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Message 202420242024 Impact Report
Inspire. Uplift. Empower.The mission of Assistance League® of Los Angeles is to improve the lives of impoverished children and young adults in our community through philanthropy, dedicated service, and compassionate programs.2
Inspire. Uplift. Empower.The mission of Assistance League® of Los Angeles is to improve the lives of impoverished children and young adults in our community through philanthropy, dedicated service, and compassionate programs.2
Thank you donors!With appreciation and warm regards, Sue Thalken, Board President Greg Kovacs, Chief Executive OicerIn 2024, we proudly continued our mission of bringing transformative support and opportunities to children and families experiencing poverty within Los Angeles. Through your support and the dedication of our member volunteers, sta, donors, foundations and community partners, our ve service programs successfully provided essential resources and services to nearly 20,000 children and young adults. Our service programs, supported by our dedicated membership groups, have been central to this year’s achievements. Operation School Bell, led by our Anne Banning Auxiliary, continued its partnership with Los Angeles Unied School District to deliver essential clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies. Our Foster Children Resource Center, led by our Hilltoppers Auxiliary, oered compassionate, life-changing support to children and families, and our Nine O’Clock Player’s Theatre for Children ignited creativity and joy among young audiences. Furthermore, we continue the delivery and support of educational services to students in need. From our Pre-School Learning Center to our Assistance League of Los Angeles College Scholarship programs, the goal of opening doors to education remains a priority. To raise awareness and further 4support, our College Alumni and Mannequins Auxiliaries hosted a “Chic Aaire” luncheon that raised much needed funds beneting all our service programs. Additionally, Assisteens teen and parent members, Young Professionals Group, and our League at Large general members all led service projects throughout the year. And lastly, our sta led programs such Family Days of Service and our wonderful Prom Day experience, serving over 500 LAUSD, Compton and Inglewood Unied School District students experiencing homelessness, continue to grow our reach of vast services and support. This year also marked a pivotal leadership transition. In June, we celebrated the retirement and exceptional contributions of our long-serving CEO, Melanie Merians. In July we welcomed Greg Kovacs as our new CEO, whose visionary leadership has already brought meaningful improvements to our organization and its impact. Every victory we celebrate is made possible by the hard work of our membership groups, volunteers, sta, corporate and community partners and of course, the steadfast support of our donors. Together, we’ve created lasting change and look forward to building on this progress in the years to come.
Thank you donors!With appreciation and warm regards, Sue Thalken, Board President Greg Kovacs, Chief Executive OicerIn 2024, we proudly continued our mission of bringing transformative support and opportunities to children and families experiencing poverty within Los Angeles. Through your support and the dedication of our member volunteers, sta, donors, foundations and community partners, our ve service programs successfully provided essential resources and services to nearly 20,000 children and young adults. Our service programs, supported by our dedicated membership groups, have been central to this year’s achievements. Operation School Bell, led by our Anne Banning Auxiliary, continued its partnership with Los Angeles Unied School District to deliver essential clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies. Our Foster Children Resource Center, led by our Hilltoppers Auxiliary, oered compassionate, life-changing support to children and families, and our Nine O’Clock Player’s Theatre for Children ignited creativity and joy among young audiences. Furthermore, we continue the delivery and support of educational services to students in need. From our Pre-School Learning Center to our Assistance League of Los Angeles College Scholarship programs, the goal of opening doors to education remains a priority. To raise awareness and further 4support, our College Alumni and Mannequins Auxiliaries hosted a “Chic Aaire” luncheon that raised much needed funds beneting all our service programs. Additionally, Assisteens teen and parent members, Young Professionals Group, and our League at Large general members all led service projects throughout the year. And lastly, our sta led programs such Family Days of Service and our wonderful Prom Day experience, serving over 500 LAUSD, Compton and Inglewood Unied School District students experiencing homelessness, continue to grow our reach of vast services and support. This year also marked a pivotal leadership transition. In June, we celebrated the retirement and exceptional contributions of our long-serving CEO, Melanie Merians. In July we welcomed Greg Kovacs as our new CEO, whose visionary leadership has already brought meaningful improvements to our organization and its impact. Every victory we celebrate is made possible by the hard work of our membership groups, volunteers, sta, corporate and community partners and of course, the steadfast support of our donors. Together, we’ve created lasting change and look forward to building on this progress in the years to come.
