school-year routines like: Earlier bedtimes, morning wake-ups, and regular mealtimes. Predictability can reduce anxiety and help kids feel more in control.

Visit the school, if possible. If the school allows it, take a tour, meet the teacher, or walk through the schedule. Familiarity with the environment can reduce fear of the unknown.

Create a visual countdown. Use a calendar or countdown chart to mark the days until school starts. Include fun milestones like shopping for supplies, packing the backpack, and choosing the first-day outfit.

Practice coping skills. Teach and rehearse calming techniques such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, naming colors in the room, and counting backward from 10-1. These tools can help kids manage anxiety in the moment.

Validate their feelings. Avoid saying “Don’t worry” or “You’ll be fine.” Instead, try:“It’s ok to feel nervous. Lots of kids feel that way.”“I’m here to help you through it.”

Focus on the positives. Highlight exciting aspects of schoollike seeing friends, learning new things, and fun activities or clubs. Help them build a mental list of things to look forward to.

Parenting education is one of the ways Five Acres provides support to the families they serve across six counties. In addition, team members through the Five Acres Wear Your Heart initiative increase access to early mental health support through resource linkages, strategic referrals, and bilingual outreach across underserved communities. To learn more, visit 5acres.org/wear-your-heart.

 

 

10 Parenting Tips on How to Put the Oxygen Mask on First

Five Acres families, who provide a loving, permanent home to children in foster care, receive education, resources, and linkages to community support. Photo courtesy of Five Acres

As parents, our instinct is often to put our children’s needs ahead of our own—especially during times of crisis or uncertainty. But just like the in-flight safety message reminds us to secure our own oxygen mask before assisting others, caring for our own emotional well-being is essential before we can effectively support our children.

Five Acres Director of Training and Organizational Development Kate McGevna offers 10 parenting tips that are practical, compassionate strategies for managing your stress, staying grounded, and modeling healthy coping skills. Being a calm and steady presence for your child during uncertain times can bring comfort and a sense of security to both of you.

1. Regulate your own emotions first

Before addressing your child’s fears, take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or scared? Practice deep breathing, grounding techniques or a short mindfulness exercise. Children are highly attuned to your emotional state – your calm helps them feel safe.

Try these quick ways to regulate your nervous system:

    • Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds. Repeat this 3 times.
    • Slowly count backwards from 20 to 1
    • Look around your room and name all the colors you can see

2. Get informed, but set boundaries

Stay informed about the situation (e.g., a natural disaster, global event, or family crisis), but avoid doom-scrolling or consuming excessive media. Choose reliable sources and limit your exposure to distressing content so you can stay grounded and present for your child.

Try this tip: Set a timer for news updates – 15 minutes max, twice a day.

3. Rehearse what you want to say

Think through how you will explain the situation in age-appropriate language. Rehearsing helps you stay composed and clear. Avoid overwhelming details – focus on what your child needs to know and how they can stay safe.

Example: “There’s a storm coming, but we’re prepared and safe. We’ll stay safe inside and keep each other company.”

4. Build a support system

Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist to process your own fears and emotions. You do not need to carry the weight alone. When you feel supported, you’re better equipped to support your child. You are also teaching your child the importance of asking for help and building a strong community.

Remember: Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

5. Model resilience and hope

Children learn how to cope by watching you. Show them that it is ok to feel scared, but also demonstrate how to find hope, take action, and stay connected. Your resiliency becomes their roadmap. Actively listen to your kids and validate how they are feeling. Validate their feelings and emotions.

Say this: “It’s ok to be nervous. We’re in this together, and we’ll get through it.”

6. Maintain a predictable routine

Children feel safer when they know what to expect. Even in chaotic times, try to keep consistent mealtimes, bedtimes and daily rituals. Routines provide a sense of normalcy and control.

Tip: Create a simple daily schedule with your child and post it somewhere visible.

7. Use simple, honest language

Avoid sugarcoating or overexplaining. Speak truthfully in a way your child can understand. This build trust and helps them process reality without unnecessary fear.

Try this: “Yes, things are different right now, but we are doing everything we can to stay safe.”

