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ARE YOU A NON-PROFIT IN THE SOUTH BAY

BENEFITING CHILDREN AND/OR THE ENVIRONMENT?

APPLICATIONS FOR OUR 2026-27 FUNDRAISING SEASON ARE NOW OPEN!

Click Here to Access the Application

Applications close June 30th, 2026

Welcome to

Las Candalistas

We are a 100% volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to benefiting children and the environment in the South Bay of Los Angeles County.

Contact Us

Our 2025-26 Philanthropies

Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor

Community’s Child
Family Promise of the South Bay logo

Family Promise of the South Bay
Marine Mammal Care Center logo

Marine Mammal Care Center

Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation
Rainbow Services logo

Rainbow Services
Sage SoCal logo

Sage SoCal
South Bay Children’s Health Center logo

South Bay Children’s Health Center
South Coast Botanic Garden logo

South Coast Botanic Garden
Toberman Neighborhood Center logo

Toberman Neighborhood Center

Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor

True to their mission since 1937, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor help young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. They achieve this through a commitment to quality programs and service sin an environment that is safe, nurturing, and inspiring. We support their College Bound program which has had a success rate of 99% of graduates going to college every fall.

Community’s Child

We proudly support the Health Bags program. This school food delivery program was implemented in 2014 in response to the finding that 27% of the school age children attending Community’s Child Torrance Memorial Health & Wellness Event tested positive for anemia. The program targets children in the South Bay that are food insecure and in need of nutritional assistance. As a result, anemia rates have been reduced to 4%!

Family Promise of the South Bay logo

Family Promise of the South Bay

Founded in 2015, Family Promise of the South Bay provides a trauma-informed shelter program that keeps families together while helping them build long-term stability. We welcome all family types and focus on children’s well-being, unity, and hope during times of homelessness. In addition, our free six-week Summer Learning Camp offers K–8 students hands-on academics, social-emotional learning, and joy, while giving parents time to pursue work and stability.

Marine Mammal Care Center logo

Marine Mammal Care Center

The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured sea lions, seals, and elephant seals, giving them a second chance at life in the ocean. As the only facility of its kind in Los Angeles County, MMCCLA also provides free public viewing and educational programs, inspiring more than 24,000 visitors each year to care for our ocean. Support helps us treat hundreds of marine mammals annually and teach thousands of students about conservation and protecting marine life.

Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation

Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation has compassionately entered the lives of individuals faced with the realities of suffering, loss, death, and grief, to offer expert care and education, while respecting each person’s choices, values, and beliefs, for more than 40 years. They take pride in the fact that they never turn anyone away due to their ability to pay. Specifically, Las Candalistas supports TrinityKids Care which is the only pediatric hospice and palliative care provider serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Rainbow Services logo

Rainbow Services

Rainbow Services empowers survivors of domestic violence with shelter, housing, legal support, and education to help families move beyond trauma toward safety and stability. Through trauma-informed programs for children and prevention education for youth, we strengthen resilience and foster lasting change in our community.

Sage SoCal logo

Sage SoCal

Sage SoCal breaks down barriers to care by providing free, school-based mental health therapy that helps students thrive both personally and academically. With most of our budget devoted directly to therapists, we deliver essential, consistent support to thousands of students across Southern California.

South Bay Children’s Health Center logo

South Bay Children’s Health Center

South Bay Children’s Health Center delivers vital dental and mental health care to underserved children, teens, and young adults across the South Bay. Through comprehensive treatment, prevention, and education, we empower youth to overcome barriers and thrive in health and wellness.

South Coast Botanic Garden logo

South Coast Botanic Garden

South Coast Botanic Garden is a vital resource where nature, education, and community converge, offering exhibitions, programs, and plant collections that inspire environmental awareness and stewardship. With free and reduced-access initiatives, the Garden ensures families, students, and underserved communities can enjoy nature’s benefits as a sanctuary for well-being and learning. From school field trips to the SOAR Butterfly exhibit and the upcoming Children and Family Garden, we spark curiosity, connection, and conservation in the next generation.

Toberman Neighborhood Center logo

Toberman Neighborhood Center

Toberman Neighborhood Center has been a trusted partner to families in the Harbor Area for over 120 years, providing responsive & trauma-informed services that meet the evolving needs of our community. Their programs are designed with one purpose in mind: to support the health, stability, and success of children by addressing the real-world challenges they and their families face every day. Las Candalistas supports their Food Pantry which serves 1,590 youth through targeted food access and family stabilization services.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

View Calendar

Our Sponsors

Click on Logos for More Info

Bombas
Chefdora
Foto
Modern Jewelers
Water Replenishment
Wyland Foundation
TheNesicolaciFamilyFoundation
Kelly Evans, Realtor
Malaga Bank

Social News

Las Candalistas

Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas21 hours ago
What a year! 🎉 On June 10th we came together for our Annual June Luncheon, our final General Meeting of our season, to reflect on accomplishments, celebrate successes, and recognize the incredible members who make our mission possible.

