RED DAY 2025 RECAP
RED Day is KW’s annual day of giving back. Every second Thursday of May, agents, leaders, and associates step away from their daily business duties and venture out into their communities to Renew, Energize, and Donate around the World.
A Day of Purpose, Passion, and Partnership at Don Benito Elementary
On Thursday, May 8th, 2025, the agents, staff, and leadership of Keller Williams Realty Pasadena gathered at Don Benito Fundamental Elementary School for our annual RED Day—Renew, Energize, Donate. Since 2009, RED Day has stood as a proud tradition across the Keller Williams family. It’s a day we set aside to step away from our business and pour ourselves into our communities through hands-on service projects that uplift and inspire. This year’s RED Day was no exception—it was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together for something greater than ourselves.
This year, we partnered with the exceptional team at Don Benito Fundamental Elementary School, a public magnet school in Pasadena known for its nurturing staff, dynamic curriculum, and strong community involvement. Together with teachers, PTA leaders, school staff, and our dedicated volunteers, we rolled up our sleeves to tackle a number of campus improvement projects designed to enhance learning, play, and creativity for hundreds of students.
A Warm Welcome from Don Benito Leadership
The day began at 8:30 AM with check-in and a light breakfast provided by Landmark Trust Escrow. Volunteers gathered at the front of the school, down the stairs and to the left of the main entrance—where a buzz of excitement filled the air. Shortly after, we were welcomed by Ken Parsons, Operating Principal of KW Pasadena, who reflected on the spirit and history of RED Day. He reminded us that while the real estate business is what we do, community service is who we are. Cynthia De Pasqual, Director of the ALC Culture Committee, inspired us and got us excited about the days projects ahead, laying out where to go and how to have a successful event. Lisa Kroese, Realtor for the Parsons Team and Don Benito Elementary PTA President, talked about how important it is to the school and community of the much-needed work, and with our help, we will be able to complete several dream projects that have not been able to be completed.
We were honored to have Dr. John Maynard, Principal of Don Benito, join us during our opening circle. With warmth and sincerity, he welcomed our volunteers to the school and spoke about the importance of connection between schools and businesses, students and mentors, and neighbors and leaders. His support and collaboration were crucial in planning and executing this day.
Special recognition and thanks go to Ms. Ramona Shurney, Don Benito’s librarian. Ms. Shurney graciously helped guide volunteers in reestablishing the library—assisting with book categorization, shelving, and integrating new materials. Her dedication to building a vibrant reading culture is nothing short of inspiring.
We also want to thank Lisa Kroese, our RED Day Committee Member and the PTA President of Don Benito, for bridging the connection between Keller Williams and the school community. Lisa’s unique role on both sides of this partnership made this project flow with grace and impact. She also introduced us to many of the wonderful staff who contribute to the culture of care at Don Benito every day.
What We Accomplished Together
Thanks to the incredible generosity of you and our donors, our sponsors, and individual contributors—Keller Williams Pasadena raised and invested over $1,800 in educational resources and equipment for Don Benito Fundamental Elementary School. This support helped us purchase a wide range of materials that directly enhance student learning and well-being, including furniture, signage, classroom games, sports equipment, and a hand-selected collection of inclusive and inspiring children’s books. The books will expand the school’s library and classroom reading corners, offering students stories that reflect their diverse experiences, build curiosity, and promote emotional growth. Equally important was our investment in physical education and play-based learning tools. We supplied new playground balls, basketballs, foam balls for indoor and outdoor games, rainbow paddle sets, and balance pods—giving students more opportunities to move, build coordination, and engage in healthy play during recess and PE. These items will help support both structured activities and free play, encouraging teamwork, creativity, and physical development. Combined with thoughtful signage, STEM-based games, and soft seating for classrooms and reading zones, this donation was more than just a shopping list—it was an intentional investment in the whole child: mind, body, and heart. That’s what RED Day is all about—renewing our communities, energizing our schools, and donating resources that create lasting impact.
“We collected over $1,800 in educational resources & equipment for Don Benito Fundamental Elementary School.”
Science Center
Creating a Future-Ready Resource
Led by Karin Robison, Keller Williams Pasadena MCA, our Science Lab Project Lead, a team of volunteers took on the complex task of organizing and inventorying over 50 science project kits. These kits, previously stored without a system, were sorted, labeled, and logged into a new analog check-out system that will allow teachers to easily find and use hands-on STEM materials with their students. Each kit was given a clear label with a project name, materials included, and instructions if available. Volunteers even added sign-out sheets inside the boxes so that educators could easily track what has been used.
This effort not only brought order to a chaotic system—it created a lasting infrastructure that will serve students and teachers for years to come. We may not have completed the full inventory, but the foundation was laid, and we are committed to finishing the job.
