Luminaries and Novas

The Luminaries began in 1990, with a small group of women from the Palos Verdes Peninsula wanting to support Torrance Memorial Medical Center with their time and fundraising efforts, as well as dedicated to fostering the volunteer spirit in youth through NOVAs. Children of active Luminaries can join NOVAs, a high school volunteer program. Joining NOVAs allows students to gain valuable experience through volunteering as patient escorts in the hospital, as well as helping outside the hospital at special events, making tray favors and blankets for patients, decorating the pediatrics ward and other activities.

In addition to providing service within the hospital and at special events, Luminaries support the Woman to Woman Image Enhancement Center located in the

West Tower, first floor. Women who are experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatments or other medical illnesses may receive a private image consultation and receive free products through this program. This program helps build confidence and self-esteem in women recovering from illness.