Pasadena Buddhist Temple is inviting the community to come together for “Recovery & Restoration,” a fundraiser dance, on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 6 to 11 p.m. with dinner and dancing to the sounds of Kokoro and featuring special guest performances.
Proceeds will support the temple’s extensive remediation costs following the devastating Eaton Fire. The temple suffered both fire and severe smoke contamination during the blaze. The minister’s residence, Hondo, classrooms, kitchen, and gym were all impacted, requiring months of specialized cleaning before the temple could safely reopen.
On Jan. 6, the danger nearly became even more catastrophic when embers ignited beneath the Hondo. Quick-thinking neighbors, already on their rooftops hosing down with water, spotted the smoke, jumped the fence, and extinguished the smoldering fire. Their swift and selfless actions prevented the temple from burning to the ground.
While the structure was saved, contamination from toxins carried by high winds left significant damage, and costly remediation work was required before the temple could once again welcome back its community.
Rev. Gregory Gibbs and his wife Kyoko extend a personal invitation to all: “We have been so moved by the outpouring of care and concern from our members, neighbors, and friends of the temple and especially how the community has come together to provide food, clothing, cleaning supplies, and most important, emotional support. We wish for the temple to continue to be a place of refuge for whatever the fire victims may need.”
The November fundraiser aims not only to help cover these expenses but also to celebrate resilience, gratitude, and community solidarity. Organizers promise an uplifting evening of food, music, and fellowship.
The temple is located at 1993 Glen Ave., Pasadena.
For more information or to reserve a table, email pasadenasangha@ icloud.com; Carol Tanita at cntanita57@gmail.com; or Shelley Yamane at yamaneshinmoto@gmail.com.
