Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s Action Week-Anne Banning

As Action Week for Assistance League^® of Diablo Valley arrives on February 23, the name Anne Banning echoes not only on a local level, it resonates throughout all 120 Assistance League chapters nationwide. In 1919, just over 100 years ago, she and her friend, Ada Edwards Laughlin, founded Assistance League.

Throughout February, chapter members and volunteers who serve on Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s Listen Program, a one-on-one endeavor designed to help improve individual student’s reading skills, will commemorate Anne Banning’s forward-thinking mission to provide a successful reading experience for children in need.

How appropriate that Mrs. Banning is remembered, in that she LISTENED to the needs of those who were at risk. Mrs. Banning’s vision was to provide service to all in need, regardless of their race, religion or culture.

Anne Banning’s understanding of the human condition and mastering of a cutting-edge business acumen had virtually formed the tenets of today’s American philanthropy. As a woman of wealth, Mrs. Banning could have luxuriated in its trappings but chose to invest in humanity.

As it happens, the month of March will usher in “Women in History.” Anne Banning’s name would surely grace the list of honorees.

To learn more about all of the hands-on philanthropic programs which are primarily funded by the

Assistance League Thrift Shop at the Way Side Inn, please visit this website:

assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.