Assistance League was the first nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization founded in the West to recognize the potential of volunteers in helping those less fortunate to a better, more meaningful life. Today, chapters across America address the emotional and physical needs of children and adults of all ages regardless of race or creed.
Anne Banning
Ada Edwards Laughlin
Organized as a national nonprofit in 1935, Assistance League’s roots date back to the turn of the twentieth century America when founder, Anne Banning, pioneered a tradition of compassion and benevolence carried on by her modern-day counterparts in Assistance League chapters around the country.
Anne Banning and her close friend and co-founder, Ada Edwards Laughlin, married into influential well-to-do families. Anne’s father-in-law, Phineas, is the “Father of the Port of Los Angeles.” Her husband, Hancock, was instrumental in the development of Catalina Island. Ada, a Stanford graduate, teacher, the proponent of women’s basketball, married Homer Laughlin Jr., whose family is known for creating the iconic Fiesta Dinnerware that is still popular today.
A social activist at heart, Anne and a small group of prominent ladies began doing local charitable work in the mid-1880’s under the name Assistance League. Their humanitarian efforts extended beyond local boundaries to the victims of the San Francisco earthquake. To raise money for those people underserved by conventional charities, Anne used her social connections to establish the “pay to attend” fundraising model that has proven successful for nonprofit organizations. During World War I, Anne organized the Los Angeles Red Cross Chapter and served as its Director.
In 1919, Anne, Ada and their charity-minded friends formalized Assistance League of Southern California, as a precursor to the national organization. They began by providing food and clothing for local families severely impacted by the war. A few years later, they greatly expanded their efforts with a neighborhood Community House that offered programs and services, which were emulated by public and private agencies.
Inspired by a life of privilege to help people adversely affected by their circumstances, Anne and Ada created a legacy of giving back which endures today. When they retired in 1948 there were 10 chapters throughout Southern California. Today there are currently 120 nationwide with more on the horizon.