8. Encourage expression through play or art

Children often express emotions through drawing, storytelling or pretend play. Give them space to process their feelings in creative ways. This can also be a great outlet for you too!

Try this: Ask your child to draw how they are feeling or create a “feelings journal” together.

9. Focus on what you can control

Help your child (and yourself) shift focus from the unknown to what is within your control – like handwashing, stating connected with loved ones, or preparing an emergency kit.

Say this: “We can’t control everything, but we can take steps to stay safe and help others.”

10. Celebrating small wins and joyful moments

Even in tough times, look for moments of joy, laughter, progress or gratitude. Celebrating these things helps build resilience and reminds your child that good things still exist.

Tip: End each day by sharing one good thing that happened, no matter how small.

Parenting through uncertainty doesn’t require perfection—it calls for presence, compassion, and the willingness to care for yourself along the way. By tending to your own emotional needs, you build the resilience needed to guide your child through challenges with calm, clarity, and hope. When you regulate your emotions, seek support, and find small moments of joy, you’re not just surviving tough times—you’re teaching your child how to thrive through them.

To learn more about Five Acres, visit 5acres.org.

 

 

Five Acres 37th Annual Golf Classic

Five Acres Tee-iesta Golf Tournament

We are thrilled to announce our 37th Annual Golf Classic and Dinner, co-chaired by Rachel and Nick Mosaquites, to be held on September 15, 2025 at San Gabriel Country Club in San Gabriel. We cordially invite you to participate in this year’s tournament and dinner: Five Acres Tee-iesta! Traditionally in Spain, a fiesta was held to bring a community together to celebrate devotion and cultural heritage. For us, the 2025 Golf Classic is a chance to gather to celebrate our commitment to Five Acres with an exciting golf tournament. Coincidentally, our Golf Classic & Dinner is held at the start of LatinX Heritage Month.

We are sold out for the golf tournament! And we still have underwriting opportunities and dinner tickets available! Please click here to review the underwriting opportunities for you and your company to consider, which will greatly impact the work we do within our communities. Your contribution is vital to Five Acres’ mission to provide safety, well-being, and permanency to children and families across six counties.

If you would like to be added to the golf waitlist, please contact Jenny Lin, associate director of development, at 626-390-8453 or jennylin@5acres.org. 

Check out our invitation!

You can fill it out and send the reply card with your payment, or purchase your tickets here, too.

 

2025 EVENTS OF THE DAY  

10:00 AM Golf Registration(hole assignments provided at registration)10:30 AM Lunch Buffet Opens12 PM Shotgun(Scramble Format – Awards are given to 1st Place Gross, 1st place net, 2nd place net, 3rd place net and Other on-course activations, including a hole-in-one, cornhole, and cannon shot); Enjoy on-course tacos courtesy of Tacomasa5 PM Cocktail Reception and View Auction and Opportunity Drawing Packages6:30 PM Dinner, Live Auction & Awards8 PM Music & Libations

To guide you in how to dress for the day’s activities, below is the dress code for golfers and guests.

Golfer Dress Code

Men: Tailored slacks, Bermuda styled shorts (no shorter than 4″ above the center of the back of the knee). Shirts are to be tucked in at all times. No jeans or denim of any color are permitted. Billed hats and visors are to be worn bill forward.

Women: Golf skirts and Bermuda styled shorts (no shorter than 5″ above the center of the back of the knee), tailored slacks, and capris, collared shirts with no sleeves or crew neck shirts with sleeves, blouses, and sweaters. Blouses should be long enough to cover the belt line while at rest. No jean or denim of any color are permitted.

Dinner Guest Attire

For our dinner guests, check out our attire ideas or you can also follow the clubhouse dress code below.

Clubhouse Dress Code

Acceptable Clubhouse attire at a minimum is Golf Course Attire (please see above). Dress denim is permitted in all areas of the Clubhouse. Dress denim is defined as denim that is in good repair, properly fitting and without stains, rips, or holes. Shirts must be tucked in unless a straight-cut style or one that is designed to be worn out.