19,14834,890Children and families served by the League this year.Total League members.Hours of volunteerservice. Through the dedicated work of our Members and Volunteers, Assistance League of Los Angeles continues to bring hope and life changing programs and resources to children in need. Our support today fosters their growth to be tomorrow’s future.Membership.5616
19,14834,890Children and families served by the League this year.Total League members.Hours of volunteerservice. Through the dedicated work of our Members and Volunteers, Assistance League of Los Angeles continues to bring hope and life changing programs and resources to children in need. Our support today fosters their growth to be tomorrow’s future.Membership.5616
Our Auxiliaries.Anne Banning AuxiliaryAssisteens AuxiliaryCollege Alumni AuxiliaryHilltoppers AuxiliaryLeague at LargeLeague at Large – Family MembershipLeague at Large – Young Professionals GroupMannequins AuxiliaryNine O’Clock Players Auxiliary8
Our Auxiliaries.Anne Banning AuxiliaryAssisteens AuxiliaryCollege Alumni AuxiliaryHilltoppers AuxiliaryLeague at LargeLeague at Large – Family MembershipLeague at Large – Young Professionals GroupMannequins AuxiliaryNine O’Clock Players Auxiliary8
10Theatre for Children.Founded in 1929, the Assistance League® Theatre—one of the longest running children’s theaters in the U.S.—has introduced generations of children to the magic of live performance, literature, and music. Through its Nine O’Clock Players Auxiliary, the theatre hosts nearly 7,000 children, oering aordable access to musical productions of classic stories, with a focus on reaching low-income and special needs students.Foster Children’s Resource Center.Since 1990, the Foster Children’s Resource Center (FCRC) has provided essential items like new clothing, toiletries, and school supplies to foster children, many of whom enter care with nothing. Each child receives not only what they need but also compassion, dignity, and respect.Preschool Learning Center.The Preschool Learning Center oers a safe, nurturing space that supports the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of young children from low-income families through hands-on learning. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the program emphasizes development in a supportive, enriching environment.College Scholarship Program.The Assistance League® of Los Angeles College Scholarship Program supports graduating LAUSD seniors who are experiencing homelessness, recognizing academic achievement, character, and community commitment. Recipients receive annual awards throughout college to help cover tuition, textbooks, and essential supplies, with over 115 students supported to date.Operation School Bell.Operation School Bell helps impoverished children stay in school by providing essential items like new clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products. Run by Anne Banning Auxiliary member volunteers, the program not only meets basic needs but also boosts self-esteem and gives children hope for a brighter future.Prom Day.Prom Day, hosted by Assistance League® of Los Angeles, gives a magical prom shopping experience by providing 500+ girls with beautiful dresses, shoes, jewelry, clutches, and more. It’s a day of empowerment, condence, and joy—helping every girl feel celebrated and radiant for her special night.Court Referred Volunteer Center Program.The League’s service enterprise, connected more than 11,500 Angelenos to community service opportunities representing more than 497,000 volunteer hours. Our Programs.
10Theatre for Children.Founded in 1929, the Assistance League® Theatre—one of the longest running children’s theaters in the U.S.—has introduced generations of children to the magic of live performance, literature, and music. Through its Nine O’Clock Players Auxiliary, the theatre hosts nearly 7,000 children, oering aordable access to musical productions of classic stories, with a focus on reaching low-income and special needs students.Foster Children’s Resource Center.Since 1990, the Foster Children’s Resource Center (FCRC) has provided essential items like new clothing, toiletries, and school supplies to foster children, many of whom enter care with nothing. Each child receives not only what they need but also compassion, dignity, and respect.Preschool Learning Center.The Preschool Learning Center oers a safe, nurturing space that supports the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of young children from low-income families through hands-on learning. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the program emphasizes development in a supportive, enriching environment.College Scholarship Program.The Assistance League® of Los Angeles College Scholarship Program supports graduating LAUSD seniors who are experiencing homelessness, recognizing academic achievement, character, and community commitment. Recipients receive annual awards throughout college to help cover tuition, textbooks, and essential supplies, with over 115 students supported to date.Operation School Bell.Operation School Bell helps impoverished children stay in school by providing essential items like new clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products. Run by Anne Banning Auxiliary member volunteers, the program not only meets basic needs but also boosts self-esteem and gives children hope for a brighter future.Prom Day.Prom Day, hosted by Assistance League® of Los Angeles, gives a magical prom shopping experience by providing 500+ girls with beautiful dresses, shoes, jewelry, clutches, and more. It’s a day of empowerment, condence, and joy—helping every girl feel celebrated and radiant for her special night.Court Referred Volunteer Center Program.The League’s service enterprise, connected more than 11,500 Angelenos to community service opportunities representing more than 497,000 volunteer hours. Our Programs.
