The Amigos Fund
For more than half a century, The Amigos Fund has dedicated itself to improving the lives of the patients of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center by providing funding for physical, social and recreational services that further the rehabilitation process.
Most of the adults and children who are Rancho inpatients and outpatients must endure the severe disability that follows spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, neurological disorders and birth defects. Many remain hospitalized for months. Whether the cause was injury or illness, their disabilities will last a lifetime. The Amigos Fund, an auxiliary of the Rancho Los Amigos Foundation, is dedicated to ensuring that their lives are as productive and fulfilling as possible.
Since its inception in 1954, The Amigos Fund has generated and spent several million dollars to meet the special needs of our patients. Purchases range from special eyeglasses and hearing aids to infant car seats, wheelchair repairs, medical equipment, transportation and housing needs. Amigos Fund dollars have brought countless hours of enjoyment to hospital-bound patients through parties, holiday gifts, crafts, and tickets to recreational events. Each year patients are afforded the opportunity to participate in very special art, talent and fashion shows.
The County of Los Angeles supports direct patient care at Rancho. However, funds are often limited and cannot provide for many items and services that offer a better quality of life. Among the deserving are the children, whose families are already overburdened by the tremendous expense of a child with a severe disability. The Amigos Fund has purchased books, therapeutic toys, clothing and computers, which have helped children and young adults return to school and college.
The Amigos Fund prides itself in responding quickly to requests from staff for patient assistance. A board of Rancho and community volunteers meets regularly to administer the fund. Emergency needs can be approved via telephone. At least 98 cents of every tax-deductible dollar donated to The Amigos Fund goes directly to those in need.
In addition to personal donations, The Amigos Fund receives funds from the Rancho Los Amigos Gift Shop and Thrift Store, Flower Cart and weekly Bingo in collaboration with the Downey Women’s Club.
For further information, please call the Rancho Los Amigos Foundation office at (562) 401-7053 or contact us at:
The Amigos Fund
P.O. Box 2370
Downey, CA 90242