The history and current projects of the Golden Age Foundation

by Anna Derby

LW contributor

The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) has served the Leisure World community for over 45 years. GAF is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization established in 1973 to help enhance the qualityog life for shareholders. Through the support of volunteers, individuals and organizations, GAF has organized and implemented many programs that have benefitted the community at no cost to shareholders.

Core Programs:

• The Hospitality Center, located in Clubhouse 6, serves morning coffee and snacks to of residents and provides an opportunity for shareholders to socialize and meet their neighbors (currently closed due to COVID-19)

• Income Tax Preparation program in partnership with AARP provides resources for shareholders to filing their yearly taxes.

• Free rentals of walkers and wheelchairs through Mobility Aids Program.

• Document Shredding Service to support recycling efforts and protect shareholders from identity theft.

• Battery and flourescent bulbs recycling programs to support environmental efforts.

Donations made to the community:

• Handicapped Accessible Buses

• Equipment for the hearing impaired at the new Learning Center

• Upgrading ice machines in the clubhouses so they are automated and safer to use

• $75,000 donation to help support the newly renovated gym at Clubhouse 6

• Bus benches and shelters

• Audio-Alert Traffic Signal COVID-19 Response In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the GAF worked with the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) and the City of Seal Beach to distribute approximately 40,000 face masks to shareholders and essential workers in Leisure World. To secure the masks, GAF worked with a volunteer shareholder sewing brigade to make over 5,000 cotton masks; Seal Beach businessman Frank Teng, who donated 10,000 masks; and Global Security, a Texas-based company that provided close to 24,000 disposable masks.

GAF contributed over $100,000 to support Meals on Wheels of Orange County and Meals on Wheels of Long Beach. The programs help feed shareholders who are unable to cook or shop on their own.

The GAF also provided volunteers to help facilitate the Optum/ GRF COVID-19 vaccine program.

In order to continue to support the community, GAF relies on donations from individual shareholders, groups and organizations. To help support GAF programs, send a donation to the Golden Age Foundation, P.O. Box 2369, Seal Beach, CA, 90740 (Tax ID 237273105).

To learn more about GAF, visit www.GoldenAgefdn.org.