Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC), Lift International Church, and I Choose Life Foundation Join Forces to Reunite Displaced Seniors at Heartwarming 'Gathering of Love Luncheon'
Gathering will take place Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Lift International Church in Pasadena
LOS ANGELES, CA, March 1, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- In a powerful demonstration of community resilience, nearly 100 Altadena wildfire survivors—predominantly seniors who have been scattered across Southern California—will reunite some for the first time since disaster struck at the 'Gathering of Love Luncheon' this month. This special event represents a collaborative effort between the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC), Lift International Church, and the I Choose Life Foundation to provide both physical nourishment and emotional healing to those whose lives were upended by the devastating fires.
Set against the backdrop of Black History Month and Women's History Month celebrations, the luncheon will offer attendees a rare opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked soul food meal, a simple pleasure many have been denied while staying in temporary accommodations. The gathering will take place Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 12:00–3:00 p.m. at Lift International Church, 1757 North Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104.
'These seniors have been scattered to the winds—living in crowded hotel rooms, cycling through Airbnb's every few days, or doubled up with relatives from Riverside to San Clarita and more' noted Sandra Evers-Manly, founder of BHERC and architect of its Operation Love Initiative. 'Beyond losing their homes, they've lost their community connections. This luncheon creates a space where they can exhale, embrace familiar faces, and feel surrounded by love again.'
Evers-Manly has witnessed firsthand the emotional toll on seniors, having personally shopping and delivering critical essential items to them and their families, helping with supporting those wanting to view the remnants of homes where they built decades of memories. Her team has provided not just material support but also companionship through the bewildering maze of insurance claims and other paperwork.
The human cost of the Altadena fires is staggering—an estimated 13,000 homes destroyed, over 50,000 individuals displaced, and elderly residents facing particularly severe challenges in rebuilding their lives.
Dr. Anthony McFarland, Pastor of Lift International Church, emphasizes the deeper purpose behind the event: 'In the face of tragedy and destruction, all we must lean on is each other. This gathering reminds us that community isn't defined by buildings, but by people who care for one another. No one should face this journey of recovery alone.'
Tony Wafford, President of the I Choose Life Foundation, adds: 'While the physical structures are gone, the spirit of community remains unbroken. People lost everything material, but today we're showing that what truly makes Altadena special—its people and their connections—can never be destroyed by fire.'For many attendees, this will mark their first opportunity to reconnect with neighbors and friends without the pressure of navigating insurance paperwork or temporary housing concerns—a chance to simply break bread together and begin healing as a community.
About BHERC 'Operation Love'
BHERC 'Operation Love' is an initiative that provides vital support to vulnerable populations in need, with specialized focus on seniors, unhoused individuals, veterans, and those with health conditions. Initially formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Love expanded to deliver rapid disaster aid for those affected by wildfires and other emergencies. For seniors and unhoused individuals impacted by pandemic and other disasters, the team has assisted with emergency supplies, essential items, gift cards, gift baskets for holidays, special luncheons, transportation assistance, and coordinated with mental health professionals for emotional care. Additionally, Operation Love has honored frontline workers and veterans through events reaching 10,000 participants. Since inception, Operation Love has distributed more than 25,000 blankets, 16,500 rolls of toilet paper, 28,000 essential goods, gift baskets and backpacks to those in need. The organization has donated over $200,000 to individuals needing assistance and partner service organizations. and The Operation Love Initiative, remain committed to creating a compassionate safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors in times of disaster. For more information, visit: www.bherc.org/operation-love. About Lift International Church
Lift International is a dynamic church serving Altadena and Pasadena, committed to transformative community service rooted in faith. Founded in 2000 by Drs. Anthony and Micheline McFarland, Lift puts compassionate action at the forefront of its mission, addressing real needs through focused outreach programs and volunteer initiatives.
The church actively partners with local organizations to provide food security, educational support, and mentorship to underserved populations. Through hands-on service projects, emergency assistance, and skill-building workshops, Lift empowers community members to overcome challenges and build sustainable futures.
The McFarland's' vision extends beyond traditional ministry to create lasting positive change. Their leadership has mobilized members to serve as agents of transformation throughout the area. Lift's future plans include developing a community center in Altadena that will expand their service capacity, offering resources, support programs, and gathering spaces where diverse community members can connect, grow, and thrive together. For more information, visit: www.liftaltadena.org.
About I Choose Life Foundation
I Choose Life Foundation addresses critical health disparities affecting the African American community, focusing on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, mental health, lupus, obesity, cancer, and STIs. We empower communities through education and collaborative healthcare initiatives while building a powerful network of partners including social organizations, civil rights groups, Black media, medical professionals, community advocates, faith leaders, public figures, and government allies. By drawing on the community's life-affirming culture and internal resources, we create inclusive spaces where those directly affected can engage in prevention projects that promote positive health choices. Our comprehensive approach brings together diverse stakeholders committed to improving health outcomes, organizing resources effectively, and ultimately transforming health disparities into opportunities for community empowerment and wellbeing. For more information, visit: .
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