Beginning in 1969, the women of Las Candalistas, a non-profit charitable organization, created an annual fundraising event called Walk on the Wild Side.  On the last Thursday and Saturday of April, guests enjoyed a specially prepared lunch, shopped for gourmet foods and crafts, and were entertained by docent skits while strolling the beautiful natural environment of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.  Each Walk on the Wild Side was uniquely planned around a new theme and anticipated by guests who attended year after year.    The final Walk on the Wild Side was held in the spring of 2011.

Today: Las Candalistas members organize two fundraisers each year.  The fall fundraiser, Entertaining for the Holidays, features inspiring presentations of holiday table decor, speakers on holiday topics, vendors, crafts and more.  It currently takes place in late October at the Promenade on the Peninsula in Rolling Hills Estates, California.  A  new spring fundraiser,  A Day in the Garden, was held for the first time on Friday, May 18, 2012, at the South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California. Guests were delighted by unique table designs, speakers on gardening/entertaining topics, a gourmet lunch, arts and crafts for sale, creative vendors and admission to the Botanic Garden.  A second Day in the Garden is planned for May 2012, also at the South Coast Botanic Garden.

Since its inception, Las Candalistas has gifted almost $2 million to local Southern California charities.  The major recipients of funds raised in 2011-2012 are:    

•  CABRILLO MARINE AQUARIUM--provide funds to support marine science education and outreach programs 
•  PEDIATRIC THERAPY NETWORK--provide scholarships for special needs children to attend Camp Escapades 
•  SHAREFEST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, INC.--provide funds to  support the Youth Development Academy

Las Candalistas is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All funds raised are used to benefit children and the environment in the South Bay.

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