Program Outcomes.Operation School Bell 9,847Theater for Children 6,896Foster Children’s Resource Center 1,801Preschool Learning Center 49College Scholarship Program 71Prom Day 484TOTAL CHILDREN SERVED 19,1482023-202412
Program Outcomes.Operation School Bell 9,847Theater for Children 6,896Foster Children’s Resource Center 1,801Preschool Learning Center 49College Scholarship Program 71Prom Day 484TOTAL CHILDREN SERVED 19,1482023-202412
Our generous donors.Statement of Activities.July 1, 2023 - June 30, 20242024 WithoutDonor Restrictions2024 WithDonor Restrictions2024Tot al2023 Tot alRevenue & Support:Contributions ___________________________________________Bequests _______________________________________________Government Grants & Contracts ________________________Special Events __________________________________________Gifts-in-Kind ___________________________________________Program Service Fees ___________________________________Other Income ___________________________________________Total Revenue & SupportExpenses:Program Services _______________________________________Management & General _________________________________Fundraising _____________________________________________Total ExpensesNet Assets Released from Donor Restrictions ____________Change in Net AssetsBefore Other Income _____________________________Investment Return (Net) _________________________________Change in Value of Benecial Interest in Assets ___________Held by AiliateTotal Other Income _______________________________Change in Net Assets _____________________________Net Assets - Beginning of Year ___________________________Net Assets - End of Year __________________________$197, 587$7 7,732$1,492,903$83,217$1,135,096$1,317,75 4$174,045$4,478,334$6,127,438$404,581$903,069$7,435,088$2,121,159($835,595)$679,425-$679,425($156,170)$23,340,404$23,184,234$2,080,681$1,011,340$567,560-$148,104--$3,807,685----$2,121,159$1,686,526$250,539$2 ,227,603$2,478,142$4,164,668$39,001,790$43,166,458$2,278,268$1,089,072$2,060,463$83,217$1,283,200$1,317,75 4$174,045$8,286,019$6,127,438$404,581$903,069$7,435,088-$850,931$929,964$2 ,227,603$3,157,567$4,008,498$62,342,194$66,350,692$1,909,189$96,871$1,054,924$424,120$746,944$1,218,107$175,434$5,625,589$4,763,813$625,765$789, 288$6,178,866-($553,277)$680,962$1,793,525$2,474,487$1,921,210$60,420,984$62,342,194$50,000+• Bonnie H. Hightower Revocable Trust • Donald and Gigi Grant Charitable Trust • Friends of the League Foundation • Laurence B. Flaws Memorial Foundation • Mrs. Andrea Price Goodman and Mr. Donald W. Goodman • Ms. Sally Ann Phillips • Anonymous• Sandy and Flu McLean Trust • Universal Studios Hollywood - Discover a Star Foundation $9,999 - $5,000• BLT Enterprises • Kelton Fund, Inc. • Mara W. Breech Foundation • Anonymous • Mrs. Dia Helen Schuldenfrei and Mr. Raymond Schuldenfrei • Mrs. Elizabeth I. Leete and Mr. David Karl Hahn • Mrs. June M. Bilgore • Mrs. Maxine Rosenfeld and Mr. Gene Rosenfeld • Ms. Laura Peavy Price • Ms. Melanie Merians and Mr. Will Guston • Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts • Rags For Riches Foundation • The Albert Parvin Foundation $4,999 - $2,000 cont.