Celebrating a Visionary: Wallis Annenberg's Enduring Legacy in Los Angeles

A New Commemorative Day for Los Angeles

Los Angeles has officially established July 15 as Wallis Annenberg Day. This new annual observance celebrates the life and extensive philanthropic efforts of Wallis Annenberg, whose profound generosity significantly benefited countless organizations across the city. The date coincides with what would have been her 87th birthday, marking a fitting tribute to her enduring influence.

Collaborative Recognition Across Key Cities

The establishment of Wallis Annenberg Day is a joint declaration by the County of Los Angeles, along with the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills. This collaborative effort underscores the widespread recognition of Annenberg's impactful contributions. Plans are in motion for a special event to inaugurate this milestone, with a celebration scheduled at Santa Monica's Annenberg Community Beach House.

Gathering of Community Leaders and Beneficiaries

The forthcoming celebration is expected to draw a diverse array of attendees, including prominent civic leaders, representatives from various nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, dedicated educators, celebrated artists, and numerous community members, alongside Annenberg's family and friends. This assembly will collectively honor her memory and the lasting positive change she inspired.

Annenberg Foundation's Guiding Principles

In a joint statement, the board of the Annenberg Foundation highlighted Wallis Annenberg's core belief: that communities thrive when individuals invest in one another. They emphasized her deep affection for Los Angeles and her steadfast conviction in its future. Her philanthropic endeavors were consistently driven by a spirit of inquiry, profound empathy, and an unyielding dedication to broadening opportunities for all.

A Billion-Dollar Impact and Enduring Institutions

Through the foundation bearing her name, Wallis Annenberg is credited with donating over $1.5 billion to thousands of organizations throughout Southern California. Her legacy is visibly enshrined in various institutions, including the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace senior center, and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Notably, she also spearheaded the creation of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, recognized as the world's largest bridge designed for animal migration, facilitating wildlife movement across an L.A. freeway. A long-standing board member of both the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Annenberg received numerous honors, including the National Humanities Medal from then-President Joe Biden in 2022.