Assistance
League of
San
Bernardino
Caring and Commitment in Action
Assistance League of San Bernardino is a chapter of National Assistance League® and is dedicated to serving children in need in our community. San Bernardino is located in Southern California, between Los Angeles and Palm Springs.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is helping people help themselves. This is implemented by the requirement to carry on a program of philanthropic work in the community and to control and administer at least one major philanthropic project. We are also required to return at least 65% of all monies raised to the community through philanthropic projects.
History of Assistance League of San Bernardino
Assistance League of Southern California (later named Founder Chapter) was founded in 1919 by a remarkable woman, Mrs. Hancock Banning. She was a woman with a dream and the ability to instill the concept of philanthropic volunteerism in those who surrounded her. In 1923, the Assistance League was incorporated as a non-profit, non-sectarian philanthropic organization, the first and largest of its kind in the United States.
Together Anne Banning and an associate, Ada Edwards Laughlin, remained President and Vice President of Assistance League of Southern California for 25 years.
By 1935, interest was developing in Assistance League in other communities. Always alert to new ideas, Anne Banning and Ada Laughlin decided it was time to expand the Assistance League nationally, and so founded National Assistance League. Since that time, the national organization has grown to 114 chapters throughout the United States.
The first group chartered by Founder Chapter (Assistance League of Southern California) on May 19, 1936, was Assistance League of San Pedro-Palos Verdes.
A small group of San Bernardino women organized the Toy Loan League in 1940. On December 5, 1947, we became the ninth chapter of National Assistance League. Our first President was Mildred Curtis.
As the organization grew, it became apparent that more organization and representation of chapters was needed. Hence, in 1949, the incorporation of National Assistance League.
In 1948, the Assistance League of San Bernardino accepted the invitation of a group of dentists to assist in organizing and sponsoring a Children’s Dental Health Center.
In April 1949, the Dental Center was opened in Municipal Auditorium and the Toy Loan Library was discontinued.
In June 1952, the first annual Starlight Ball was held as a major fundraiser at the Arrowhead Springs Hotel. The Starlight Ball has transformed into the Headdress Ball, and continues to be the primary fund-raiser each year.
A Dental Hygiene Program has been offered since 1970. The program is far reaching and does make a difference in the health habits of our patients. The Oral Hygiene program is staffed by New and Active members.
Year in Review
Our President's Annual Report can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
© 2007 Assistance League of San Bernardino
580 W. 6th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410
(909) 885-3085