• Mrs. Susan A. Thalken and Mr. Christopher Thalken • Mrs. Susan Beck and Mr. David Beck • Mrs. Wendy Johnsen and Mr. Paul C. Johnsen • Ms. Diane Allen • Ms. Gale E. Jae • Ms. Leonie McDermo • Ms. Mary Dutra • Ms. Poppy Paulos • Paramount Pictures • Smotrich Family Foundation • The Nancy E. Barton Foundation • The William Miller Foundation • Wilshire Rotary Foundation $49,999 - $25,000• The Ahmanson Foundation • Clubcorp Charities, Inc. • Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation • The Ferry Foundations• Anonymous • The Sunstone Project $4,999 - $2,000• Anonymous • Bel Air Investment Advisors • Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. • Earl B. Gilmore Foundation • Judith Davis • KLM Foundation • Laurie and Nate Minc • Mrs. Amelia J. Chick and Mr. Andrew Chick • Mrs. Catherine Phillips and Mr. Jarrod Phillips • Mrs. Diane Hilty and Mr. Henry L. Hilty, Jr. • Mrs. Donna R. Econn and Mr. Gregory W. Econn • Mrs. Hillary M. Kanigher and Mr. Michael D. Kanigher • Mrs. Karen L. Gruber and Mr. Daniel S. Gruber • Mrs. Kiel FitzGerald and Mr. Jerey Reuben • Mrs. Louise Arklin and Mr. Henry Arklin• Mrs. Mara Susskind Kalcheim • Mrs. Stephanie Johnson and Mr. Dave Johnson $24,999 - $10,000• Barbara M. Barnard Estate • Elks of Los Angeles Foundation (Elks Lodge #99) • Jack Roth Charitable Foundation • John C. Hench Foundation • Lawyers’ Mutual Insurance Company • Lon V. Smith Foundation • Marian & Pink Happ Fund • Milo W. Bekins Foundation • Mrs. Diane Deshong • Mrs. Leanne J. Schwartz and Dr. Steven R. Schwartz• NGA Hancock Park - National Giving Alliance • Anonymous 14
Our generous donors.Statement of Activities.July 1, 2023 - June 30, 20242024 WithoutDonor Restrictions2024 WithDonor Restrictions2024Tot al2023 Tot alRevenue & Support:Contributions ___________________________________________Bequests _______________________________________________Government Grants & Contracts ________________________Special Events __________________________________________Gifts-in-Kind ___________________________________________Program Service Fees ___________________________________Other Income ___________________________________________Total Revenue & SupportExpenses:Program Services _______________________________________Management & General _________________________________Fundraising _____________________________________________Total ExpensesNet Assets Released from Donor Restrictions ____________Change in Net AssetsBefore Other Income _____________________________Investment Return (Net) _________________________________Change in Value of Benecial Interest in Assets ___________Held by AiliateTotal Other Income _______________________________Change in Net Assets _____________________________Net Assets - Beginning of Year ___________________________Net Assets - End of Year __________________________$197, 587$7 7,732$1,492,903$83,217$1,135,096$1,317,75 4$174,045$4,478,334$6,127,438$404,581$903,069$7,435,088$2,121,159($835,595)$679,425-$679,425($156,170)$23,340,404$23,184,234$2,080,681$1,011,340$567,560-$148,104--$3,807,685----$2,121,159$1,686,526$250,539$2 ,227,603$2,478,142$4,164,668$39,001,790$43,166,458$2,278,268$1,089,072$2,060,463$83,217$1,283,200$1,317,75 4$174,045$8,286,019$6,127,438$404,581$903,069$7,435,088-$850,931$929,964$2 ,227,603$3,157,567$4,008,498$62,342,194$66,350,692$1,909,189$96,871$1,054,924$424,120$746,944$1,218,107$175,434$5,625,589$4,763,813$625,765$789, 288$6,178,866-($553,277)$680,962$1,793,525$2,474,487$1,921,210$60,420,984$62,342,194$50,000+• Bonnie H. Hightower Revocable Trust • Donald and Gigi Grant Charitable Trust • Friends of the League Foundation • Laurence B. Flaws Memorial Foundation • Mrs. Andrea Price Goodman and Mr. Donald W. Goodman • Ms. Sally Ann Phillips • Anonymous• Sandy