Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Launches $250,000 Drive
A year-end campaign seeks to support existing aquatic programs as the nonprofit approaches its role in the 2028 Olympic Games.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center launched a $250,000 year-end fundraising campaign called "ONE RBAC: Rising to the Moment Together." The Rose Hills Foundation pledged to match one dollar for every eligible dollar contributed, up to $100,000.
Why it matters
The campaign supports the nonprofit's existing aquatic programs, staff and community activities for Pasadena residents as the city prepares to welcome international athletes and spectators for the 2028 Olympic Games. The matching pledge gives donors a way to double the impact of their contributions.
The campaign targets $250,000, with the Rose Hills Foundation offering up to $100,000 in one-for-one matching for eligible contributions. The 2023 annual report documented 38,000 swim lessons and $136,365 in financial assistance, but the current fundraising total has not been disclosed.
The players
Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
A nonprofit aquatics facility founded in 1990 in Brookside Park near the Rose Bowl Stadium, serving more than 400,000 visits annually.
Rose Hills Foundation
The philanthropic arm providing the matching pledge of one dollar for every eligible dollar contributed, up to $100,000.
Melanie Sauer
The executive director of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center who announced the campaign.
The details
Executive director Melanie Sauer announced the year-end campaign on Thursday, framing it around everyday center programming. The facilities include two Olympic-sized swimming pools, a diving well and a therapy pool, and the center was designated to host Olympic diving competition.
Timeline
Nov. 5, 2026: Sauer issued the campaign announcement emphasizing everyday center programming.
2028: Pasadena is expected to host international athletes for the Olympic Games.
1990: The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center was founded.
Market Landscape
Local aquatic nonprofits in Southern California have increasingly leaned on matching-gift campaigns to fund operations as major sporting events draw attention to facilities. The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center's campaign follows that pattern as Pasadena prepares for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Donors can double the value of eligible contributions through the Rose Hills Foundation match, up to $100,000 in total. Families who use the center's swim lessons and programs may see continued access as the year-end campaign funds existing staff and activities.
The takeaway
Matching-gift campaigns can multiply the reach of a single donation, so residents who want to support local aquatic programs may find that a contribution made before the year-end deadline goes further than usual. Checking whether a campaign carries a match before giving is a practical way to increase impact.
Further reading
For more context on local giving efforts, explore the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pasadena Now.
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