CHARITABLE CAUSES
Local nonprofits are making a big impact in town and beyond .
By LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE STAFF
A
wide range of nonprofits are working hard to benefit the community , from helping the homeless to assisting animals , advocating for the arts and preserving our open spaces . And as the year comes to an end , many residents look to make a difference for those in need or support a cause that ’ s important to them . To encourage this giving spirit , we ’ ve compiled a roundup of organizations in the Laguna Beach area that could use your donation of money , supplies or volunteer hours . Read on to find a charity that would be grateful for your support this season .
Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach
The Ability Awareness Project promotes kindness and inclusivity to combat bullying .
ABILITY AWARENESS PROJECT Co-founded by Shadi Pourkashef , who goes by Anami — after her son experienced horrible harassment while in school — and Kelly McKinnon Burmingham , the Ability Awareness Project aims to combat bullying while promoting kindness and inclusivity . The organization has developed presentations for students , parents , teachers and older residents who have experienced bullying , too . ( kindandsafeschools . org )
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN The Laguna Beach chapter of this national organization was founded back in 1967 and has grown to include more than 150 members , all in support of equity for women through education . Local members tutor students , help negotiate fair salaries , award scholarships and help send girls to STEM camps . The group ’ s AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund supports women facing discrimination at universities or in the workplace . ( lagunabeach-ca . aauw . net )
ARTISTS ’ BENEVOLENCE FUND This fund , under the umbrella of the famed Sawdust Art Festival , provides financial assistance to local working artists going through a sudden illness or other crisis . Started in 1987 as the Artists ’ Relief Fund , it was reorganized in 1993 as a nonprofit and expanded to help not only Sawdust exhibitors but any working artist in Laguna . An annual art auction raises money for the fund . ( sawdustartfestival . org )
ARTISTS FUND , THE Affiliated with Festival of Arts , The Artists Fund offers financial assistance to exhibitors suffering hardships like illness , injury or the effects of natural disasters . Originally founded in 1999 , it later separated from the festival . In addition to financial assistance , the group awards enrichment grants to artists looking to further their careers . The fund benefits from the Art- To-Go exhibit sales during the summer fine art show . ( theartistsfund-foa . org )
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF LAGUNA BEACH One of 120 chapters across the country , the Assistance League of Laguna Beach has a huge impact on the community . With funds raised through donations and the downtown thrift shop , the nonprofit organizes more than a dozen efforts , including Operation School Bell - Chapters for Children , which provides students with apparel for school , and the contribution of both funding and volunteer time to help support the Laguna Food Pantry . ( assistanceleague . org )
The Blue Bell Foundation for Cats fundraiser
BLUE BELL FOUNDATION FOR CATS , THE For more than 30 years , The Blue Bell Foundation for Cats has helped provide shelter and care for senior cats whose owners pass away or can no longer take care of them . The Laguna Canyon property is a sanctuary for the pets that live there . Set amongst fresh greenery and gardens , the cats live cage-free with perches and comfortable beds , high-quality food , screened-in porches , around-the-clock health care and more . ( bluebellcats . org )
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH A number of programs are in place to help empower local youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach . After-school enrichment is a large part of the nonprofit ’ s offerings , in addition to programming on leadership , education , health and wellness , fitness and the arts . Donations are sought for the club ’ s endowment fund . The club ’ s locations also have Amazon wish lists for everything from watercolor papers and paints to soccer balls and games . ( bgclagunabeach . org )
CATMOSPHERE LAGUNA FOUNDATION Formerly operating a cat cafe on Forest Avenue , Catmosphere Laguna Foundation continues to rescue and find homes for stray cats and kittens in the area . The nonprofit , established in 2017 by Gail Allyn
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT : MITCH RIDDER ; COURTESY OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH ; BRIAN FLYNN GRAPHICS & PHOTOGRAPHY
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