On Wednesday, April 2-4, the National Charity League (NCL) proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary with a Centennial Celebration Conference. This milestone event honored a century of service, leadership, and the enduring legacy of multi-generational connections that have defined NCL’s mission since its founding in 1925. From its inception in Los Angeles, NCL has flourished with more than 230,000 mothers and daughters volunteering to support philanthropic initiatives nationwide, providing nearly 100 million dollars in fiscal impact this year. NCL donates 3 million hours annually to more than 6,000 charities across the US and heartily practices philanthropy, the active effort to promote human welfare.
“It was wonderful to be included in their 100-year celebration, and I was honored to be the keynote speaker and a part of the discussion panel they curated,” Emmy Award winner Debbie Allen said. “Everything this organization stands for, the way they improve people’s quality of life, and the fact that it’s mothers and daughters doing the work together, I did not hesitate at the opportunity to support them.”
Allen is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, singer, director, and producer, best known for her work in the musical-drama television series Fame, A Different World, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Allen highlighted during the panel discussion that women have come a long way from when she first started in the entertainment industry to now, stating, “The pool was filled with the majority of men, and now the ladies can throw a pool party with no man in sight.” Allen’s sister, Phylicia Rashad, and niece, Condola Rashad, are prominent figures in the acting industry.
Allen’s philanthropy work starts with her non-profit organization, Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles, using dance, theater, and performance to enrich, inspire, and transform the lives of her Black and Latino students. She also started her Dancing for the Lights program, a free outreach program for people affected by the wildfires to have the ability to decompress from tragedy through dance.
Nancy Dean, the CEO of NCL, is extremely grateful to be part of the organization’s history as they celebrated 100 years. “ My daughter and I were affiliated with the organization and eventually became members over the last 15 years. I became the CEO in 2020, and it’s been an amazing experience.”
NCL has amassed over 200,000 members, created over 294 chapters in 32 states, and has raised over 86 million dollars in funding to support its philanthropy work since 2021. Their philanthropy partners included Meals on Wheels, the American Heart Association, Feeding America Food Banks, Operation Gratitude, and the Humane Society, among many others.
“Giving back has a lasting impact not only for people receiving but for the mothers and daughters giving. The values and morals instilled into these young ladies are immerseable and put them on a path where they can do meaningful things for the community.” Dean talked about the impact philanthropy can have on people. “These experiences create a space for mother and daughters to have meaningful conversations that can foster and build their bond, but also impact the mental make-up of the child.” To learn more about NCL, visit their website at nationalcharityleague.org. You can also learn more about Debbie Allen and her philanthropy by visiting www.debbieallendanceacademy.com/outreach.