75th Anniversary of the Assistance League of Santa Barbara
The Assistance League (AL) of Santa Barbara celebrated its 75th Anniversary with an afternoon reception at its Veronica Springs Road offices on Thursday, October 26. The local chapter, the 10th of 120 chapters nationally, was founded post-WWII in 1948 by 15 society women who saw a need to help the community in ways beyond compare. They spun off from the first chapter established in 1919 in Los Angeles. The AL boasts an all-volunteer organization, with no paid staff. The buildings and land for their offices and thrift shop are owned by the chapter.
Their initial fundraising purchased an artificial respirator used to treat polio patients at a local hospital (which became Cottage Hospital) and a mobile unit for Tri-Counties Blood Bank. The AL helped establish the Santa Barbara Girls Club, funded dental care for children, and sponsored addiction-treatment programs for women. They are known for their Prom Boutique loan closet, Operation School Bell, and partnering with many local nonprofits such as the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, the Father Virgil Cordano homeless services center, Showers of Blessing, the Grace Fisher Foundation, Hillside House, Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, Fun in the Sun (FITS), United Way of SBC, Bear Hugs, Operation Book Shelf, Food from the Heart, and the Friendship Center. In 2022, AL members volunteered 41,000 hours collectively, staffing the thrift store and serving among 16 philanthropies.
At their anniversary celebration, the ever strong and growing volunteer team of 300 women were honored with a Declaration by Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse stating that October 26 will from here on be known as Assistance League of Santa Barbara Day in Santa Barbara. Stephanie Ramírez Zárate, District Director for CA State Senator Monique Limón, presented a Certificate of Recognition, and on a personal note, she recalled getting her prom dress from the AL closet.
Event Chair and President Elect Carol Sauceda welcomed everyone and acknowledged Father Larry Gosselin, OMF, of St. Barbara Parish. AL Board President Judy Ritchie spoke next of the league’s many accomplishments and community partnerships. She chided, “We work really, really hard, and if you all stay long enough, we’ll put you to work.” She introduced the AL National office CEO Matt Zarcufsky, and National AL President-Elect Andrea Goodman who both spoke in praise and appreciation of the Santa Barbara chapter. Zarcufsky said, “…the loneliness epidemic is increasing, and we know that these volunteers make a difference, more and more people need what we do. We want the Santa Barbara chapter to know we are here to partner and support you for another 75 years.”
The AL ukulele group, Lulus, played and sang songs, followed by Dennis Berger on piano. Guests mingled and took tours of the thrift shop.
Attendees included Council Member Oscar Gutierrez, Geoff Green, United Way of Santa Barbara County President and CEO Steve Ortiz, Hillside President and CEO Michael Rassler, Principal of La Cumbre Junior High School Bradley Brock, Adam McKaig with Adam’s Angels, Mike Herbert, Mike Bishop, and Ana Fagan. From the AL Santa Barbara chapter were Nikki Rickard, Lene Shutt, Janice Caesar, Secretary Pam Eliason, Ammon Hoenigman,Treasurer Mary Lopez, Mary Jean Ducale, Jennifer Purdy, Pamela Gilbert, Sydney Tredick, Tomi Topinko, Tara Brown, and Charlene Heinz.
