Nikkei >> Philanthropic association in Long Beach installs first Japanese American board president

Annette “Faye” (Kushi) Alperin was installed as the 70th president of Assistance League of Long Beach, a philanthropic association, on May 24 at the group’s annual meeting and luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Long Beach. Alperin is the first Japanese American board president.

In her speech to 240 members and guests she reflected on the values of the Assistance League founders whose purpose was giving service to others in need.  Those original service programs have now evolved to include Operation School Bell, which provides new, free school uniforms to children in need, and the Orthodontic Program located in the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation Orthodontic Center, which provides high quality, affordable orthodontic care to children in the Long Beach area.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Assistance League of Long Beach, the largest Assistance League chapter in the nation.

Alperin’s theme for the year is “Celebrate the Journey” and several celebratory events are planned, including an Open House in April, 2011.  However, her goals for the year show that she is not just looking to the past, but to the future.

Strengthening the philanthropic programs to fulfill community needs, broadening the organization’s financial support base to support the programs now and into the future, and developing collaborative relationships with community supporters are several of her goals.

Alperin has had her own journey as a member of Assistance League since 1994.  She has participated in The Kids on the Block, puppetry programs that deal with social issues such as bullying and cultural diversity; Operation School Bell; the Scholarship program that provides funds to deserving California State University, Long Beach and Long Beach City College students; and ALa Carte, the program that brings creative art and crafts to the bedsides of young patients at Miller Children’s Hospital.

In addition, she has mentored several members of Assisteens, the teen auxiliary of Assistance League.  She chaired the Research and Evaluation Committee, the Grants Committee, two major fundraising events, and edited the organization’s newsletter.

She has served on the Board of Directors as President-Elect, Vice President Resource Development and Press and Public Relations Chairman.  She brings many years of successful volunteer and leadership experience to the office of president through her experience with Long Beach Unified School District volunteer activities, Girl Scouts, and Rancho Los Cerritos.  Prior to becoming active with Assistance League, Alperin was a teacher with the Long Beach Unified School District after graduating from California State University, Long Beach.

Mission Statement:  Assistance League of Long Beach is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to create a community of volunteers to identify and deliver philanthropic services.

Nikkei >> Influential philanthropic association in Long Beach installs first Japanese American board president

Annette “Faye” (Kushi) Alperin was installed as the 70th president of Assistance League of Long Beach, an influential philanthropic association, on May 24 at the group’s annual meeting and luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Long Beach. Alperin is the first Japanese American board president.

In her speech to 240 members and guests she reflected on the values of the Assistance League founders whose purpose was giving service to others in need.  Those original service programs have now evolved to include Operation School Bell, which provides new, free school uniforms to children in need, and the Orthodontic Program located in the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation Orthodontic Center, which provides high quality, affordable orthodontic care to children in the Long Beach area.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Assistance League of Long Beach, the largest Assistance League chapter in the nation.

Alperin’s theme for the year is “Celebrate the Journey” and several celebratory events are planned, including an Open House in April, 2011.  However, her goals for the year show that she is not just looking to the past, but to the future.

Strengthening the philanthropic programs to fulfill community needs, broadening the organization’s financial support base to support the programs now and into the future, and developing collaborative relationships with community supporters are several of her goals.

Alperin has had her own journey as a member of Assistance League since 1994.  She has participated in The Kids on the Block, puppetry programs that deal with social issues such as bullying and cultural diversity; Operation School Bell; the Scholarship program that provides funds to deserving California State University, Long Beach and Long Beach City College students; and ALa Carte, the program that brings creative art and crafts to the bedsides of young patients at Miller Children’s Hospital.

In addition, she has mentored several members of Assisteens, the teen auxiliary of Assistance League.  She chaired the Research and Evaluation Committee, the Grants Committee, two major fundraising events, and edited the organization’s newsletter.

She has served on the Board of Directors as President-Elect, Vice President Resource Development and Press and Public Relations Chairman.  She brings many years of successful volunteer and leadership experience to the office of president through her experience with Long Beach Unified School District volunteer activities, Girl Scouts, and Rancho Los Cerritos.  Prior to becoming active with Assistance League, Alperin was a teacher with the Long Beach Unified School District after graduating from California State University, Long Beach.

Mission Statement:  Assistance League of Long Beach is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to create a community of volunteers to identify and deliver philanthropic services.