About
Lighting the Way for Over 55 Years
Who We Are
In 1967, an enterprising group of women formed a nonprofit auxiliary to help raise funds for the Child Guidance Clinic of the South Bay Children’s Health Center in Torrance, California. Because our original fundraising effort was selling beeswax candles, it was decided to call the group Las Candalistas — “The Candle Lighters.” Committed to supporting children and the environment in the South Bay community, the group quickly moved beyond selling candles. The name, Las Candalistas, took on a new meaning as we became leaders in community service — expanding our fundraising activities and the philanthropies we serve. Las Candalistas continued success led the group to incorporate as an independent nonprofit organization in 1989.
Not only are our members dedicated to benefiting the South Bay community, but we are also committed to each other. We are a ‘family’ of members and develop lifelong friendships.
Our Fundraising Events
In 1970, Las Candalistas held its first fundraising event, an outdoor celebration of the South Bay’s environment and history with the theme “Walk on the Wild Side.” Held every spring thereafter, this popular fundraiser became the group’s signature and a fixture of the Palos Verdes peninsula community for approximately 40 years.
We may no longer have a “Walk,” but our Spring Fundraising Events still embody the creativity and spirit of our mission. We have also added a second fundraising event, in the Fall. Our fundraising has been so successful the past few years that we now support 10 local philanthropies instead of 3.
Since its inception, Las Candalistas has donated millions of dollars to philanthropies focused on children and the environment in the Los Angeles South Bay community. We have also been recognized for our contributions and our ongoing partnerships with the philanthropies we serve. This recognition includes Community Service Organization of the Year, awarded to us by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in November of 2018 and the South Bay “Making A Difference Award in September of 2022. Las Candalistas’ strong commitment to its mission continues, and we welcome new members, donors and sponsors. Please partner with us to make a difference in our South Bay communities.
Your gift.their future.
Members Strong
Over Fifty Philanthropies supported since 1967
Over 2 Million Dollars donated
And Counting Years of service to the south bay
THE CANDLELIGHTERS
Mission
Las Candalistas — “The Candle Lighters” — is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed to promote the health and well-being of children and the environment in the Los Angeles South Bay community. As we begin our 58th year, we’re excited about new directions, opportunities and growth. While our mission is steadfast, our organization is evolving to keep up with our community’s outlook and needs. We’re redesigning our events and outreach to increase our impact. We’re also supporting new organizations and projects that will benefit numerous children and families. In all that we do, our focus will be on nurturing strong relationships — with our charities, donors, community and each other. Do you want to make a difference in our local communities? Join our congenial group of capable, caring and energetic members or donate now. Together we can do so much!
Our Organization at a glance
- Over 55 years of service to our community
- 132 energetic and caring members
- One 2-pronged mission: Our South Bay children and environment
- Millions of dollars donated to numerous local philanthropies
- Unlimited commitment