Our National History
The history of National Charity
League can be traced back to 1925 when a small group of women in Los
Angeles, California, who were interested in philanthropic work, met
together and called themselves The Charity League. They worked quietly,
doing Red Cross work, making layettes and assembling and delivering
baskets of food to the hungry at holiday times. Sometimes they brought
their daughters with them. By 1938, so many daughters had become
involved that they decided to form their own group. They chose the name
of Ticktockers. The group met at 10:00 a.m. each Saturday
morning...hence the Ticktocker logo clock is set at this time.
In 1947, these groups united to
become the first mother-daughter charity and took their present name,
National Charity League. At that time, the mothers also took their
name, Patronesses. The newly formed group incorporated as a non-profit
corporation solely for philanthropic, cultural and social purposes. In
1949, the first Coronet Debutante Ball was held at the Beverly Hills
Hotel with 27 girls presented.
Over the next ten years, NCL
was reorganized and incorporated as National Charity League, Inc. in
1958 for the specific purpose of creating a corporation, which would
encourage the establishment of chapters. Gold and White became the
official NCL colors and the Yellow Rose became the official NCL flower.
The first "Chapter Day" was held in 1959; the first NCL Convention was
held the following year. These meetings brought the growing membership
together fo an exchange of ideas and support.
Today, National Charity League,
Inc.'s membership stands at a healthy 33,000 plus, with over 135
chapters located in 15 states. Our chapters are geographically divided
into 5 Regions across the United States and further divided into 14
Districts. NCL, Inc. is governed by a 16 member volunteer Board of
Directors who meets 5 times a year. The voting body of the
organization, the National Council, meets annually in the Spring to
conduct National business. The National Council is composed of the
National Board of Directors, Standing Committee Chairmen of NCL, Inc.,
District Directors and Chartered Chapter Presidents. Each member of the
National Council is entitled to one vote. In order to allow the
National Council Board of Directors to maintain its governing
responsibilities, a full time paid Executive Director and a National
Headquarters, located in Costa Mesa, California, became a reality in
2006.
Through its philanthropic
projects, NCL provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for mothers
(Patronesses) and daughters (Ticktockers) to improve the lives of others
while enhancing their own relationships and potentials.
By recognizing the unique
experiences and conditions of girls and women in our communities and in
our nation, NCL is able to provide an environment for focused learning,
discovery, charity and supportive growth during the adolescent years.
Mothers collectively embracing their daughters through NCL, with love
and commitment, help to ensure these young female leaders will stand
solidly today and into the future.