Golf sponsors and underwriters

Tickets to Five Acres Triple Crown Gala on May 3 to Support Children in Foster Care Available

ALTADENA, Calif., March 21, 2025 — The countdown is on for the 2025 Five Acres Triple Crown Gala on May 3, an elegant evening dedicated to supporting children in foster care and strengthening families. Set against the stunning backdrop of the private estate of April and William Costigan in Pasadena, the charity’s major fundraising gala raises funds to support children and families within their communities by creating a permanent, safe, and healthy environment for every child.

Promising guests an unforgettable night of philanthropy, entertainment, and celebration, this year’s gala is chaired by La Canada Resident Erica Adler, Altadena Resident Candy Renick, and Monrovia Resident Tammi Rogers. Guests will be immersed in the thrill and grandeur of the Triple Crown races, complete with signature mint juleps, southern-inspired cuisine, and derby-style fashion. Attendees are encouraged to don their finest derby hats and race-day attire while enjoying an evening of lively auctions, exclusive entertainment, and heartfelt mission moments.

“Children are our future, and it is important to help guide their way,” said Rogers. “Five Acres promotes safety, well-being, and permanency for children and their families. Supporting the Five Acres gala is an opportunity for us all to be part of this mission.”

Among the generous sponsors already confirmed for this year’s event are: Preakness Stakes Sponsors: Stephen and Chantal Bennett, Andrew Crowell & Family, Kirsten L. Hansen; Belmont Stakes Sponsors: Armen and Rita Baranian, Cathay Bank, Deka Law Group, Gallagher, Tucker Ellis LLP; among other sponsors at various levels.

“Our community has endured tragic loss because of the Eaton Fires and Pacific Palisades Fires. Beyond raising vital funds at our Triple Crown Gala, this evening will be a chance to come together as a community, support one another, and begin the journey of healing and rebuilding,” said Jennifer Berger, Five Acres chief advancement officer. “We are grateful to our Five Acres sponsors and underwriters who have generously supported us through this unprecedented time, as the need to provide mental health services is greater than ever.”

Besides the gala chairs, the committee members are Nancy Aplin, Athena Asklipiadis, Meghan Baier, Chantal Bennett, Jennifer Berger, Leo Bolanos, Mimi Carter, April Costigan, Chelby Crawford-Smith, Farnaz Datomi, Michele Doll, Shayna Fiore, Trish Gonzales, Beth Hansen, Kirsten Hansen, Tera King, Jenny Lin, Sue McGuirl, Jessica Paz, Marisol Perez, Shoshana Puccia, Nicole Rasic, Chris Selak, Sharick Smyser-O’Keefe, Armineh Yousefian, and Zeenat Zonte.

For more than 137 years, Five Acres has been promoting safe, loving, and permanent family solutions. Proceeds from the 2025 Five Acres Triple Crown Gala will benefit children at the organization’s Altadena campus and provide essential programs and services to nearly 7,000 children and families in Southern California.

Individual tickets are $325 and tables are $3,250 before April 11 and increase to $350 and $3,500 thereafter, respectively. To purchase tickets, sponsor, or make a gift, visit https://5acres.org/five-acres-annual-gala-2025/. For sponsorship opportunities, call Jenny Lin, associate director of advancement, at 626-390-8453 or email jennylin@5acres.org.

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About Five Acres 

Since 1888, Five Acres has protected the most vulnerable members of our community: children. Serving nearly 7,000 children and family members annually across six counties, Five Acres now strives for permanency—a permanent, loving home—for all children in their care. The three pillars of safety, well-being and permanency provide the framework for its programs and guide the steps as the agency develops even more effective means of caring for children and families in crisis.

 

Media Contacts: 

Marisol Barrios Perez, MSPA, APR

626-491-3594 or marisolperez@5acres.org

Five Acres Honors Community Leaders and Welcomes New Board Members at 137th Annual Meeting

ALTADENA, Calif., March 14, 2025—Five Acres celebrated its 137th Annual Meeting and Board Celebration on March 12 at its historic main campus in Altadena, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their commitment to children and families. The evening also marked the introduction of two distinguished new board members dedicated to advancing the nonprofit’s mission of promoting safety, well-being, and permanency for every child.

