About Us

Las Candalistas is a 100% volunteer nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to benefiting children and the environment in the South Bay of Los Angeles County. It all began in 1967 when a group of enterprising women formed a nonprofit auxiliary to help raise funds for the Child Guidance Clinic of the South Bay Children’s Health Center in Torrance, California. Because our original fundraising effort was selling beeswax candles, it was decided to call the group Las Candalistas — “The Candle Lighters.”  Committed to supporting children and the environment in the South Bay community, the group quickly moved beyond selling candles. The name, Las Candalistas, took on a new meaning as we became leaders in community service — expanding our fundraising activities and the philanthropies we serve. Las Candalistas continued success led the group to incorporate as an independent nonprofit organization in 1989. 

Since its inception, Las Candalistas has donated millions of dollars to philanthropies focused on children and the environment in the Los Angeles South Bay community. We have also been recognized for our contributions and our ongoing partnerships with the philanthropies we serve. This recognition includes Community Service Organization of the Year, awarded to us by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in November of 2018 and the South Bay “Making A Difference Award in September of 2022. Las Candalistas’ strong commitment to its mission continues, and we welcome new members, donors and sponsors. Please partner with us to make a difference in our South Bay communities.

Tax ID 95-4270483