and Flu McLean Trust • Universal Studios Hollywood - Discover a Star Foundation $9,999 - $5,000• BLT Enterprises • Kelton Fund, Inc. • Mara W. Breech Foundation • Anonymous • Mrs. Dia Helen Schuldenfrei and Mr. Raymond Schuldenfrei • Mrs. Elizabeth I. Leete and Mr. David Karl Hahn • Mrs. June M. Bilgore • Mrs. Maxine Rosenfeld and Mr. Gene Rosenfeld • Ms. Laura Peavy Price • Ms. Melanie Merians and Mr. Will Guston • Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts • Rags For Riches Foundation • The Albert Parvin Foundation $4,999 - $2,000 cont.• Mrs. Susan A. Thalken and Mr. Christopher Thalken • Mrs. Susan Beck and Mr. David Beck • Mrs. Wendy Johnsen and Mr. Paul C. Johnsen • Ms. Diane Allen • Ms. Gale E. Jae • Ms. Leonie McDermo • Ms. Mary Dutra • Ms. Poppy Paulos • Paramount Pictures • Smotrich Family Foundation • The Nancy E. Barton Foundation • The William Miller Foundation • Wilshire Rotary Foundation $49,999 - $25,000• The Ahmanson Foundation • Clubcorp Charities, Inc. • Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation • The Ferry Foundations• Anonymous • The Sunstone Project $4,999 - $2,000• Anonymous • Bel Air Investment Advisors • Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. • Earl B. Gilmore Foundation • Judith Davis • KLM Foundation • Laurie and Nate Minc • Mrs. Amelia J. Chick and Mr. Andrew Chick • Mrs. Catherine Phillips and Mr. Jarrod Phillips • Mrs. Diane Hilty and Mr. Henry L. Hilty, Jr. • Mrs. Donna R. Econn and Mr. Gregory W. Econn • Mrs. Hillary M. Kanigher and Mr. Michael D. Kanigher • Mrs. Karen L. Gruber and Mr. Daniel S. Gruber • Mrs. Kiel FitzGerald and Mr. Jerey Reuben • Mrs. Louise Arklin and Mr. Henry Arklin• Mrs. Mara Susskind Kalcheim • Mrs. Stephanie Johnson and Mr. Dave Johnson $24,999 - $10,000• Barbara M. Barnard Estate • Elks of Los Angeles Foundation (Elks Lodge #99) • Jack Roth Charitable Foundation • John C. Hench Foundation • Lawyers’ Mutual Insurance Company • Lon V. Smith Foundation • Marian & Pink Happ Fund • Milo W. Bekins Foundation • Mrs. Diane Deshong • Mrs. Leanne J. Schwartz and Dr. Steven R. Schwartz• NGA Hancock Park - National Giving Alliance • Anonymous 14
REVENUE & SUPPORT EXPENSES2024 2024Contributions$2,278,268Other Income $174,045Program Service Fees $1,317,754Gifts-in-Kind $1,283,200Special Events$83,217Government Grants & Contracts$2,060,463Bequests$1,089,072Management & General$404,581Fundraising$903,069Program Services$6,127,43813.1%82.4%27.5%12.1%15.5%5.4%1%2.1%BequestsProgram ServicesContributionsFundraisingGifts-in-KindManagement & GeneralSpecial EventsOther Income24.9%Government Grants & Contracts15.9%Program Service Fees16
REVENUE & SUPPORT EXPENSES2024 2024Contributions$2,278,268Other Income $174,045Program Service Fees $1,317,754Gifts-in-Kind $1,283,200Special Events$83,217Government Grants & Contracts$2,060,463Bequests$1,089,072Management & General$404,581Fundraising$903,069Program Services$6,127,43813.1%82.4%27.5%12.1%15.5%5.4%1%2.1%BequestsProgram ServicesContributionsFundraisingGifts-in-KindManagement & GeneralSpecial EventsOther Income24.9%Government Grants & Contracts15.9%Program Service Fees16
Info@assistanceleaguela.orgassistanceleagueoosangeleswww.assistanceleaguela.orgBoard of DirectorsSusan Thalken, Board PresidentEshon Allen Amelia ChickMika FordLeslie GonzalezMara KalcheimJ’Net NguyenPai RoweyAurora Rowland-Martinez6640 W. Sunset Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90028323-469-1973