Assistance League of Long Beach successfully completed its Creating Smiles Capital Campaign in January 2020, raising more than $6.5 million in less than two years. This remarkable accomplishment, which was possible because of many generous donors, has enabled the organization to expand its campus and increase services to children living in the Greater Long Beach region.

Construction of the Miller Children’s Center finished in September 2019.  The new building houses the John and Helen Apostle Operation School Bell Pavilion and The Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Orthodontic Pavilion.  These larger and more efficient facilities have enabled Operation School Bell to clothe over 12,000 students already this year. The Orthodontic Program, with seven state-of-the-art treatment stations, will allow the program to serve 1,000 students in braces and expand services to treat children as young as 6 in Phase 1 orthodontic treatment.

The Cherese Mari Laulhere Philanthropic Center renovation was completed in January 2020, creating new opportunities to advance all the programs of Assistance League of Long Beach.  Expanded rooms provide efficient and attractive workspace for staff and member volunteers.  CAMEO’s Mentoring Program, the Howard and Asian Art Collection, Kids on the Block puppet program and the Assault Survivor Kits Program all benefit from having dedicated workspace.

The Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation and the Cherese Mari Laulhere Foundation generously provided Visionary and Transformational gifts to the campaign (gifts of $1 million or more), and many other foundations, member volunteers, and community donors made 6-figure gifts. Assistance League of Long Beach is grateful to all its donors, allowing us to advance our programs serving the community.