Santa Ynez Chapter serves more than 14 local philanthropies with hands-on support
By Pamela Dozois
Contributing Writer
The National Charity League, Inc. (NCL), Santa Ynez Valley Chapter presented the graduating class of 2023 on Sunday, April 23, at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church to celebrate and recognize its six years of community service.
The mother-daughter teams volunteer throughout the community with multiple philanthropic organizations, including Friendship House, People Helping People, Solvang/Buellton Parks and Recreation, just to name a few.
This year’s graduates are Ava Hamaoui, Zoë Kazali, Mae Urquidez (Dunn School), Lily Mazza, Hannah Allen, Khaki Allen, Quinby Janes (Dunn), Sophia Lawrence (Dunn), Allie Linane, and Gabbie Robles. Most of the girls will be graduating from Dunn School and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School this spring.
Gabbie Robles, who is also currently the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation Queen, received the award for the most community service/philanthropy hours, almost 400 hours.
Several students expressed their appreciation for what they have learned and accomplished during their time with the National Charity League.
“Santa Ynez National Charity League has been a part of my life for the past five years,” said Allie Linane, NCL graduate. “During this time, I have learned about leadership, serving in various roles from parliamentarian, secretary, and president. I have been exposed to cultural events such as teas, theater and opera. I have seen areas of my community that needed help and was able to volunteer my time to help make a difference. I have done all of this with an amazing group of girls that I am so grateful to call my friends. NCL kept us connected for years and I am so thankful for that. I am happy to have been a part of the National Charity League and appreciate all of the hard work from the moms that make it possible.”
“NCL has taught me that no matter how small your actions may seem, you can always make a positive difference in your community or in someone’s life,” said Ava Hamaoui, a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. “Living in such a small town, it is really special being able to observe and experience first-hand the impact NCL makes.”
“My time in National Charity League has taught me great leadership skills, to appreciate and learn about culture, how to serve my community, and, above all, how to build meaningful relationships and support others,” said Mae Urquidez of Dunn School. “I am so grateful that I have been a part of this wonderful organization that has shaped me into who I am today.”
Established in Los Angeles in 1925, and incorporated in 1958, the National Charity League, Inc. is the nation’s premier mother-daughter nonprofit organization. The Santa Ynez Chapter was organized in 1994 and serves more than 14 local philanthropies with hands-on support.
By incorporating mission-based programming, National Charity League develops socially responsible community leaders and strengthens the mother-daughter bond through philanthropy, culture, and leadership. Through the mother-daughter relationship, with focus on NCL, the organization strives to develop strong women leaders serving and impacting communities today and for generations to come.
The NCL honors the mother-daughter bond by together learning, growing and modeling responsibility and graciousness. It empowers women with the skills and confidence to lead. It nurtures through mentorship, inspires a legacy of social awareness and compassion, provides a depth of support in local communities and integrity and excellence in everything they do. National Charity League recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences to meet the needs of the communities it serves.
Currently, the philanthropic organization has over 200,000 members and alumnae in hundreds of chapters across the nation. Last year, members contributed more than 2.7 million volunteer hours to more than 6,000 local philanthropy partners and their chapters, resulting in a $68.7 million fiscal impact. National Charity League will proudly celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2025.
For more information on how to get involved, visit nationalcharityleague.org.
Feature Image:
The National Charity League graduating class of 2023 are (from left) Ava Hamaoui, Zoë Kazali, Mae Urquidez, Lily Mazza, Hannah Allen, Khaki Allen, Quinby Janes, Sophia Lawrence, Allie Linane, and Gabbie Robles. Contributed Photo
