Luminaries & Novas
Creating cherished memories in support of Torrance Memorial
The Luminaries began in 1990 with a small group of women from Palos Verdes whose goal was to support Torrance Memorial with their time and fundraising efforts. They engaged their sons and daughters to foster a volunteer spirit in youth through Novas, a popular high school volunteer program that supports Torrance Memorial. Over the years they have collectively donated more than $543,000 to fund vital hospital projects while creating cherished memories and lasting friendships.
Amanda Villa, Novas advisor, says the high schoolers volunteered approximately 10,000 hours for the 2024–2025 year. Luminaries contributed 5,000 hours. Together Luminaries and Novas make a meaningful impact through their dedication and service, lifting patients’ spirits and supporting the hard-working Torrance Memorial staff.
“Volunteers continue the tradition of bringing comfort to patients and appreciation to hospital staff by treating them to thousands of baked goods, along with care packages, hand-made blankets and festive decorations,” explains Villa. This includes packages for the pediatric unit and craft kits for children in the hospital. The Novas also decorate the pediatric and transitional care units.
The end-of-year donation to the hospital will exceed $13,000, says Villa, with additional “wish list” items valued at $2,500 donated to the neonatal intensive care, pediatric, burn and transitional care units.
Lasting Friendships Built in Service
While the program has expanded, one thing hasn’t changed: its ability to cultivate meaningful friendships while giving back to Torrance Memorial, dedicated staff and patients.
“Co-founding the Luminaries is what I am most proud of in my life. Helping the hospital has been very good for me,” says Judy Sipes.
Current leaders echo Sipes' sentiment and express gratitude for Torrance Memorial and the fun times had while volunteering. “I was inspired to give back to the hospital,” shares Jimin Kumamoto, incoming Luminaries president. “I had wonderful delivery experiences at Torrance Memorial—they were integral in my journey to becoming a mom.”
Kumamoto, now a mom of three and a cybersecurity contract administrator, says a few sorority sisters invited her to join the Luminaries—and she’s so glad they did. “Friendships that the moms build are special. Even when the kids go off to college and we’re no longer eligible for active membership in Luminaries, there are quite a few who stick around as honorary members. I count some of the Luminaries as my closest friends.”
The 411 on Novas & Luminaries
Moms join Luminaries concurrent with their children becoming Novas, clarifies Kumamoto. The organization allows students to gain valuable experience through volunteering as patient escorts in the hospital, as well as helping outside the hospital at special events.
Jimin Kumamoto, incoming Luminaries president, with daughter Allison, 16, and twins Bennett and Brooke, 15. All three are Novas.
For instance, the group recently played a special role in celebrating two major milestones: Torrance Memorial’s centennial celebrations and the 35th anniversary of the Luminaries and Novas organizations.
“This is a great group of kind, dedicated women and their children. I wish everyone had the chance to join us in our mission to support our hospital,” says Kumamoto.
Membership is open to Palos Verdes and Torrance residents. A new member meeting is usually held in March. Applications for fall Novas are due in August. To learn more, call Torrance Memorial Volunteer Services at 310-517-4752.
