History of the Pfaffinger Foundation

PFAFFINGER FOUNDATION was established in 1936 by Frank Pfaffinger, a cabinet-maker from Bavaria who immigrated to the United States in 1882 and began working for the Los Angeles Times in 1887. During a 53-year career with the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Pfaffinger also served as treasurer of the Times Mirror Company, formerly the parent company of the newspapers whose employees are now served by the Foundation. He helped the company grow through his frugal spending policies and careful business practices.

Mr. Pfaffinger was a philanthropist who cared deeply about the welfare of his fellow employees, often anonymously helping employees in need. He was an early shareholder of Times Mirror, acquired real estate in Los Angeles and elsewhere in Southern California, and invested in a number of local business ventures. Four years before his death in 1940, he set aside the bulk of his estate to create a permanent foundation that would that would, as he requested, assist “needy employees and former employees of The Times Mirror Company,” and their families. Since the Foundation’s assistance program became fully operational in 1945, grants have been made continuously to employees, retirees, and their families.

Frank Pfaffinger’s extraordinary insight created a legacy that continues into the 21st Century. Direct financial assistance, coupled with the support and guidance of professional case managers, make the Pfaffinger Foundation a rare and nearly unique organization.

TODAY

The Pfaffinger Foundation continues to honor the legacy of Frank Pfaffinger. Managed by a professional staff under the direction of a board of directors, the Pfaffinger Foundation provides help to eligible employees, retirees, and surviving spouses at the newspapers previously owned by Times Mirror. Assistance is provided for such needs as medical expenses, emergency food and shelter, and other basic necessities due to unforeseen financial difficulties. The Foundation does not provide funds for usual or voluntary expenses such as weddings, travel, or investments.

SOURCE: GCC/IBT Local 406C