National Charity League is a mother-daughter organization built around philanthropy, leadership and culture.
The National Charity League, Inc. boasts a rich history that extends back to 1925, when a group of women in Los Angeles came together to serve their community by making layettes for the American Red Cross and assembling food baskets for families in need. Over time, their daughters began participating alongside them and became known as “Ticktockers.” In 1947, the groups joined together as National Charity League, creating what became the nation’s first mother-daughter philanthropic organization.
The National Charity League, Inc. (NCL), Orange/Villa Park Chapter, is holding its annual Fashion Show on Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. Hosted by the chapter’s 11th-grade Ticktocker class, the Fashion Show features them as runway models and gives the community a chance to come together while supporting causes throughout Orange County. Proceeds from the event benefit the chapter’s philanthropy partners and help fund their ongoing needs. The Fashion Show is an important part of the Orange/Villa Park Chapter’s commitment to developing young women who understand the value of giving back.
“Our annual Fashion Show is particularly special because it brings together so many aspects of the NCL experience in one event,” said Event Chair Jana Saenz. “There is a tremendous amount of work that takes place behind the scenes, and the girls have an opportunity to see firsthand what goes into planning and executing a large event. They work together, take on responsibilities, develop leadership skills and represent our chapter, all while raising money for organizations doing important work in our community.”
Saenz said that for families, it is also a milestone event. After years of serving together, watching these young women take the stage and seeing the confidence, friendships and leadership they have developed makes the Fashion Show very memorable. The NCL is a mother-daughter organization built around three core pillars: philanthropy, leadership and culture.
“In our Orange/Villa Park Chapter, mothers and daughters serve our local community together while the girls also develop leadership skills and participate in cultural and educational experiences throughout their six years in the program,” Saenz said. “What we love about NCL is that it isn’t simply about accumulating volunteer hours. The girls are learning how to serve others, work together, organize events, communicate, lead and recognize needs within their own community — all while sharing those experiences with their mothers.”
Saenz said their hope is to continue building upon the Fashion Show while staying true to what makes it so meaningful.
“Ultimately, the goal isn’t simply to make the Fashion Show bigger each year — it is to make its impact greater,” Saenz said. “If each new class walks away understanding the importance of philanthropy, leadership and community service, while at the same time generating meaningful support for local organizations, then the Fashion Show has accomplished exactly what we hope it will.”
For tickets and information: californiaglow.givesmart.com
By Jessie Dax-Setkus
