Our foundation is proud to be well into its second half-century.  In 1954, the death of the original Los Angeles Daily News put about 100 journalists out of work.  The Greater Los Angeles Press Club was determined to find a way to help them through their tough financial time.  To do that, the Club formed this foundation. The organization became independent in 1956.

The initial need for quick funding to help those out of work newspaper men and women of the 50’s was great, and the Press Club turned to the Hollywood community for help.  Large sums came from big stars.   Current Foundation Chairman Bob Krauch says they included Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, along with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.  Krauch adds:  “The stars appeared at gala fund raisers that netted the Foundation more than two-hundred thousand dollars.”

With that, this foundation started on its long road of helping those in the journalism profession, both print and broadcast and now the web, who were temporarily in financial distress.  Bob Krauch explains: “You would have to experience a situation that was unexpected, and you could be helped by a quick fix grant from the 8-Ball Welfare Foundation.”

The foundation continues to provide many thousands of dollars a year to those who gratefully receive the funds to put their lives in order by paying for food, housing and medical costs and other necessary expenses.

Funds to cover both our grant and administrative costs come from our many members who donate on an annual basis to help colleagues, whether known to them or not, to better survive the tough times.  We are truly a safety net to the journalism community. 

When funding allows, the 8-Ball Welfare Foundation is now also helping journalism students with limited grants to journalism schools in the Greater Los Angeles area.  The money assists students who otherwise might be forced to drop out of school.