The ADA award is named for Mrs. Ada Edwards Laughlin who joined Anne Banning in the original plan for Assistance League. Mrs. Banning was elected President and Mrs. Laughlin, Vice President. This was in 1919. In addition, Ada Edwards Laughlin was involved in many philanthropic and cultural endeavors in the City of Los Angeles as well as being associated with the Red Cross and many war efforts during WW1.

Our original “Ada” was quite a business woman as well as a visionary. It is said that she was the administrator of ideas and money for the Assistance League until her retirement in 1948 Ada Edwards Laughlin was the inspiration for the award that is still granted today in many Assistance League Chapters to their member who contributes significantly behind the scenes – an unsung hero. It is in this spirit that the award is presented