Senior Living Community Recovers After Fire
On January 7th, a devastating fire swept through The Terraces at Park Marino, a senior living community in Pasadena, California. This senior living community fire recovery story is one of extraordinary courage, compassion, and the power of human connection.
Ninety-three residents were inside the building at the time. Every single one made it out safely — many carried down smoky stairwells by staff members who refused to leave anyone behind. “It was an extraordinary feat,” said Sam Baum, Community Relations Director at the Terraces. “Our team acted with heroism and heart, risking their lives to protect our residents.”
In the days that followed, Sam and his team worked tirelessly to find both temporary and permanent housing for every displaced resident. Their employer, Diversified Health Services, kept staff on payroll, ensuring they could continue to support their residents and contribute to the senior living community fire recovery efforts.
How Shorehaven Joined the Fire Recovery Effort
Thousands of miles away, at Shorehaven in Wisconsin, Tower residents were deeply moved by what they heard. During a weekly Wednesday meeting known as The Blessed Bean, a powerful question was raised: “What can we do to help?”
That spark became action.
Shorehaven residents and staff hosted “Chili for a Cause: A Call to Help California Fire Victims,” a fundraiser that drew over 100 people and raised hundreds of dollars to support the rebuilding of The Terraces at Park Marino. “The residents came to us and asked, ‘What can we do to help those in California?’” said staff member Sara S., who helped organize the event.
Additional funds poured in during a Sunday chapel service, where a freewill offering led by Chaplain Nick S. raised over $1,800. The Shorehaven Chapel was filled with participants, all united in support of those affected by the fire.
Over two months of generosity, volunteering, prayer, and heartfelt effort came to a head on March 26th, when Shorehaven residents and staff presented Sam Baum with a check for over $4,100 during an emotional Zoom call.
“I am speechless,” Sam said. “And anyone who knows me knows how rare that is. I’ve always tried to live in gratitude — but since the fire, that gratitude has been amplified.”
The call was filled with stories, laughter, tears, and reflections on what it means to show up for others — even across state lines. “We must live in gratitude,” Sam told the Shorehaven residents. “And we must spread joy. And we do that through human connection.”
To every Shorehaven resident, staff member, volunteer, and neighbor who helped — thank you. Whether through chili, donations, prayer, or simply showing up — your kindness reached across the country and reminded all of us what it means to be part of something greater.
🎥 Watch the full video of the check presentation and heartfelt conversation: Shorehaven Donates to California Senior Living Community After Fire
🌐 Learn more about The Terraces at Park Marino: The Terraces at Park Marino