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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.

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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

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Our Sponsors

Click on Logos for More Info

Bombas
Chefdora
DianeStone
Foto
Kelly Laura
Modern Jewelers
Palos Verdes Magazine
Wander Africa
Water Replenishment
Wyland Foundation
TheNesicolaciFamilyFoundation

Social News

Las Candalistas

Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas5 days ago
Thank you The Comedy and Magic Club for hosting our FUNdraiser! We had a blast as well and so appreciate your community involvement. All the talent was amazing and had us laughing nonstop, special shout out to our friend Gary Cannon and we were thrilled to see Brian Kiley again. Your staff is the best, we were very well taken care of. Thank you again for supporting us, we’ll be back!😘
Las Candalistas
What a night! 🎉 We had an absolute blast hosting the Las Candalistas Benefit—a sold-out show filled with nonstop laughs, surprises, and great energy from start to finish. Huge love to @vondecarlo , who crushed it as our emcee and kept the room buzzing all night. @kileybriancomic brought big laughs and sharp wit, @cannoncomedy2025 delivered killer punchlines and classic comedy moments, and @adamferrara absolutely owned the stage with his unique, hilarious style. And of course, the magical touch of @chipperlowell left everyone amazed and smiling. Most of all, a heartfelt thank you to @lascandalistas for choosing The Comedy and Magic Club for your fundraiser. We’re honored to be part of such a fun and meaningful night—laughter for a great cause is always a win. Can’t wait to do it again! 💖✨ #ComedyAndMagicClub #LasCandalistas #SoldOutShow #ComedyForACause #LiveComedy
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Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas7 days ago
We had the honor to have a visit from Toberman Neighborhood Center at our January General Meeting! We have enjoyed a long-time relationship with this amazing philanthropy (which has been in existence for over 150 years) and are excited to support them again this year.

Toberman offers many programs which are vital to our South Bay Community such as: College Corner, Community Violence Prevention and Intervention, Family Source Center, Free Tax Prep, and Food Pantry. Las Candalistas is specifically supporting their Food Pantry this year. Toberman's vision is the belief that together, we can create a world of hope, opportunity, and empowerment for all. Thank you Toberman Neighborhood Center, for all you do! We are Better Together!❤️

You can help us support Toberman Neighborhood Center, and other South Bay philanthropies by attending our Spring Fundraiser. 🤠Save the Date for 'Fistful of Dollars for a Cause.' Saturday, April 18th, at the Empty Saddle Club. It's a Spaghetti Western theme! Stay tuned at www.lascandalistas.org/event/spring2026/ All the details coming soon! You won't want to miss this fun event, featuring South Bay music favorites Andy & Renee & Hard Rain!

Pictured: Linda Belzer and Nita Birnbaum, Las Candalistas VPs of Philanthropy; Dr. Lupe Rivera, Toberman Chief Executive Officer; Las Candalistas President Lorri Mino; Mariela Luna, Director of Family Source Center, Toberman.
#bettertogether #nonprofits #nonprofitsforchildren #southbay #palosverdespeninsula
Las Candalistas
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Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas1 week ago
🤠Join us for our rootin' tootin' Spaghetti Western themed Spring Fundraiser.........

A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS FOR A CAUSE! 💵

🗓️Mark your calendars, you won't want to miss this unforgettable event: Saturday, April 18th, 2026; 5:00-9:30 at the unique Empty Saddle Club. Stay tuned at www.lascandalistas.org/event/spring2026/ All the details coming soon! Ticket sales open February 23rd 😃

Featuring: South Bay musical favorites Andy & Renee & Hard Rain; Our MC for the evening, comedian Gary Cannon; Catering by LC favorite Chef Dora Presents! Plus exciting Silent and Live Auctions, a fun Gift Card Pull, Photo Ops,and more!

BECOME A PARTNER ❤️
We're seeking sponsors, donors, and underwriters to help make this event a success. Your generous support is 100% tax-deductible, and we would be much obliged for your partnership.
For more information, please visit www.lascandalistas.org/sponsors/ or you can drop us a line at lascandalistas@gmail.com

Please help us help our 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 TrinityCare Foundation (LA & Orange); Rainbow Services DV; Sage; South Bay Children's Health Center; South Coast Botanic Garden; Toberman Neighborhood Center

Thank you to our Sponsors and Community Partners: The Nesicolaci Family Foundation; Supervisor Janice Hahn; Kelly & Laura "Sisters SOLD on the South Bay"; Chef Dora Presents; Diane Stone, Real Estate Agent at Compass; Water Replenishment District of Southern California; Wander Africa; Modern Jewelers; Wyland Foundation; ; Bombas

Thank you for your support, we look forward to seeing you at our fundraiser!
#bettertogether #southbay #palosverdespeninsula #spaghettiwesternfundraiser
#nonprofits #fundraiser #nonprofitsforchildren
Las Candalistas
1016View on Facebook
Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas3 weeks ago
Thank you San Pedro Chamber of Commerce! We’re excited to be a member!
Las Candalistas
We'd like to take this moment to thank Las Candalistas for their membership! Las Candalistas are an independent nonprofit philanthropic corporation dedicated to raising funds to support children and protect the environment in the South Bay.
#sanpedro #chamberofcommerce #business #entrepreneurs #partnership #communications #community #outreach #2025 #supportlocalbusinesses #smallbusiness #southbay #membership #proud #support #losangeles #instagram #businessesofinstagram
131View on Facebook
Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas1 month ago
This holiday season, Las Candalistas members came together in an extraordinary way to support families in need through our Adopt-A-Family program. Thanks to our members overwhelming generosity, we were able to bring joy, warmth, and hope to 3 of our Philanthropy’s households, who may have otherwise gone without.

Each adopted family received personalized gifts, essential items, and grocery support tailored to their unique needs. These contributions not only brightened the holidays for our recipients but also reminded them that they are valued members of our community.

In addition, we also delivered over 200 toiletry bags items filled with necessities to women and men in local shelters. This has been a Las Candalistas tradition for many years!

Pictured (along with lucky Las Candalistas members who got to play Santa) are Tara Nierenhausen, Executive Director of Community's Child; Lina Takeda, Executive Directive of Family Promise of Los Angeles; and Norma Gonzalez, Bilingual Cancer Support Navigator, along with Christine Byrne, Development Director, of Cancer Support Community South Bay.

Please visit our website www.lascandalistas.org to learn more about our group and how you can help us continue to support these amazing philanthropes.

And mark your calendar! We are excited to announce our Spring Fundraising Event will be held Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at one of our favorite venues, the very fun Empty Saddle Club! All the details coming soon!!!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!
#bettertogether #adoptafamily #palosverdespeninsula #southbay #holidaygiving #nonprofitsforchildren
Las Candalistas
102View on Facebook
Las Candalistas
Las Candalistas1 month ago
We love Community's Child and are grateful for them and all they do!
Las Candalistas
Thank you to Las Candalistas for your continued support. We appreciate you for adopting a family this Christmas. God bless everyone who was a blessing!
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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
☆☆☆☆☆