About Us

Celebrating over 60 years of service in Laguna Beach!

Assistance League of Laguna Beach is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that puts caring and commitment into action through philanthropic programs.  Member volunteers are dedicated to ongoing support and a long-term presence in the community through hands-on involvement and innovative philanthropic programs.

In 1952, fourteen women with a philanthropic vision organized the Laguna Beach chapter, initially called Las Amigas.  The chapter was chartered in 1962, and was the 29th chapter of National Assistance League.  There are ~120 Assistance League chapters in 26 states with just under 22,000 members.

Assistance League of Laguna Beach currently has ~160 member volunteers working to make Laguna Beach and surrounding communities better places to live and work through our programs.  Assistance League of Laguna Beach supports fifteen community based philanthropic programs benefiting everyone from infants to adults.  We encourage you to learn more about our chapter and the many ways you can become involved and make a difference.

While individual donations are gratefully accepted, the Thrift Shop, located at 526 Glenneyre Street is our main source of funding.  The shop is staffed and managed entirely by our member volunteers.  Donations are always welcome and are tax deductible.

Mission, Vision and Values

MISSION

Assistance League of Laguna Beach volunteers are focused on transforming lives and strengthening our community.

VISION

To meet the needs of challenged individuals in Laguna Beach and underserved populations in surrounding communities with particular attention focused on schoolchildren and those who are developmentally delayed.

CORE VALUES

Commitment

Leadership

Ethics

Accountability

Respect

Annual Report and Financials

Tours and Presentations

Assistance League of Laguna Beach members are available to conduct tours of our facilities for you or your organization and explain how our various programs create a better community.  Members can also be scheduled to facilitate a presentation that describes our programs and their impact on strengthening our community. Call (949) 494-6097 for information.

Volunteers Enriching Lives for a Better Community

Assistance League of Laguna Beach 2023-24 Board of Directors

President

Kathleen Pawluk

1st Vice President Membership

Linda Barisic

Vice President Philanthropic Programs

Kathleen Hester

Vice President Resource Development

Catherine Major

Recording Secretary

Sue Burke

Treasurer

Dianne Card

Marketing and Communications

Open

Strategic Planning

Wendy Dilda

Finance

Mary Krueger

Buildings

Pat Kramer

Assisteens Coordinator

Barbara Venturacci

Parliamentarian

Ann Hyde

Assistance League of Laguna Beach 2023-24 Advisory Council

Jim Barisic

Home Builder, Brandywine Homes

Russ Cogdill

Tax Accountant

Annee Della Donna

Attorney

Joy Hamabe, Esq.

Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts

Chris Keller

Owner, Casa Resorts Hospitality Group

Jennifer Prober Pikoos

Human Resources

Marcus Skenderian

Realtor, Coldwell Banker

Irene White

Director of Special Education/Student Services, LBUSD

Shop

Proceeds from our Thrift Shop support our Philanthropic Programs.  Come shop with us!

Donate

In 2020-21, donations helped us return $300,000 to address the needs of individuals in our local communities.

Volunteer

Our members donated 22,000 hours last year to make a difference in the lives of individuals in our local communities.