“If we had to think of a symbol for the past 137 years, and in particular in the past year and the past few months, it would be the heart. Heart for our clients, heart for our staff, heart for our community and heart for our mission,” said Chris Selak, Five Acres board chair.  “So with that, welcome to our theme of “Wear Your Heart” in all we do.  And why? Because our work here at Five Acres is driven by a heartfelt commitment to ensuring every child has the safety, well-being, and permanency they deserve.”

The theme “Wear Your Heart” is also the name of the campaign in partnership with California’s United Mental Health Promoters program to reach historically underserved populations by enhancing our capacity to serve more children at risk and strengthen families.  Additional partners include Kidspace, YMCA, Ellie Mental Health, to include just a few, and several who were in attendance, too.

The board celebration recognized the following awardees for their outstanding contributions:

Five Acres Hero Award – Five Acres Director of Facilities Jake Cashill: For working around the clock to save the building during the Eaton Fires, repairing the damage from the windstorms, and ensuring the organization was safe for the return of the children in the Residential program and the staff.

Special Service to Children Award – For Goodness Cakes, represented by Jo Pessin, the Los Angeles County Chapter Lead: For bringing joy to children by providing personalized birthday cakes and treats, offering a sense of celebration, belonging, and care to those in need.

Person of the Year – Kirsten L. Hansen: For exceptional leadership, unwavering support, and dedicated service as a long-time advocate, board member as the vice chair of administration, and champion of Five Acres’ mission.

Volunteers of the Year – Nicole Rasic and Trish Gonzales: For their extraordinary volunteerism, dedication to Five Acres events, and tireless efforts to engage their families, friends, and community in supporting vulnerable children.

Outstanding Support Award – Association of Community Human Service Agencies (ACHSA): For their instrumental role in tirelessly advocating for child welfare services, ensuring the continuation of foster care programs during a critical insurance crisis.

Dorothy Cook Lifetime Achievement Award – Grace Russak, senior vice president at Northern Trust: For 17 years of dedicated board service, financial leadership, and extensive network of key connections that has strengthened Five Acres’ capacity to serve children and families.

As part of its continued commitment to strong diverse leadership, Five Acres proudly welcomed two new board members. Erica Adler, executive vice president of Business Strategy and Operations at Paramount Global, is a dedicated Five Acres supporter and in her second year as a gala co-chair. Wendy Wu, a former federal prosecutor, is managing director and the head of Nardello & Co.’s Digital Investigations and Cyber Risk practice. Nationally recognized expert in digital investigations and cybersecurity, contributing her expertise to Five Acres’  IT Committee.

“Over the past 137 years, you and those before you have helped transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable children and families.  And today happens to be our official Five Acres Day celebrating 137 years supporting children and families!  Five Acres Day was made official in 2018 by LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger,” said Selak.

To learn more about Five Acres and how to become involved, visit 5acres.org.

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About Five Acres

Since 1888, Five Acres has protected the most vulnerable members of our community: children. Serving nearly 7,000 children and family members annually across six counties, Five Acres now strives for permanency—a permanent, loving home—for all children in their care. The three pillars of safety, well-being and permanency provide the framework for its programs and guide the steps as the agency develops even more effective means of caring for children and families in crisis.

Contact: Marisol Barrios Perez, MSPA, APR

626-491-3594 or Marisolperez@5acres.org


 

Eaton Fire Relocation, Restoration, and Relief Fund

We know many of our Five Acres friends and family have been impacted by the fires and we are staying strong with you to ensure our community’s needs are met. We recognize many in our Five Acres family have been affected and continue to support us in this ever-evolving time to provide relief in our recovery.

We continue to fulfill the operational needs to keep the children in our care safe and the staff available to support children and our 5A community and families in need.

Some updates for you:

As of Friday, January 17th, our children are back on main campus!  Over 50 individuals, including team members, board of directors, neighbors, vendors, donors, family, and friends, showed up with their gloves, rakes, and brooms to help with recovery day to clean, repair, and warm the campus. Due to our water company being uncertain about the timeline for drinkable water and SoCal gas indicated weeks before gas was restored, we have temporary showers with outside water source and meals secured through end of January as our own equipment is gas powered. 

