BCHD logo in white

Beach Cities Health Foundation

Together, We Can Build a Healthier Community

Our Foundation

For more than 70 years, Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) has been dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our community. Through its charitable arm, the Beach Cities Health Foundation, this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports a range of impactful programs and campaigns, including youth mental health services at allcove, healthy aging and prevention at the Center for Health & Fitness (CHF), and spreading holiday cheer through the Holiday Gift Bags program.

Your donation supports youth, families and older adults across the Beach Cities — helping every generation thrive.

Focused on Wellness & Charitable Giving Since 1955

1955

Architect’s sketch of proposed hospital. Source: Los Angeles Times 1958.
Architect’s sketch of proposed hospital. Source: Los Angeles Times 1958.

Residents of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach vote to create the South Bay Hospital District, recognizing the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare in the Beach Cities.

1960

South Bay Hospital opens with 146 beds, offering emergency, maternity, and general medical care to serve the growing Beach Cities community. Community members launch the South Bay Hospital Auxiliary to support hospital operations and patient care through fundraising and volunteerism.

1984

South Bay Hospital, 1992. Source: Gnerre 2015 (Daily Breeze)
South Bay Hospital, 1992. Source: Gnerre 2015 (Daily Breeze)

In 1984, the hospital was leased to an outside management company, reflecting a shift toward privatized operations as community hospitals faced rising financial pressures.

1998

Beach Cities Health District logo in gold on a wood panel

South Bay Hospital closes, and following California Senate Bill 1169, which reclassified hospital districts as health care districts, South Bay Hospital District officially becomes Beach Cities Health District, shifting its focus to community-based preventive health care. BCHD launches their annual Holiday Gift Bag Program to assemble and deliver gift bags to older adults in need.

2010

Blue Zone District representatives

BCHD is selected as a Blue Zones Project community, committing to promote healthier lifestyles through environmental changes and policy initiatives; other key programs already thriving include Care Management and LiveWell Kids.

2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BCHD launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund bringing emergency resources and support to the South Bay community.

2022

Youth playing instruments and singing

allcove Beach Cities opens as a youth mental health and wellness center, marking BCHD’s shift toward more accessible, youth-centered care and addressing the growing need for mental health support in the community.

Now

A group of people at the beach, waving.

BCHD provides more than 40 programs and services aimed at improving mental and physical health, nutrition, and community wellness across the Beach Cities.

Watch this video from the Palo Alto-based Central allcove Team showing how allcove is impacting mental health for young people throughout California, and how you can support their mission.  

The Beach Cities Health Foundation makes it easy to support the health and well-being of our community in a way that works for you. 

Your gift can support youth mental health at allcove Beach Cities, community wellness at the Center for Health & Fitness, Holiday Gift Bags and more than 40 programs and services across Beach Cities Health District. 

Ways to Give 

Make a Gift 

Make a one-time gift or provide ongoing support with a monthly or quarterly donation. You can choose to support a specific program or campaign or make an undesignated gift to help address BCHD’s highest-priority needs. 

Give Through a Donor-Advised Fund 

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that allows you to recommend grants to eligible nonprofits over time. If you have a DAF, consider recommending a grant to the Beach Cities Health Foundation and putting your charitable dollars to work close to home. 

Multiply Your Gift Through Your Employer 

Your employer may match your charitable contributions, potentially doubling your impact. Check with your employer to see if your gift is eligible for a matching program. 

Donate Stock or Other Eligible Assets 

Gifts of appreciated securities and other eligible assets can be another meaningful way to support the community. Talk with your financial or tax advisor to determine whether this type of gift is right for you. 

Plan a Gift for the Future 

A planned gift can create a lasting legacy for the Beach Cities. Consider including the Beach Cities Health Foundation in your will or estate plans. 

Give Through Your Business 

Businesses can make a difference through corporate partnerships, event sponsorships, employee giving, matching gifts and other opportunities to support BCHD’s work. 

Not Sure Which Giving Option Is Right for You? 

We’re happy to help you explore your options. For questions about DAFs, stock gifts, planned giving, employer matching or other ways to support the Beach Cities Health Foundation, contact Amanda VerWys, amanda.verwys@bchd.org.  

Within its first three years of operation, 14,700+ young people have visited allcove Beach Cities, the integrated youth mental health center.
Youth volunteering with BCHD.
254 of our older adult and adult with disabilities clients received Holiday Gift Bags in 2024 which were delivered by 130 community members.
Older adult fitness group class
CHF has been re-certified as a medical fitness facility by the Medical Fitness Association, making it one of just two California organizations to achieve this designation.
The Holiday Gift Bag program purchased $3,160 of grocery gift cards in 2024 and provided to our lower income older adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Foundation

Giving & Donations

Getting Involved

Staying Connected