This inspiring and fun day includes introducing the Officers and BOD for 2026-27 as well as our new members. We get a chance to thank our outgoing Officers and BOD and give special charms to any member who has reached the milestone of 10-years as an Active member! This year was extra special because we honored a member who reached 20 years as an Active! That’s quite an accomplishment. We had all members stand who have been in Las Candalistas for 15 + years (there were a lot!) and a few have been with us for over 30 years! We must be doing something right.

But the biggest reason to celebrate is that we EXCEEDED our fundraising goals and were able to fully fund almost all of our 10 philanthropies grant requests!!!!! We thank all of you for your dedication, generosity, and support.

Our amazing philanthropies for 2025-26: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor; Community's Child; Family Promise of the South Bay; Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles; Providence at Home TrinityCare Hospice Foundation; Rainbow Services DV; Sage; South Bay Children's Health Center; South Coast Botanic Garden; Toberman Neighborhood Center

***We are accepting applications for grant requests for our 2026-27 season through June 30, 2026. Visit our website to access the application and learn more: www.lascandalistas.org

No rest for us, we’re already onto planning our Fall Fundraiser. Save the date for 'Brighter Tomorrows,' Thursday October 22nd, 2026, at the DoubleTree in San Pedro. It will be another Literary Luncheon, this time featuring authors whose expertise is Los Angeles history and mid-century modernism! Mark your calendars for this one. ☑️Stay tuned at our website.

Here's to another year of supporting South Bay children and the environment and strengthening our community. 🥰
#bettertogether #CommunityMatters #southbaylosangeles #palosverdespeninsula #givingback
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Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas6 days ago
Smiles, gratitude, and meaningful impact. On Monday we celebrated the presentation of our 2025-26 philanthropy grants, supporting non-profits that are transforming the lives of children and the environment across our South Bay community. We are honored to partner with these organizations and invest in a brighter future for all! We had an incredibly successful fundraising year (we exceeded our goals!) and were thrilled to be able to fully fund almost every one of these deserving philanthropies requests.

Congratulations to: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor; Community's Child; Family Promise of the South Bay; Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles; Providence at Home TrinityCare Hospice Foundation; Rainbow Services DV; Sage; South Bay Children's Health Center; South Coast Botanic Garden; Toberman Neighborhood Center We loved partnering with you all!

Pictured with representatives from the philanthropies are Las Candalistas President Lorri Mino and 1st VP's of Philanthropy Linda Belzer and Nita Birnbaum.

Most importantly, we could not have accomplished our 2025-26 fundraising goals without the dedication and ongoing support of our volunteer members, donors, and sponsors!

A special thank you to: The Nesicolaci Family Foundation: Supervisor Janice Hahn; Kelly Evans, Estate Properties; Water Replenishment District of So Cal; Chef Dora Presents; Malaga Bank; Modern Jewelers; Wyland Foundation; Bombas; Wander Africa; La Caze Development Company; Diane Stone, Real Estate Agent at Compass Palos Verdes Magazine; Andy & Renee & Hard Rain; Gary Cannon; San Pedro Chamber of Commerce; Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Stay tuned! Our new season begins July 1st, 2026.

We are currently accepting applications for our 2026-27 fundraising season until June 30th, 2026: Visit our website to access the application! https://lascandalistas.org/

AND!!! Save the date for our Fall Authors Event! October 22nd, 2026. Details coming soon....
#BetterTogether #BrighterTomorrow #southbaylosangeles #palosverdespeninsula #CommunityMatters #givingback
Las Candalistas
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Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas1 month ago
Are you a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization in the South Bay of Los Angeles County that benefits children and/or the environment?

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting grant applications for our 2026-27 season! We welcome philanthropies we have partnered with for years or philanthropies we haven't met yet. Click on https://lascandalistas.org/philanthropies/ and scroll down to access the application. Applications are online only and close June 30th, 2026.

We can't wait to hear from you!

#bettertogether #southbaylosangeles #palosverdespeninsula #givingback #communitymatters
Las Candalistas
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Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas1 month ago
We are feeling honored! Our president, Lorri Mino, was featured in a recent article in VoyageLA Magazine which highlighted the work of our charity group and the impact being made in our community. Thank you VoyageLA for reaching out to us! They are an online magazine sharing LA's most inspiring stories.