With evacuation orders, return to our location, repairs, and trying to operate without drinkable water and gas requires supplemental supplies and vendors like 6 Portable electric shower units with freshwater tank, and then other supplies to stay operational such as drinkable water dispensers, electric heaters, and gasoline for generators.

We’ve also been continuing to provide mental health services to our 5A children and families, as well as extending to those in our 5A circle vital relief and linkage to service not necessarily covered by our contracts, which has been challenging with @25% of our work force evacuated/home loss; fortunately, the evacuation has dropped to about 10%.  While challenged, as so many are right now, our goal and charge is to continue to serve and keep safe our clients under extraordinary circumstances due to this horrific disaster, while at a much higher operational cost during this time.

Your support to Five Acres aids in our efforts that include:

🧡 Costs to support the continued operations of our historical main campus in Altadena to be clean, warm and safe for the children despite still not having potable water or gas.

🧡 Ongoing growing costs to support the care of our foster children in residential care, who were impacted by the Eaton Fire, to stay safe. Any  support is appreciated.

🧡 Fund expenses associated in ensuring the continuation of agency programs and operations.

Thank you for helping our foster children, families and 5A community safe in our recovery.  And our heart goes out to all of you.

Eaton Fire Donate Button (2)

 

“Here is a little bit of the craziness. Late Tuesday night [on January 7], we were at campus as we knew [the Eaton Fire] could get bad fast, so we wanted to evacuate if told. Power was already out. Only in the cottages where our teams and kids were did we have power: basic lights, heaters, and fridges with our generators. The winds were blowing so strong that we couldn’t even hear when the two massive century-old trees fell in front of the building.

All that time, two county social workers came to our main campus door with a tiny six-year-old boy for placement. No bags or belongings. The poor thing was super anxious. I was a little shocked and said, “Are you sure you are dropping him off with us? We are in the middle of a possible evacuation.” They told me he had nowhere else to go. That was pretty crazy, so we took him, and he was safely evacuated with all the other 5A children to a hotel. The poor boy went from one family to our campus and then to a hotel within 24 hours and now is back on campus along with all the other children. I know the fires have been a disaster for our community, but it did make me realize that foster kids get displaced and experience the loss over and over again. Sad but true.”

—CEO Chanel Boutakidis

Fire Relief In-Kind Needs

We are immensely grateful that our wonderful historic main campus and other facilities remain standing. Our children have returned to the main campus. Many of our 5A families and staff remain in evacuation status or have lost their homes and are in need of your help with basic essentials. Fortunately, we have you, our generous supporters, to help make that come true.

How you can help:

1. Drop off new items or gift cards at Five Acres
2. Order items or gift card from our Amazon Relief Wishlist to be delivered or dropped off at our Five Acres site.

Our greatest needs are for items such as:

  • Gift Cards (grocery stores, Target, Walmart, Visa®)
  • Bottled Water
  • Toiletries & Hygiene Products
  • Children’s Medicine (Tylenol®, etc.)
  • Sleeping bags, Bedding
  • Diapers & Wipes
  • Luggage & Duffels
  • Air purifiers & filters

How & Where to donate new items:

Amazon Delivery or Drop-Off Location
Five Acres – Main Campus
760 W. Mountain View St., Altadena 91001
Monday – Friday from 7 am – 3:30 pm

For more information, please contact: Jessica Paz at jpaz@5acres.org / (626) 487-3748

Visit our Fire Relief Amazon Wish list here.

Fire Relief Amazon Wish List button

Five Acres Annual Gala 2025

A photo of a diverse crowd of men and women at a race track watching horses come around the track and the words that read Triple Crown Gala 2025 Five Acres Annual Gala and flanking the words are a pink rose and a gold crown above the words

(Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities can be viewed on all browsers except for the desktop version of Microsoft Edge.)

Five Acres Triple Crown Gala on May 3, 2025

Nearly 300 guests and volunteers joined us at our Five Acres Triple Crown Gala on May 3! Check out our gala photo gallery here: https://allisonmaginnphotography.shootproof.com/gallery/fiveacresgala2025

Our Five Acres community has shown us so much love, compassion, and generosity during this extraordinary time in Los Angeles County. We know many of our friends and supporters have been and continue to be impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires. We hope you and your loved ones are safe and out of harm’s way, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by the wildfires.