Playground
Repainting for Play, Pride, and Possibility
The blacktop outside Don Benito got a fresh new look thanks to our incredible Playground Team, led by Lisa Kroese. Volunteers carefully prepped and repainted the school’s pickleball and basketball court lines, adding color, clarity, and energy to the play space. More than just lines on pavement, these updates promote physical activity, cooperative play, and a sense of pride in the environment.
One of the biggest transformations of the day came from the restoration of the handball wall. Volunteers first used wire brushes and sandpaper to remove debris and peeling paint. They then caulked and patched holes before applying a crisp, clean coat of School Blue paint. With drop cloths spread and rollers in hand, the team brought the wall back to life, turning a worn-down surface into a vibrant and inviting centerpiece of the playground.
Library
Setting the Stage for Imagination
Few places in a school hold as much potential for inspiration as the library. Thanks to generous book donations from CRMLS and other community supporters, our Library Team spent the day unpacking and shelving new materials to expand Don Benito’s reading collection. Cynthia DiPasquale led the Volunteers and worked alongside Ms. Shurney, assembling new furniture, organizing book displays, and creating inviting reading zones for students of all grade levels.
The goal wasn’t just to organize—it was to breathe new life into the library space, making it feel exciting and accessible. Whether it’s a young reader discovering their first favorite story or a budding scientist researching their next experiment, the upgraded library is now ready to support their journey.
Why RED Day Matters
RED Day isn’t just a feel-good initiative. It reflects our deep belief at Keller Williams that strong businesses must be built on strong communities. Our work may start with real estate, but it continues with relationships—with schools, nonprofits, and neighbors who all deserve to know they’re seen, supported, and valued.
The projects we completed at Don Benito won’t just make the school look better—they will make students feel better. They will inspire creativity, spark curiosity, and show children that they matter. When a student walks into a freshly stocked library, a tidy science lab, or a colorfully painted playground, they experience an environment that tells them they are worth investing in. That message is powerful.
Thank You
Our Donors and Volunteers
We are endlessly grateful to everyone who made this day a success.
To Don Benito Elementary Dr. John Maynard Principal, for welcoming us with open arms and Ramona Shurney librarian, for her guidance and dedication.
To the Don Benito PTA, for their tireless advocacy and support.
To the ALC and the Culture Committee,Cynthia DiPasquale Culture Commitee Director, Ashley Escalante Roger Phillips Group, Victoria Mandigo The Berns Team; ALC Keith Harrington, Jayne Parsons, and Laura Hartley.
To the KW Realty Pasadena Staff, Ken Parson Owner, Noel De Los Santos DOFI, Karin Robinson MCA, Gabriel Perez TL, and Robert Schmolze Marketing, for coordination and support.
To our vendors and sponsors—Jason Hellawell Property ID for providing lunch, Cathy Rutten Landmark Trust Escrow for breakfast. To ART CARTER CEO CRMLS, Eric Stansell & Joel Porres from Cut N’ Dry, Sandi Franco First American Home Warranty, Maria Howard Old Republic Warranty, Keller Williams Pasadena, and all the Anonymous Donors for their generous donations.
To every volunteer, Shelby Lawson Elite Home Staging, Nathan Cartwright Chicago Title, Brian Parsons & Matt Peters ProActive Property Management, Angie Tang First American Title, Cameron Cripps Dom Ferranato & Eric Nestor Lawyers Title, KW Realtors: Alex Gelt, James Dunn, Brian Parsons, Matt Peters, Jim Maceo, Danielle Grathwohl, Ellen Golla, Jayne Parsons, Jessi Rideout, Joann Nguyen, Laura Stincer, Robbie Jean Nelly, Zara Malik, Steve Wang, Marc Ellis and DB PTA Kathleen Carbone, Nelli Gibb, and Rosa Leiva. Whether you painted a wall, sorted books, or cleaned up after—it mattered. You made a difference.
Thank you for living out the KW Mission and Culture to give where you live. RED Day 2025 reminded us of the power of small actions, done together, with big hearts. We love to serve our Southern California community.
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Written by the KW Pasadena Marketing Team
#KWREDDay2025 #GiveWhereYouLive #KWPasadena #CommunityFirst
Give Where You Live
Keep RED Day Going All Year Long
Our work doesn’t end when the paint dries. You can continue supporting the students and staff of Don Benito Fundamental Elementary by donating through their Amazon Wish List. Every book, game, or classroom supply helps fuel learning, creativity, and joy for these amazing kids. Whether it’s one item or a bundle, your gift makes a difference.
Give where it counts—support Don Benito today:
Donate Here
Let’s make every day feel like RED Day. Thank you for being part of something bigger.
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Global and Local Impact
Throughout the years, associates have built homes from the ground up, gathered and distributed food to those in need, organized relief efforts in the face of natural disasters, and raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities near and dear to their hearts and the hearts of their communities.
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