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The
1990s were a decade of significant change in the organization. The
Champions Foundation was founded through contributions from Marukin
Corporation, owners of the Riviera Country Club. Since its inception,
the Foundation has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable
contributions towards community service projects such as Hollenbeck
Youth Center, Inner-City Arts, Heart of Los Angeles, and Art Center
College of Design. Additionally, Richard Riordan jointly established
with the Junior Chamber the Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development
in November 1990 - a program which teaches young professionals nonprofit
and board governance.
 In
an effort to encompass the entire Los Angeles community and promote
positive achievement and interaction amongst young people in areas
other than athletics, the Games established a scholarship program
for young people dedicated to serving the community through volunteerism,
and has awarded more than $295,000 in scholarships since its inception
in 1992.
The mid-90s saw the beginning of construction on the new home of
the LAJCC - the 63,000 square foot Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
building. Responding to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, the Junior
Chamber along with L.A.'s Best opened an after school enrichment
program at Napa Street Elementary School. Richard Riordan was in
attendance at the opening and presentation of $62,500 to the school
from the Junior Chamber and Riviera Country Club.
The following years focused on structuring the Junior Chamber by
instituting a Projects Committee and updating all Policies and Procedures.
The Junior Chamber also decided to focus funds in specific areas,
and worked on building long-term external partnerships and volunteer
opportunities.
The late 90s marked the beginning of the Give-A-Day To LA program,
which helped the mission of the Junior Chamber reflect individual
community service by having members give 24 hours of service. A
partnership with neighboring Evelyn Thurman Gratts Elementary school
began with projects including a Winter Wonderland Carnival, Back
To School Festival, and Art Fest.
 
The
end of the decade has demonstrated the progress of the Junior Chamber:
the acquisition of the stewardship of the Urban Youth Golf Program,
the 35th Annual Foster Family Picnic, the 32nd Annual L.A. Watts
Summer Games, with the institution of the Florence Griffith Joyner
Award for outstanding contribution to athletics, and the incredible
growth of the Nissan Open purse from $10,000 in 1924 to $2,400,000
in 1999. The LAJCC now consists of more than 600 members, thousands
of volunteers and 22 full-time staff.
continue:
1920s - 1930s
- 1940s - 1950s
- 1960s - 1970s
- 1980s- 1990s - Today! |
