News Summary
Wallis Annenberg, a prominent philanthropist known for her contributions to the arts and environment in Los Angeles, has died at 86 due to lung cancer. As the president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation, she led philanthropic efforts that donated over $1.5 billion to various causes. An advocate for wildlife conservation and community support, her legacy includes cultural institutions and significant donations aimed at various social needs. Tributes have poured in, acknowledging her impact and vision for a kinder world.
Los Angeles
Wallis Annenberg, a renowned philanthropist and advocate for the arts and environment in Southern California, died on Monday at her home in Los Angeles due to complications from lung cancer. She was 86 years old. Annenberg, the heiress of her father’s vast publishing empire, played a pivotal role in shaping philanthropic efforts across Los Angeles County.
After the death of her father, Walter Annenberg, in 2002, Wallis Annenberg became the president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation, an organization she led for 16 years. Founded in 1989, the foundation holds approximately $1.2 billion in assets and has donated around $1.5 billion to numerous nonprofits and organizations throughout Los Angeles County under her leadership.
During her tenure, Annenberg expanded the foundation’s focus beyond its traditional areas of media, arts, and education to encompass animal welfare, environmental conservation, and healthcare initiatives. One of her most notable contributions is the $25 million donation earmarked for the upcoming Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills, designed to help wildlife safely navigate highways.
Contributions to Arts and Education
Annenberg’s influence is evident in her establishment of several cultural institutions throughout Los Angeles. These include the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, and the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica. She also championed educational initiatives, notably contributing $120 million to create the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California.
Impact on the Community
Annenberg’s philanthropic efforts extended to enhancing public spaces, making the arts and various community resources more accessible to residents. Following the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, she demonstrated her commitment to community welfare by donating $100,000 to support survivors of the disaster.
Legacy and Tributes
Wallis Annenberg leaves behind her four children and five grandchildren. Her belief in the importance of community and human connections has left a lasting mark on those she touched. She frequently emphasized that while financial resources are significant, it is the people who make a real difference.
Tributes have poured in from public officials, acknowledging her visionary leadership and enduring impact on Los Angeles. California Governor Gavin Newsom recognized her as a “visionary who believed not just in a better world, but in a kinder one.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed that her passing is a profound loss for the city, highlighting the significant void left by her contributions.
Wallis Annenberg’s life and work exemplify the vital role of philanthropy in fostering cultural development, environmental stewardship, and community support in Los Angeles. Her extensive contributions to the region will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Wallis Annenberg
- The New York Times
- Google Search: Wallis Annenberg
- ABC7 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philanthropy
- Variety
- Google News: Wallis Annenberg
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
