Long Beach Charity Galas Raise Hundreds of Thousands for Families, Libraries and Students

A run of charitable events in Long Beach this autumn has generated significant funding for families with ill children, free library programming and aspiring teachers, according to a social column by Shirley Wild in the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

The 12th annual A Few Good Men and Women Gala for Ronald McDonald House drew 600 guests to the Hyatt Regency Long Beach on Oct. 14. The event raised about $900,000 to support families whose children are receiving medical treatment nearby. Proceeds will go toward lodging, meals, essential resources, and counseling and family support at Ronald McDonald House Long Beach, services meant to ease burdens so parents can focus on their child.

The evening honored 10 community leaders: Josephine Molina, Celeste Lyons Macer, Tim Richmond, Robin Perry, Susan Wise, Dr. Matthew Davis, Lindsay Mais, Cam Doherty Killingsworth, Rob Wigod and Nick Sramek. They appeared in video tributes and walked the runway, and Richmond's turn alongside his grandsons stood out as a family moment. Executive Director Nina Patel told the crowd that many guests believed in the House before it opened, and that their continued support has given thousands of families a place to call home. Board member Dr. Grant Uba, a former honoree, said the recognition brings together people whose leadership, generosity and service strengthen the community. The USC marching band closed the night.

Earlier, on Sept. 27, more than 400 people attended the Long Beach Public Library Foundation's 23rd annual Grape Expectations Gala at the Billie Jean King Main Library downtown. The event raised more than $640,000 for free library programs and resources.

Sharon Weissman, vice president of the Long Beach harbor commission, received the Durnin Family Award. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library was given the Library Leadership Award, recognizing the late philanthropist and music icon's legacy of putting free books in the hands of millions of children. Foundation Executive Director and CEO Veronica Garcia Dávalos opened the program, followed by remarks from foundation President John Mathews II and gala committee Chair Olga Chavez. Guests enjoyed young performers from Le Petit Cirque, and auctioneer Jeff Randall of Stokes Auction Group led a live auction and a fund-a-need appeal.

Marathon Petroleum Los Angeles Refinery was the presenting sponsor. The Billie Jean King Foundation sponsored the champagne, while the Prosecco sponsors were Margaret and Charles Durnin and Janice Hahn. American Airlines, Clark Construction and the Port of Long Beach were zinfandel sponsors.

In education news, the California Retired Teachers Association's Long Beach Division 3 awarded $73,500 in scholarships to students planning careers in education. Nine students from Long Beach City College and Cerritos College received awards ranging from $1,400 to $9,000 at a luncheon on Sept. 18. Scholarship Chair Barbara Ellis and the Scholarship Committee chose the top students, and the executive board made the selections and set each award.

Each recipient brought a guest who had made a significant impact on their life and introduced them after the meal. Veronica Castro, director of student aid at Cerritos College, received a standing ovation as she enters her final year in that role, in recognition of her work helping students move from one level of education to the next.

The column also included a correction. The Friends of Pathways fundraiser held Oct. 3 for Pathways to Independence, which supports disadvantaged single young women with education, therapy, mentoring, housing and healthcare, was previously reported as raising $700,000. The total has now been revised to $800,000.