We invite you to read the article and learn more about the heart behind what we do and to learn more about VoyageLA. Your encouragement and support mean so much to us! ❤️
#bettertogether #southbaylosangeles #palosverdespeninsula #communitymatters

Las Candalistas
Conversations with Lorri Mino
Today we'd like to introduce you to Lorri Mino. Hi Lorri, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?Giving back has always been part of who I am. From serving as an officer
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Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas2 months ago
We’re growing—and you’re invited 💙

Join us for our New Member Open House and discover how you can make a real impact in our community. Whether you’re passionate about giving back, meeting like-minded people, or simply curious about what we do, this is the perfect place to start.

✨ Meet some of our members and hear their story
✨ Learn about our mission and the philanthropies we support
✨ Learn about our fundraising events
✨ We're looking for new volunteer members who want to actively help our South Bay community!

Thursday, April 30th
4:30-6:00
Peninsula Center Library, Community Room, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE

It's not too late to RSVP to fasterway.meganz@gmail.com or you can just show up!

Bring a friend! We can’t wait to meet you!
#bettertogether #palosverdespeninsula #southbaylosangeles #communitymatters #volunteersmakeadifference
Las Candalistas
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Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas2 months ago
We’re still beaming with gratitude after an incredible Spring Fundraiser! 💛

Thanks to the generosity, energy, and support of our amazing community, A Fistful of Dollars for a Cause helped us reach our fundraising goals for this year. Every ticket purchased, every donation made, and every share helped us move closer to making a real impact for our philanthropies: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor; Community's Child; Family Promise of Los Angeles; Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles; Providence at Home TrinityCare Hospice Foundation; Rainbow Services DV; Sage; South Bay Children's Health Center; South Coast Botanic Garden; Toberman Neighborhood Center.

This success belongs to all of you. Because of your support, we can continue our mission and reach even more people who need it most.

Thank you to our featured guests Andy & Renee & Hard Rain, whose fabulous music entertained and lifted all of us.

Thank you to our MC, comedian Gary Cannon You are more than an auctioneer to us, you’re one of us!

Thank you to Chef Dora Presents, our amazing and generous caterer, and her staff. As usual, your incredible food and service blew us all away!

Thank you to our photographer Gary Parsons. We so appreciate your talent and generosity.

Thank you to the venue, Empty Saddle Club the best kept secret on the hill! We love working with you!

Thank you to our Sponsors & Community Partners: The Nesicolaci Family Foundation; Supervisor Janice Hahn; Kelly Evans, Estate Properties; Water Replenishment District of So Cal; Malaga Bank; Wander Africa; Modern Jewelers; Wyland Foundation; Bombas
From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for showing up, giving back, and believing in what we do. This is what community looks like. 🙌
#bettertogether#southbaylosangeles#palosverdespeninsula#givingback#communitymatters
Las Candalistas
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Testimonials

{

“Your generosity allows us to provide palliative care and hospice for those who need it, regardless of ability to pay. We are so grateful for your 3 decades of support!”

Matthew Scelza

Executive Director Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation
☆☆☆☆☆
{

“We are profoundly grateful for the generous support of Las Candalistas, whose funding has significantly enhanced our community food pantries in the Los Angeles Harbor area. Their commitment to our cause has had a tremendous impact, particularly on the youth and broader community members we serve.”

Boys & Girls Club LA Harbor

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor
☆☆☆☆☆
{
“The Wyland Foundation is deeply appreciative of the support Las Candalistas provides. Your work shows how much impact a committed group of people can have in helping others in need. Thanks to you, the Wyland Foundation will be providing much needed mobile education outreach next spring to community centers and underserved schools throughout the south bay about the role we all can play in preserving the health of our coasts and waterways.”

Steve Creech

President Wyland Foundation
☆☆☆☆☆
{
“I am incredible grateful to Las Candalistas for supporting Community’s Child’s Healthy Bags program.  Inflation has hit us really hard.  Work hours have been cut while the cost of food, rent, and transportation has just continued to increase.  The weekly groceries, hygiene products, diapers, school supplies and clothing we receive has helped me and the children so much.  The food we receive is very fresh and nutritious and we all love the cooking and container garden classes; these are such a blessing.  Without the support of the Healthy Bags Program, we would have to choose between eating or paying the rent.  I want to Thank You so much for helping my children to stay healthy and housed.  May God Bless You!”

Recipient of the Healthy Bags Program

Community’s Child
☆☆☆☆☆