How It All Began

Since 1938, Las Floristas has remained unwavering in our mission to help children with physical and cognitive challenges reach their full potential and lead proud, independent, and meaningful lives. We work hand in hand with Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center to provide life-changing resources for children and young adults.

Our Roots

Las Floristas began on February 16, 1938, when a group of philanthropic women gathered in the home of Mrs. John Fredericks. Led by Mrs. Thomas Mainwaring and Mrs. Homer Toberman, they founded the Junior Flower Guild, a branch of the National Plant, Flower and Fruit Guild. With 42 charter members, their first initiative was civic beautification—and that same year, they hosted the inaugural Floral Headdress Ball at famed Viktor Hugo restaurant to raise funds for local causes. The King’s Daughters Day Nursery became their first beneficiary. Within the year, the group had branched off as an independent nonprofit and adopted the name Las Floristas, meaning “sharers of flowers.”

Growing Our Impact

Over the years, as the community’s needs evolved, so did Las Floristas. In 1951, following the successful completion of a new home for the King’s Daughters Nursery School in Palms, the organization identified a new opportunity to make a difference: supporting children with communication challenges. This led to the launch of the Las Floristas Preschool Speech Clinic on the University of Southern California (USC) campus.

In 1974, we deepened our focus on children with special needs by founding the Las Floristas Children’s Clinics at both County-USC Hospital and Rancho Los Amigos Medical Centers—marking the start of a lifelong partnership with Rancho that continues to this day.

More than just raising funds, Las Floristas members have always played a personal role in the lives of the children we serve. Our commitment to hands-on care and our shared purpose has created a legacy of lifelong friendships and generational service.

A Legacy That Keeps Growing

In 2016, Los Angeles County broke ground on a $418 million campus renovation at Rancho Los Amigos, reaffirming its status as one of the nation’s premier rehabilitation hospitals. As Rancho expands, so does our role—and our determination—to serve more children in more meaningful ways.

Today, as we reflect on our more than $15 million raised and our place as the second-oldest, all women-led, fully charitable organization in Los Angeles, we remain committed to creating a brighter, more inclusive future for children with special needs.