On Dec . 1 , the foundation launched the inaugural exhibit , “ Paintings from the 2000s ” by Jorg Dubin , in its new 4,200-square-foot gallery space housed in a historic building on Broadway Street ; the exhibit runs through Jan . 14 , 2024 . ( thehonarkarfoundation . org )
IMPACT GIVING Based on the idea that greater things can be accomplished together than individually , this women ’ s collective giving organization pools its partners ’ money and knowledge of local and global needs to make a difference by awarding grants to organizations like CASA of Orange County and Be Well OC . In this way , the group aims to support positive and sustainable social change while also building the leadership of its partners . ( impactgivingnow . org )
JUST GATHER Focused on community-inspired wellness events to get children and teens to spend less time on electronic devices , as well as prevent and reduce addictions to alcohol and drugs , Just Gather is a newer organization offering activities such as yoga , meditation , dance , farming , animal therapy , painting and board game gatherings . The nonprofit also hosts half-day nature and art retreats for youth ages 9 to 19 as well as outings , weekly gatherings and more . ( justgatherwellness . org )
LAGUNA ART MUSEUM This institution has been a major player in the region ’ s art scene for more than 100 years , with exhibits by California artists , panel discussions , film screenings , family-friendly craft and musical performances . It ’ s also home to the Art &
Nature initiative , with commissioned pieces each year and collaboration with art galleries in town . To support programming , purchase a membership or contribute to the 2023 Love Art Love Laguna campaign . ( lagunaartmuseum . org )
LAGUNA BEACH COMMUNITY CLINIC Established in 1970 with volunteer physicians to provide medical care to low-income and uninsured OC residents , and known for its groundbreaking work in HIV / AIDS testing and treatment in the 1980s , the Laguna Beach Community Clinic has grown over the years , now providing a full spectrum of low-cost medical and preventative health services for people of all ages . Private health insurance is accepted and sliding fee discounts are offered . ( lbclinic . org )
LAGUNA BEACH CULTURAL ARTS CENTER Art , poetry , theater , music , dance and cinema come together at this newer cultural institution , which hosts regular events at its Forest Avenue center . The nonprofit also launched its own broadcast TV channel during the pandemic , followed by a music school with classes in songwriting , vocals , guitar , ukulele , drums and piano in addition to dance lessons by longtime Cirque du Soleil soloist Sandrine Mattei . ( lbculturalartscenter . org )
LAGUNA BEACH FIREFIGHTERS COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUND Laguna firefighters operate this fund , which helps locals who have been displaced by a fire or flood — or experience another emergency — with gift cards for essential items that they may not be able to afford . This year , the group also made a donation to help those in Maui after the devastating fire there . But almost all funds stay local . During the holidays , the group often adopts a senior citizen or family in need and purchases gifts and necessary items for them . ( lbffa . org )
LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Ever since plein air painters made Laguna ’ s landscapes famous in the early 1900s , it has been a haven for famous Hollywood actors to stay , play and sometimes even live . From the annual summer art festivals to special milestones and the notable people who helped to shape this community , the Laguna Beach Historical Society collects and archives the rich local history surrounding the town while also sharing materials to educate others . ( laguna beach history . org )
LAGUNA BEACH LAWN BOWLING CLUB It ’ s been more than 90 years since the Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club was established in Heisler Park , and the group now has a clubhouse , a patio and two bowling greens overlooking Main Beach . Membership is open to anyone and the nonprofit offers everything from introductory lessons , practices , drills and tournaments to special themed bowls and holiday events . ( lagunabeachlawnbowlingclub . com )
LAGUNA BEACH POLICE AND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Created to promote and enhance the local police department , its staff and public safety in town , this foundation focuses on improving equipment and technology , targeted training and community outreach . For the last six years , the organization has also awarded Laguna Beach High School students with the Officer Jon Coutchie Memorial Fund College Scholarship toward college tuition in support of careers in criminal justice . ( lbpcf . org )
LAGUNA BEACH POLICE FOUNDATION Launched by the Laguna Beach Police Employees ’ Association , the local police department is also the main focus of the Laguna Beach Police Foundation , with donations going toward specialized equipment , training and development , wellness services , counseling and more . The foundation also raises funds for community events like Hospitality Night and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California . ( lagunapolice . com )
Clockwise from top : Laguna Art Museum ; a volunteer trail work day organized by Laguna Canyon Foundation ; Laguna Beach Community Clinic
LAGUNA BEACH SENIORS Started in 1975 , Laguna Beach Seniors was one of the first OC nonprofits catering to older adults and now operates the Susi Q Senior Center . Since 2009 , the organization has been based at the Susi Q , where a wide variety of programs — from movie screenings to yoga , bingo games , writing workshops , computer assistance and support groups — are presented . Lunch is served at the Susi Q by another organization , Age Well Senior Services . ( thesusiq . org )
LAGUNA BEACH SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION Best known for the annual Fête de la Musique , this all-volunteer nonprofit was created to maintain relationships with Laguna ’ s sister cities : St . Ives , England ; Menton , France ; and San José del Cabo , Mexico . The town is filled with music and dance during the festival , but the group hosts other events , too , including those celebrating our sister cities , trips to their coastal towns and Artist In Residence programs . ( lagunabeachsistercities . com )
LAGUNA BLUEBELT COALITION With an emphasis on preserving biological diversity and healthy habitats in local waters , this group has already worked to secure citywide protection for the nearby ocean and the creatures living within it , and participates in outreach programs to inspire others to keep the coastal waters safe and allow marine life to thrive . The coalition also hosts an annual nature photography contest . ( lagunabluebelt . org )
LAGUNA CANYON FOUNDATION Following the 1989 March to Save Laguna Canyon , the Laguna Canyon Foundation was established to facilitate the acquisition of open space that the Irvine Co . had agreed to sell . The nonprofit partnered with OC
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP : COURTESY OF LAGUNA ART MUSEUM ; JON BARBER ; COURTESY OF LAGUNA BEACH COMMUNITY CLINIC
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