Five Acres needs your support more than ever. To continue serving the children and families of Los Angeles, we are moving forward with our annual gala.

Click here to see sponsorship and underwriting opportunities and benefits.

Check out our invitation!

I want to donate button
gala individual ticket button
a gala table ticket button
An outline of a woman with a black hat with words that say I want to sponsor the gala
An outline of a woman with a black hat with words that say I want to underwrite the gala
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2025 Five Acres Triple Crown Gala Sponsor and Underwriter video

List of Gala sponsor and underwriters
A photo of a diverse crowd of men and women at a race track watching horses come around the track

2024 Annual Holiday Drive

A red wooden heart shaped ornament displayed between snows prayed pine with words that read share your heart for the holidays
Three small children dressed in holiday outfits smiling at the camera
A young teen girl wearing a christmas hat and holding a gift card with words that read please donate a gift card and bring holiday joy to kids
three young children wearing christmas pajamas holding christmas wrapped gift above their head and the words across at the bottom of the image that read click here for our Amazon wish list and bring cheer to children

Each year at Five Acres, we strive to create joyful holiday memories for vulnerable children and youth in foster care who have already overcome many challenges in their young lives. Fortunately, we have you—generous supporters who make their holiday wishes come true.

Individuals who would like to bring holiday cheer by making a generous contribution can click on the donate button below.

a lime green button that reads donate here

For corporations, organizations, and individuals wishing to purchase holiday wishes from our Amazon Wish List can purchase by clicking here. We’ve made it easy for you to shop, add to cart, and have them directly delivered to Five Acres. You can also check out our holiday flyer.

Individuals wishing to purchase favorite holiday items can do so by looking at our list below. If you prefer to drop off your items, weekday drop-offs between December 2 – December 13 are available. The drop-off delivery location is 760 W. Mountain View St., Altadena, CA 91001.

Look at some of our children’s favorite holiday wishes

  • Art supplies
  • Air pods
  • Baby dolls
  • Board games
  • Book series and children’s book
  • Card games
  • Coloring books for kids and teens
  • Jewelry and jewelry-making kits
  • Electric cars with remotes
  • Fragrances for teen boys and teen girls
  • Hair accessories
  • Hygiene kits
  • iPads
  • Journals
  • Large building block sets
  • Playdoh
  • Pretend play items
  • PS4/PS5 games
  • Scooters and helmets
  • Skateboards and helmets
  • Slime making kits
  • Squishies
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirts
  • Tablets
  • Twin size bedding
  • Winter wear – adult size

Preferred gift cards*

  • Grocery Store Cards – Food-4-Less, Ralphs, Super King, El Super, etc.
  • Target
  • Walmart
  • Bath and Body Works
  • Ulta / Sephora
  • Forever 21
  • Big 5 Sporting Goods
  • Dicks Sporting Goods
  • Old Navy
  • Tillys
  • Vans
  • WSS – Warehouse Shoes
  • Footlocker

*$50 is recommended amount

a collage of volunteers giving and dropping off holiday gifts

Become a 2024 Holiday Drive Sponsor

‘Tis the season to be merry! Would you like to become a 2024 Holiday Drive Sponsor? You can donate to support specific holiday activities like treats and stocking stuffers, cottage angels, the pajama project, holiday celebrations for children and families, and a staff holiday party. Check out the Holiday Drive Sponsor opportunities here!

Below are a few specific holiday activities to choose from. You can select items from the pull-down list below and add to cart. If you have questions about how to become a sponsor, please contact Jenny Lin at jennylin@5acres.org or call her at 626-390-8453.

Treats & Stocking Stuffers – $500

Cottage Angels – $1,000

Pajama Projects – $1,500

Residential Children’s Celebration – $2,500

Staff Holiday Party – $5,000

a collage of volunteers giving and dropping off holiday gifts

Please help us acknowledge your donation this holiday season by completing our in-kind donation form here.

Thank You to all our Sponsors, Donors, and Individuals who Bring a Joyful Holiday to our 5A Kids!