RED Day 2026 Recap
You can still donate by purchasing items on Don Benito Fundamental’s wish list.
The Art of Community
at Don Benito
On Thursday, May 21, the sprawling grounds of Don Benito Fundamental School in Pasadena transformed into a testament to the power of collective intention. As Keller Williams Pasadena paused the machinery of business for RED Day—Renew, Energize, and Donate—the day unfolded as a deliberate act of community revitalization.
The Legacy of RED Day: Since 2009
RED Day, which stands for Renew, Energize, and Donate, is the annual day of service for the global Keller Williams family. Since its inception in 2009, this movement has served as our commitment to giving back to the communities that support our business every day. It is more than a single day of volunteering; it is a decade-plus tradition of uniting as a brokerage to make a tangible, lasting impact in the neighborhoods where we live and work.
Transforming Spaces at Don Benito
This year, the atmosphere at Don Benito was electric, defined by a shared urgency to transmute vision into tactile reality. Under the Pasadena sun, our team moved with a rhythm born of true partnership, breathing life back into the TK garden, restoring the vibrancy of the school yard’s playground markings, and architecting a new Parent Resource Center—a sanctuary designed to anchor the school’s thriving volunteer community.
Ken Parsons, Broker, Keller Williams Realty Pasadena, framing the day within the broader KW mission, set the tone for the entire event:
"What I see today is the true heart of Keller Williams. By being here, you are choosing to make a tangible, lasting difference. Your time is the most valuable gift you can give, and we are profoundly humbled by your generosity."
The impact was immediate and visible to the school’s leadership. Principal John Maynard observed that the work did more than simply improve the environment; it provided the final, necessary momentum to finish long-standing goals.
"These projects have been on our 'wish list' for a long time, but capacity is always a challenge. Today, Keller Williams didn't just help us—they acted as the bridge across the gap between our vision and reality. Because of your work, we are finally closing that distance for our students."
That sense of momentum was echoed by incoming PTA President Nikki Arakawa, who spent the day in the trenches alongside us, orchestrating the logistical flow of the campus.
"Seeing everyone rally together to bring this vision to life was truly inspiring. From the first shovel of dirt to the last piece of furniture assembled, the energy today was electric. This space is going to mean so much to our families, and I’m so grateful to the Keller Williams team for choosing to invest their time and care into our school."
Lisa Kroese, Realtor, The Parsons Team, ALC Culture Committee member, reflecting on the seamless blend of agents and local supporters working in concert, perfectly distilled the event's spirit:
"RED Day shows the real heart and hustle of our community. It was incredible to see agents, families, staff, students, and local supporters come together with a shared purpose of giving back and supporting our neighborhood school. These are the moments that remind us how strong public schools can be."
This mobilization was, in every sense, a testament to teamwork. The project’s success was brought to life by the tireless stewardship of Gabriel Perez, Karin Robison, Noel de los Santos, and Robert Schmolze, whose logistical precision guided every phase of the mission. Their efforts were bolstered by our dedicated ALC and committee leaders—Jayne Parsons, Ellen Golla, Keith Harrington, and Melina Kalachian—and the creative force of our Culture Committee, including Lisa Kroese, Ashley Escalante, and Zara Malik.
We were also honored by the presence of Pasadena City Council Member Gene Masuda, who shed his formal attire to labor in the gardens alongside volunteers—a poignant reminder that civic improvement is a shared joy.
Our progress was fueled by the exceptional generosity of our sponsors: Cathy Rutten at Landmark Trust Escrow (Breakfast), Glen at Property ID (Lunch), and our dedicated donors: Roger Phillips (Phillips Group), Kevin Lutz (Bridge Investment Group), Maria Howard (Old Republic Warranty), Sandie Franco (First American Home Warranty), and Joel Porres (Cut N’ Dry).
A Special Thank you toThe CRMLS, the Hastening Ranch Community Outreach Group, and the entire Don Benito Staff and PTA family. We did more than refresh a school; we reminded our neighborhood that when we commit to the spaces where our children grow, we are building the future itself. The campus now stands a little brighter, a little more welcoming, and profoundly refreshed—a testament to what happens when we stop, look, and choose to give.
We Love Giving Back To Our Community
About Don Benito Fundamental
Don Benito Fundamental School has been serving the Pasadena community since 1972, offering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment for students in grades K–5. Located at 3700 Denair Street, Pasadena, CA 91107, Don Benito is part of the Pasadena Unified School District and is proud to be a Title 1 school, with a mission to ensure every child reaches their fullest potential—academically, socially, and emotionally.
The school is home to over 380 students and is known for its strong community partnerships, second-largest PTA in the district, and a dedicated team of educators who believe that every child deserves access to excellence. Don Benito is also an integrated school and part of the No Excuses University Network, committed to fostering a college-bound culture starting in elementary school.
Whether it’s in the classroom, the science lab, or the school garden, Don Benito provides a space where students are supported, challenged, and inspired to thrive.
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