rewrite this into a more objective and more interesting news story in Associated Press style: In a generous display of community support, SoCalGas, the largest gas distribution utility in the United States, has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC) in Pasadena. The grant, presented on September 18, 2023, will bolster the RBAC's Water Safety Program, which focuses on providing swimming lessons and water safety education to third-grade students in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).

Jimmy Francis, President, and Executive Director of Rose Bowl Aquatics Center expressed gratitude for SoCalGas's support, stating, "Together, we can work towards ensuring that everyone in our community has access to water safety."


Since its inception, the RBAC's Water Safety Program has seen participation from over 25,000 students, making it a vital resource for the local community. However, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many now fifth-grade students from participating in the program. This new grant from SoCalGas aims to bridge that gap by enabling the RBAC to include more than 200 fifth graders, ensuring that they too have access to essential water safety education.

Andy Carrasco, Vice President of Communications, Local Government & Community Affairs at SoCalGas, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting local communities and driving positive change. "Investing in programs that promote safety is just one way SoCalGas supports the well-being of communities," Carrasco stated.

The Water Safety Program at RBAC provides participants with comprehensive water competency training, including 15 swim lessons, beginner dive and water polo instruction, transportation to and from the RBAC, all necessary teaching equipment (swimsuits, goggles, towels), water safety workbooks, family swim passes, and an invitation to a celebratory family picnic.


The grant is part of SoCalGas' ASPIRE 2045 commitment, which focuses on supporting initiatives benefiting the communities it serves. The company has a longstanding history of investing in programs that promote environmental sustainability, education, and community development in underserved areas.

SoCalGas is headquartered in Los Angeles and serves over 21 million consumers across Central and Southern California, delivering affordable, reliable, and increasingly renewable gas service. The company is dedicated to building the cleanest, safest, and most innovative energy infrastructure in America, aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its operations and delivery of energy by 2045.


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About the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to helping all members of our diverse communities invest in their health and wellness by providing exemplary aquatic educational, competitive, therapeutic, and recreational programs. It is home to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Water Safety Program that provides EVERY 3rd-grade student in Pasadena Unified School District, including students with special needs, with access to water safety instruction. The RBAC includes two Olympic Pools, Therapy Pool, a weight room, conference rooms, locker rooms, a café, and an aquatics merchandise shop. It hosts world-class swim, dive, and water polo teams and various programs including, water aerobics, warm water exercise, lap swimming, learn-to-swim lessons, land-based fitness, and yoga.