Vikings Charitable Tradition
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The Vikings realized early on that they wanted to do more. This began their tradition of giving and kindness to the most needy and vulnerable in the local community, kids.
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That tradition of giving continues today; over 65 years later. Fundraising and Giving includes events such as:
- Packing Christmas Food baskets
- The annual Children’s Christmas Party
- A formal Christmas Ball for Members
- The annual Member pilgrimage to Solvang
- Big Bear Fling
History
Scandia on the Sunset Strip: founding home of Viking Charities
Over fifty years ago Norm Anderson, Sheriff Peter Pitchess, a group of Scandinavians, and other like-minded folks gathered at the Sam Amundsen’s Finlandia Finnish Baths in the basement of the old Bing Crosby building on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. It was a place to get a steam, rub-down and a wrap. In the early days it was also a place to hear the talk of the town and rub elbows with celebrities like the Crosby brothers, Kirk Douglas, Humphrey Bogart, Cornel Wilde, Tony Curtis and Hugh O’Brien. After these treatments, refreshments were provided from across the street at Ken Hansen’s famous Scandia Restaurant.
It was during these gatherings that the idea for the Vikings was conceived. Lynn Howard was our first Chief, Everett Crosby was Vice-Chief and Ken Hansen, the owner of Scandia was the Meister. Our official launch was grand and glorious: Sheriff Peter Pitchess arranged to close down the most prominent part of the Sunset Strip for a two-block parade. A horse-drawn wagon provided transportation for a traditional accordion player, piano and famed tenor-Lauritz Melchior. The Vikings became one of Los Angeles most popular social groups. Much of the credit for the early success was publicity by Dick Whittinghill, one of Los Angeles’ s most prominent morning DJ’s at KMPC Radio and one LA’s most notable TV news anchors- Jerry Dunphy. Adding to the buzz of The Vikings were famous and prominent celebrity members including: General Jimmy Doolittle, Nipsey Russell, Tom Harmon, Broderick Crawford, Barry Goldwater and Walter Cronkite.
It was during these gatherings that the idea for the Vikings was conceived. Lynn Howard was our first Chief, Everett Crosby was Vice-Chief and Ken Hansen, the owner of Scandia was the Meister. Our official launch was grand and glorious: Sheriff Peter Pitchess arranged to close down the most prominent part of the Sunset Strip for a two-block parade. A horse-drawn wagon provided transportation for a traditional accordion player, piano and famed tenor-Lauritz Melchior. The Vikings became one of Los Angeles most popular social groups. Much of the credit for the early success was publicity by Dick Whittinghill, one of Los Angeles’ s most prominent morning DJ’s at KMPC Radio and one LA’s most notable TV news anchors- Jerry Dunphy. Adding to the buzz of The Vikings were famous and prominent celebrity members including: General Jimmy Doolittle, Nipsey Russell, Tom Harmon, Broderick Crawford, Barry Goldwater and Walter Cronkite.
Viking Charities is now the Southland’s leading charity for disadvantaged children. Since its inception, the Vikings have raised more than five million dollars for children’s causes. Each Christmas, approximately 1,500 food baskets are packed and distributed to needy families in conjunction with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, LAPD, Members and Volunteers.
We Are
Viking Charities is a social network of professionals who give to the community. These are some of the professions that make up the Vikings.
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Supported Children's Charities
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Activities for Retarded Children • Beverly Hills YMCA • Catholic Big Brothers • Child Help USA • Children’s Christmas Party • Children’s Summer Party • Children’s Hospital • Citrus College Singers • Dental Hygiene SFV • East Los Angeles YMCA • Friends of Children Public Council • Hollygrove Children’s Orphanage • Hollywood YMCA • House Ear Institute •
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Jeffrey Foundation • Kedren Community Health Center • LARC (LA Retarded Children) • Las Florista • Los Angeles Heart Institute • MDA • Maryvale LA Orphanage • Roto Gravure • Normandy Avenue School • North Point • Pacific Lodge Home • Pediatric Aids Foundation • Red Cross Blood Bank • Santa Monica Boys Project •
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Santa Monica Family YMCA • Sheriffs East LA Youth • Sheriff’s Firestone League • Sheriffs Youth Foundation (Lennox) • Shriner’s, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Dentals • Westchester Y-Men • West LAPD Children’s Fund • Christmas Food Baskets (recently achieved 1500)
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FAQ
How long have Viking Charities been around?
Since the 1950's.
Are you a 501.(c)3 Charitable Organization?
Yes.
How do you collect funds?
We work with donations and put on fundraising events.
How much of what you raise goes to charity?
100%. All donations go directly to programs to help disadvantaged children and their families. Donations are tax deductible. Administrative costs are paid by Membership dues.
What Charities do you support?
We support approximately 10 local Los Angeles area charities. Some are listed on the website here.
How can I help?
Contact us to become a Donator and or Volunteer.
How long have Viking Charities been around?
Since the 1950's.
Are you a 501.(c)3 Charitable Organization?
Yes.
How do you collect funds?
We work with donations and put on fundraising events.
How much of what you raise goes to charity?
100%. All donations go directly to programs to help disadvantaged children and their families. Donations are tax deductible. Administrative costs are paid by Membership dues.
What Charities do you support?
We support approximately 10 local Los Angeles area charities. Some are listed on the website here.
How can I help?
Contact us to become a Donator and or Volunteer.
LAPD AWARD
