Following a successful year of fundraising, The Bolton Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Pasadena-based insurance broker Bolton & Company, announced that it awarded a total of $72,000 in grants to 18 nonprofit organizations in 2015.

The announcement comes just weeks after Granting Holiday Wishes, the Foundation’s flagship event where five selected nonprofits are each presented with a $10,000 grant funding check.

The event took place at A Noise Within Theater in Pasadena, and it featured a luncheon and matinee performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” hosted for the children, adults and families who are served by the selected nonprofits.

There were more than 185 guests in attendance, and approximately 125 toys and gift cards were given out during the event.

Beyond the $50,000 in grants awarded during Granting Holiday Wishes, The Bolton Foundation raised enough money in 2015 to provide an additional $22,000 in grants to 13 nonprofit organizations earlier in the year.

Foundation Chairman and Bolton Chief Operating Officer Mike Morey points to the fruitful year as an exciting step forward for the organization.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be in a place where we can provide support to those organizations that have made a truly positive impact within our community,” said Morey. “Seeing The Bolton Foundation grow and flourish in such a short time is really an amazing experience, and it’s a testament to the hard work of our committee, volunteers and partners. As we look toward a new year, I’m eager to see our reach expand and provide even more support to those who truly deserve it.”

Contributions are provided through the year-round fundraising efforts of The Bolton Foundation and its partners, including “The Throw Down,” a cornhole bean bag toss tournament held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Grant recipient organizations were selected based on their close alignment with grant funding priority areas as defined by The Bolton Foundation, including education, youth services, community development and multiculturalism. Those chosen must be filed 501c(3) with valid tax ID, located within California, and use the grant as either seed money for startup programs or funding for existing programs.

Bolton Foundation grant recipients for 2015:

Granting Holiday Wishes:

  • Boys Republic
  • Danny’s Farm
  • Hopeful Hearts Foundation
  • Lincoln Training Center
  • Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House

Additional Grant Recipients:

  • Armenian Relief and Development Association
  • Assistance League of Los Angeles
  • Children’s Hunger Fund
  • Homeboy Industries
  • Meet Each Need with Dignity
  • Pasadena City College Foundation
  • Rainbow Pack
  • Rosemary Children’s Services
  • The Book Foundation
  • The Frostig Center
  • The Whole Child
  • Tierra Del Sol
  • Union Station Homeless Services

The Bolton Foundation was established in 2014 to formalize Bolton & Company’s commitment to making a difference in the community. To date, Bolton supports more than 200 nonprofit organizations, and strives to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in California.

About Bolton Foundation: Launched in January 2014, The Bolton Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization operating as a component fund of the Pasadena Community Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to empower those who serve others by providing grants to local nonprofit organizations that address community development, education, youth services and multiculturalism within our local communities. For additional information, please visit www.boltoncofoundation.org or contact Kim Sidders at ksidders@boltonco.com or 626-535-1976.

About Bolton & Company: Established in 1931, Bolton & Company is one of the nation’s largest employee-owned insurance broker agencies providing clients worldwide with insurance and risk management services, employee benefits and financial products. As a partner of Assurex Global, Bolton employs over 160 insurance professionals and places over $300 million in annual premiums on behalf of their clients. Learn more by visiting www.boltonco.com.