Angel Society plans member event; donations top $63,000 during first half of fiscal year

FALLBROOK – The Angel Society is looking forward to celebrating another successful year, with plans underway to hold its annual meeting and luncheon for members in May.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the group's 42nd annual meeting and luncheon was postponed in 2020 and again in '21. This year, the event will be held on Thursday, May 26 at the Zion Fellowship Center in Fallbrook. The theme for this year's luncheon is "Feeling Groovy," with invitations to be mailed in April to members of the Angel Society.

"All of our directors are anxious to recognize our loyal volunteers and generous members who have been especially appreciated during these last two years," said Kelly Bednarski, first vice president and member of the luncheon committee that also includes Jennifer Anderson, Linda Carter, Mona Castro, Nancy Chapman, Eve Desborough, Judy Igoe, D'Ann Kubitz, Shelley Kuri and Joan McDowell.

Over the years, the group has held its popular event for members at various locations in the community, starting in 1979 with a "country fair" at Live Oak Park. The Angels' history begins much earlier, however, as the longtime philanthropic group was originally founded in 1956 as a chapter of Children's Home Society, a statewide adoption agency. Even then, early members raised funds through the operation of a thrift shop, located in a much smaller facility in town, sending all proceeds to San Diego for distribution.

"In 1978, realizing that there were many needs in Fallbrook itself that were not being met, members voted to become an independent charitable organization to be known as The Angel Society of Fallbrook," wrote Bonnie Bell, former historian and now deceased, who recalled the group's early days in a 1991 meeting/luncheon program.

Since its inception, the Angel Society has raised nearly $5 million for community nonprofits and other worthy causes. During the first half of its fiscal year starting on May 1, 2021 and ending on April 30, the Angels have so far given $63,300 to 28 different organizations. The funds were distributed to the following groups:

AAUW, Fallbrook chapter; Bonsall High School Senior Student Council; Bonsall Woman's Club; Fallbrook Beautification Alliance; Fallbrook Food Pantry; Fallbrook Football Boosters, Inc .; Fallbrook Land Conservancy; Fallbrook Music Society; Fallbrook Scarecrow Days; Fallbrook Sports Association; Fallbrook Youth Rugby; Feeding San Diego; Foundation for Senior Care; FUHS PTSA and Student of the Month program; FUHS boys baseball, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls tennis teams; GOT Publishing; Hope Clinic for Women; La Paloma PTA; Love On Your Back; Operation Showers of Appreciation; Potter Jr. High School PTA; REINS; and William Frazier Elementary School PTSA.

"We are very honored by the support given by residents of the Fallbrook area," said Louise Small, Angel president. "We appreciate the generous donations, the loyal shoppers and our more than a hundred volunteers. We would not be able to help so many worthy groups if not for our wonderful community working together."

Small encourages those interested in volunteering to fill out a member application, which is available at the shop or can be downloaded from the group's website. Annual membership dues are $20. "Our shop volunteers are very dedicated and extremely hard workers," Small said, encouraging students who need community service hours to apply. "Please come join us for an hour or the day," Small added.

For decades, the Angel Society has also awarded multiple scholarships to local graduating seniors who are chosen on the basis of academic merit, community service and financial need.

Applicants must be a student or a resident of the Fallbrook/Bonsall area. In addition to an application, a qualifying student must submit a personal essay, one letter of recommendation and an unofficial school transcript. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 28.

The Angel Society also awards continuing scholarships for existing college students. Applicants must be from Fallbrook/Bonsall area families, but may attend college anywhere. The criteria and application requirements are the same as for high school students, with a May 1 deadline for submissions. For application forms or more information, visit http://www.theangelsociety.org/scholarships.

In addition to proceeds from the operation of the Angel Shop, the Angel Society raises funds through member dues, as well as through building and memorial funds.

The Angel Shop, located at 1002 S. Main Ave. (corner of Main and Aviation) is open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Donations of clothing, housewares, collectibles, children's toys, and more are gratefully accepted from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For more information about the Shop or how to become a member of the Angel Society, visit http://www.theangelsociety.org or call 760-728-6513.

Submitted by the Angel Society.