San Marino residents David and Katherine Lee have pledged a $1 million donation to help Pasadena-based nonprofit organization Door of Hope build a new shelter for 20 unhoused families. The facility will be named the David and Katherine Lee home.
“The reason that I agreed to have it named after me and my wife, and the reason for letting people know I donated $1 million to this capital project, is because I hope it will inspire others to give and to support nonprofits or, of course, the Door of Hope,” David Lee said.
Door of Hope provides shelter, resources and support to unhoused families, or families at risk of homelessness, with a focus on helping them regain stability and self-sufficiency.
With this $1 million gift, the David and Katherine Lee Home will become part of Door of Hope’s ambitious plan to shelter more families and make a significant impact on homelessness in the greater Pasadena community.
David Lee, chairman and CEO of Hing Wa Lee Group, said he was inspired by a recent donation to City of Hope hospital from friends Andrew and Peggy Cherng, founders of the Panda Restaurant Group and Panda Express.
“When I saw that, I suddenly had a voice in my mind that said, ‘Hey, maybe I can’t do $100 million, but I can do $1 million to support an organization,’” he added. “That was the catalyst to inspire me to do that for Door of Hope. And I know that if Andrew can do that for me, then I, perhaps, can do that for others.”
David Lee explained that Door of Hope offers those experiencing homelessness psychological counseling, training on how to interview for jobs, training on how to take care of themselves and their children, and sharing the gospel of the Christian faith. Lee, who is a devout Christian, says after six months, families or individuals will have a job and home ready for them when they leave the shelter. He added the nonprofit has had remarkable success with its program, as 95% remained housed after one year and 86% after five years.
“Because of that, I feel that I wanted to continue to support this organization to perpetuate more than that,” he said. “We can’t solve all the problems, but at least, with whatever we can solve, it’s done in a successful way.”
The nonprofit just opened escrow on a new home in Pasadena that will become its fifth and largest shelter, a future home to 20 families. This development unfolded unexpectedly when the Rev. Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission, heard about Door of Hope’s search for a new shelter and generously offered his own home as a potential solution.
Just three blocks away from Door of Hope’s original shelter on Los Robles Avenue in Pasadena, the property has “ample space to build an addition and is the perfect location for this new endeavor,” said the Rev. Megan Katerjian, Door of Hope CEO.
Katerjian added, “David Lee’s dedication to this cause and his involvement in the organization’s board leadership exemplify his commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. David and Katherine are not your typical philanthropists. With a passion for Ferrari cars, active church involvement, an iconic jewelry business, real estate development and entrepreneurial endeavors, and a dedication to making a difference in the world, this couple is leaving a remarkable mark in our community.”
David Lee is a member of the USC Widney Society, the Young Presidents’ Organization San Gabriel Valley Chapter, and the Lead With Your Life board. He is on the USC Marshall School of Business Career Advantage Program and an executive advisory board member for the USC Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. Lee, who earned a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial studies from USC, is chairman and founder of the CEO Club and a chairman of the David S.K. and Katherine Lee Endowment Program for Leadership Development for Flintridge Preparatory School in La Cañada Flintridge.
David Lee “has innate business acumen and great success in the business world,” Katerjian added. “Wanting to use those skills to solve some of our community’s biggest problems, he has been appointed to the California Volunteers Commission by Gov. Gavin Newsom.”
Door of Hope announced this new shelter at its recent Hope for the Future Benefit, where the nonprofit organization recognized Bales for allowing Door of Hope to acquire his home; Supervisor Kathryn Barger, for a $250,000 gift from her office toward the purchase; and David and Katherine Lee, for their $1 million to help with purchase and construction costs.
The David and Katherine Lee Home will break ground in 2024 and open in 2026, “ready to change the lives of 20 families that year, and far more in the years to come,” Katerjian said. “Through David and Katherine’s generosity and David’s board leadership at Door of Hope, they have not only transformed the lives of countless families but have also inspired others to follow in their footsteps and make a positive impact on the world. David and Katherine Lee serve as shining examples of how individuals can leverage their talents and resources to drive positive change and leave a lasting legacy of kindness and compassion.”
First published in the Oct.19 issue of the San Marino Tribune
