New Chapter House for Assistance League debuts in Hollywood
RIBBON-CUTTING makes the new Chapter House official. From left are Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, Lisa Wierwille, Melanie Merians, Adrienne Seltzer, Kathy Balzer, Leron Gubler, Denise Simon.
Assistance League of Los Angeles has created a new Chapter House in Hollywood at 6640 Sunset Blvd. The official ribbon-cutting on Nov. 18 was hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Mitch O’Farrell spoke and helped cut the ribbon.
“The League has partnered with the Hollywood community since the early days of the film industry,” commented Board President Adrienne Seltzer of Hancock Park. In the early years, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks were big supporters and fundraisers for the League. Seltzer continued, “How fitting that the new Chapter House contributes to the beautification of Hollywood while fulfilling our mission to help homeless, foster and impoverished children.”
The welcoming modern space of the new Chapter House was designed for the organization’s programming needs. The open floor plan of the upper level has high ceilings with the original 1930s bow-truss beams. That floor houses the business offices, a boardroom, and a retractable wall that opens onto a deck, giving the entire space an airy feel. Portraits of the League founders, Anne Banning and Ada Edwards Laughlin, overlook today’s volunteers.
The lower level is where the organization’s programming happens. It’s filled with cubbies housing colorful clothes, shelves stacked with books and games, backpacks stuffed with essential items, and bright furnishings where kids can sit. A bonus to this building is its on-site storage for all the in-kind donations received by the League, making it much easier for the volunteers to keep items stocked.
The League was started more than 100 years ago by Banning and Laughlin, both of Hancock Park. They wanted to serve the needy children of Los Angeles. This continues to be the organization’s focus. As Kai Tramiel, senior director of membership and community engagement said, “(We) carry the founders’ legacy as best we can — transitioning as needed over the years.” The League is always looking for new members. Visit assistanceleaguela.org.
Category: People