also because of the town ’ s history as an artist colony where plein air painters have flocked since the 1880s . Responsible for the annual painting invitational that takes place throughout Laguna each October , this group also opened an art gallery in the north part of town a couple of years ago . ( lpapa . org )
LAGUNA REAL ESTATE / CHARITABLE ASSISTANCE FUND Founded in 2004 , this organization raises money to donate to local nonprofits to help support their missions and make the community a better place ; leftover funds benefit the nonprofit ’ s Realtors and affiliate members , offering assistance in times of hardship , whether it ’ s financial , medical or related to a natural disaster . The group ’ s two main fundraisers include A Taste for Charity and the Pet Parade and Chili Cook-Off . ( lre-caf . com )
LOCA ARTS EDUCATION This coalition of artists , art educators and supporters strives to present art-centric workshops , talks and classes in town in order to keep the spirit of creativity alive . With sessions held everywhere from local schools and the public library to Glenwood House , the Waymakers Youth Shelter and the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center , all are invited to participate . ( locaarts . org )
MACGILLIVRAY FREEMAN FILMS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION Through the power of Imax films and educational outreach programs , the MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation empowers audiences across the globe to be ambassadors for science and the environment . Founded by Laguna residents Greg MacGillivray and his wife , Barbara , in 2004 , the nonprofit helps produce the filmmaker ’ s giant-screen movies that allow the public to develop a better understanding of our world , its cultures and the issues we face . ( mffeducation . org )
MASTERS AT GIVING Festival of Arts regularly receives requests for complimentary tickets to the famed Pageant of the Masters living pictures show , but isn ’ t able to fulfill all of them on its own . Through Masters at Giving , philanthropists purchase tax-deductible tickets , which are then distributed to a charitable group in need , allowing first responders , veterans , seniors , at-risk youth , women , art students and others who can ’ t afford a ticket the chance to experience the arts in Laguna . ( foapom . com )
MAULI OLA FOUNDATION Make a splash with the Mauli Ola Foundation , which aims to educate and raise awareness for kids and young adults with genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis . By providing alternative therapies like one-on-one surf sessions that bring together youth and professional instructors , the organization relies on the healing properties of the ocean , exercise and achievement to inspire hope . ( mauliola . org )
NO SQUARE THEATRE Over at the American Legion building downtown , No Square Theatre presents plays , musicals and “ Lagunatics ” shows , its popular annual roast of life on the coast . No Square , founded in 1997 , gives amateur actors , directors and technical staff — including children — an opportunity to take their skills to the stage . The theater also offers Broadway master classes and youth workshops . ( nosquare . org )
PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The only establishment of its kind in Orange County , the Pacific Marine Mammal Center has been around for more than 50 years ,
Clockwise from top : Pacific Marine Mammal Center ; Project Scientist ; MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation
on a mission to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured pinnipeds dealing with everything from infections and pneumonia to net strangulation and malnourishment with the goal of returning them to the wild . The nonprofit ’ s Laguna Canyon facility is currently closed to the public while the organization works on renovating the property . ( pacificmmc . org )
PAGEANT LEGACY SOCIETY Honor a loved one , arts lover or organization by purchasing for them a small piece of history : The Pageant Legacy Society allows patrons to “ buy ” a seat in the Irvine Bowl , where the Pageant of the Masters is performed each summer , and add a small plaque engraved with the name of the person or business you ’ re dedicating it to . At least 250 have already been reserved and funds are used to help the nonprofit make the arts more accessible to the community . ( foapom . com )
PEACE EXCHANGE , THE The Peace Exchange , a fair trade shop that operates online and out of the new Laguna Beach Yoga & Fair Trade storefront downtown , partners with nongovernmental organizations to help women in Africa sell handmade goods . Products include African wax print textiles by seamstresses in Congo , snare wire jewelry from Kenya , artisan baskets crafted by hand in Tanzania and more . ( thepeaceexchange . com )
POLLINATOR PROTECTION FUND Started by local author Laura Ford , this reserve was created in 2021 in an effort
to rebuild the populations of Western monarch butterflies in Southern California . The Pollinator Protection Fund provides monetary support for butterfly gardens , with the founding garden located in Heisler Park in partnership with the Laguna Beach Garden Club . Another — one of nine overall — has also been planted in Bluebird Park , using native California flowers and shrubs that attract pollinators . ( protectmonarchs . com )
PROJECT SCIENTIST Though she stepped aside earlier this year , Laguna Beach resident Sandy Marshall launched Project Scientist in 2011 when she was unable to find a suitable STEM program for her daughter . Deciding to start one herself , the group ’ s labs , after-school clubs , virtual sessions and immersive experiences are centered around science , technology , engineering and math to empower young women , specifically those in at-risk communities , to work in scientific fields . ( projectscientist . org )
ROTARY CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH There are many facets to the work done by the Rotary Club of Laguna Beach , from community service , vocational experiences and grants for local programs to international projects in places like Egypt and Guatemala . Some of the biggest local fundraisers include the Classic Car Show , held at the edge of Laguna Canyon in the fall to benefit regional charities , and the springtime Grapes for Grads event that raises money for student scholarships . ( lagunabeachrotary . org )
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP : COURTESY OF PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER ; COURTESY OF PROJECT SCIENTIST ; COURTESY OF MACGILLIVRAY FREEMAN FILMS
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