The Mary Pinola Education Fund’s 2026 fundraiser, the popular Smart-A-Thon, is set for Friday, March 13 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, 4^th floor council room.

This year’s festivities will be directed by masters of ceremonies Captain Ryan Vienna of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station and Dr. Darneika Watson, superintendent of Glendale Unified School District. They will be joined by master of ceremonies emeritus Michael Smith.  

Everyone will enjoy lunch, fun presentations, a chance for two non-profit organizations to win $500 each for their program, the pot-of-gold drawing and lots of surprises. A group of four participates as a team. Individuals may sign up to participate and will be placed on a team.

New this year is the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce Challenge. The CV Chamber is challenging other chambers in the La Cañada, Montrose and Glendale areas as well as the Montrose Shopping Park Association. 

There will be special prizes for this new category.

The Mary Pinola Education Fund is dedicated to supporting outstanding educational programs throughout the Crescenta-Cañada area. Grant application forms are available on the website and are accepted on an annual basis.  

For information regarding sponsorship opportunities or team registration as well as applications for grants, visit pinolafund.org, call (818) 292-7912 or contact

members of the board of advisors: Leila Bell, Rick Dinger, Jo Loomis, Bobbi Parker, Teri Rice, Patty Steur and Chris Waldheim.