News Summary
The Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation has unveiled a $10 million donation to support various initiatives, honoring its founder Wallis Annenberg. This funding aims to enhance community resources in arts, education, and environmental efforts, continuing her philanthropic legacy after her passing. Key projects include support for the Annenberg Community Beach House, USC internships, free performances at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and the Wildlife Crossing Fund. Annenberg, known for her immense contributions to the Los Angeles arts scene, leaves behind a lasting impact on her community.
Los Angeles – The Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation has announced a substantial $10 million gift aimed at supporting four key initiatives in honor of its founder, Wallis Annenberg, who passed away in late July. This donation is the foundation’s first major philanthropic initiative since her death and reflects the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that Wallis Annenberg’s projects continue to flourish beyond her lifetime.
The allocated funds will support a variety of notable initiatives: the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, student internships at Wallis Annenberg Hall at the University of Southern California (USC), free and low-cost performances for underserved audiences at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, and the Wildlife Crossing Fund in Agoura Hills. Additionally, the Foundation, under Wallis Annenberg’s earlier direction, will continue to back two flagship projects: Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, which provides community resources for older adults, and Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, an animal adoption center combined with educational and community programming.
Wallis Annenberg passed away at the age of 86 following complications related to lung cancer. Known for her extensive philanthropic work, she dedicated her life to initiatives in the arts, education, environmental issues, and animal welfare. Wallis Annenberg served as the chair, president, and chief executive of the Annenberg Foundation, which was established by her father, Walter Annenberg, in 1989.
Under her leadership, the Annenberg Foundation distributed approximately $1.5 billion to various organizations in the Los Angeles area, significantly impacting the arts landscape. Among her many contributions, she supported the Donor Circle at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and was instrumental in creating the Annenberg Space for Photography. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in 2013, is a notable achievement reflecting her dedication to cultural accessibility.
The foundation bears her name on several important structures, including the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center and the Annenberg Community Beach House, underscoring her lasting impact on the community. Her efforts extended to environmental initiatives such as the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project designed to enable safe passage for animals across the busy 101 Freeway.
Wallis Annenberg is survived by her four children: Lauren Bon, Roger Annenberg Weingarten, Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, and Charles Annenberg Weingarten. Her legacy has been recognized not only through her philanthropic efforts but also by national acknowledgment; she was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Biden in 2022 for her commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape.
The board of directors of the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, which includes three of her children, is dedicated to preserving Wallis Annenberg’s vision and expanding access to the arts for all communities in Los Angeles. This recent $10 million contribution marks a significant continuation of her philanthropic journey, ensuring that her values and commitment to community service endure into the future.
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Additional Resources
- New York Times
- Wikipedia: Wallis Annenberg
- Los Angeles Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philanthropy
- Hollywood Reporter
- Google News: Wallis Annenberg
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
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