Thursday, August 28, 2025

Altadena Cookie Co. Awarded $10,000 Grant for Wildfire Recovery

Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation; Maria Arias, Bank of America head of partnerships; Raul Anaya, Bank of America Greater Los Angeles president, with son Christian; Jessica Christopher, Altadena Cookie Co. co-owner; and Garrett Gin, Bank of America market executive, gathered at Dodger Stadium to celebrate recovery grants for fire-impacted businesses. [LA Dodgers photo]

The small business was selected for its resilience and civic engagement following the Eaton Fire

Altadena Cookie Co., co-owned by local entrepreneurs Michelle Taylor and Jessica Christopher, has received a $10,000 grant from Bank of America and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, recognizing the small business’s resilience and community impact following the devastating Eaton Fire earlier this year.

The grant, announced Aug. 26 provides critical financial support for the business’s recovery efforts. The program was coordinated in part by the Pasadena City College Women’s Business Center, which selected Altadena Cookie Co. for its demonstrated need and civic engagement (“Meet the Grant Winners,” Pasadena City College Women’s Business Center, June 30).

Taylor and Christopher’s business suffered extensive losses during the Eaton Fire, which destroyed half of their baking equipment, all ingredients, and rendered both of their home kitchens nonfunctional. A February 2 GoFundMe campaign titled “Share the love for Altadena Cookie Co!” described the impact in stark terms: “Michelle lost her home and Jessica’s is unsafe to live in after the recent Eaton fire. Not only did they lose all their ingredients and supplies, but half of all their equipment, and neither kitchen is functional. All baking has been put on hold,” wrote fundraiser organizer Kelly Hogen-Esch.

Despite these setbacks, Taylor and Christopher have remained committed to rebuilding their business and serving the community in Altadena. The grant provides critical financial support as they work to restore operations and recover from the fire’s impact.

Altadena Cookie Co. has become a neighborhood favorite for its handcrafted baked goods and community-centered ethos. The company’s visibility and support have grown steadily since its founding, with local residents rallying around the business during its recovery. The GoFundMe campaign has generated significant community support, underscoring the public’s enthusiasm and concern.

The Bank of America and Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation grant not only affirms the company’s perseverance but also underscores the importance of supporting small businesses in times of crisis. As Taylor and Christopher continue rebuilding, their story reflects the broader challenges and resilience of the entrepreneurial community in Altadena.