Fashion show for children's hospital raises approximately $85K
Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach Auxiliary, founded in 1946, presented its long-standing popular fashion show last month.
Nearly 400 people attended the Feb. 25 event at the Hyatt Regency. “Hearts Reunited” was the theme for the day, with the event raising about $85,000.
Mary Alice Braly and the audience beamed with pleasure as she was escorted down the runway by Rick Paap, where Roxie Hause, president of the auxiliary, presented her with a beautiful bouquet of roses (provided by Stalks and Blooms). Mary Alice has been a member since 1964 and was honored for her many years of support.
Paap has been the popular master of ceremonies for the past 20 years.
“It wouldn't be the same without him,” said Margie Penny, who has been the fundraising chair since 2010.
The presentation was preceded by the always popular silent auction. The silent auction displayed 200 items under the guidance of Meagan Flynn.
Luncheon centerpieces were cheery sunflowers, in memory of Cherese Mari. Keynote speaker Christy Layton, manager of pediatric rehabilitation for the Adolescent Gym, updated the audience about the facility. The Cherese Mari Laulhere Children's Village Adolescent Gym will be the recipient of the successful event.
Gorgeous gowns were designed by Anna Gupta Couture. Roger Canamar of Priestly Garments presented daywear. All were presented by Couture Productions.
Seen at the Scene: Rob Gunsalus, president of the Long Beach Memorial Foundation; Cathy Wieder, executive director of development for MemorialCare's Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach; the Pediatrix Medical Group — Dr. James Fritzell and wife Christella Torres; Chris Laulhere; Mary Alice Braly; Leslie Schlauch; Judi Jacobus; Carol England; F&M Bank — Maryann Dilday; Meagan Flynn; Lisa Maloney; Rita Goshert; Richele Steele; Beatrice Jimenez; Tina Paige; Sally Lane; Kathy Milich, Linda Dilday; and JoAnn Barlow.
Rick Rackers woman of the year for 2023
Although it was pouring rain March 10, The
Grand events center was filled with warm wishes from 183 guests for Marlene Temple, the 67th annual Rick Racker's Auxiliary Woman of the Year.
Pomp and ceremony of the auspicious occasion is carried forth each year by the attending past women of the year, who are escorted to the dais by current Rick Racker members. The procession is a special and proud moment in the ceremony.
Preceding the formal ceremony, School Bell Chairs Christina Mansour and Gloria Reyes presented a Clothe-A-Child video presentation. Rick Racker's primary philanthropic program, Operation School Bell provides school uniforms for children in need attending kindergarten through 12th grade in the Long Beach Unified School District. Last year, the organization clothed 14,000 LBUSD schoolchildren.
The head table was decorated with gorgeous blue floral centerpieces, echoing the festive invitation.
Behind the scenes, there was a “step up” for petite Marlene to reach the microphone as she presented her inspiring acceptance speech, bringing smiles to the audience.
In 2003, Marlene and Don Temple established the Temple Family Charitable Foundation. Marlene has served as foundation president since 2013, focusing efforts on projects that touch all aspects of life in Long Beach, from sea otters at the Aquarium of the Pacific to Long Beach City College.
The many organizations that Marlene has supported over the years were represented by attendees from DAAG, Steel Magnolias, Musical Theater West, Rancho Los Cerritos and Long Beach Memorial.
Previous women of the year who attended the event were: Karen Clements, Melva Miller, Mary Alice Braly, Jill Rosenberg, Shirley Wild, Sande Rice, Shirlee Bouch, Gloria Deukmejian, Mari Hooper, Candace Stacy, Norma Marter, Judy McNulty Black, Susan Bell, JulieToboada, Tammy Newland, Lynne Pillsbury, Kathy Lingle and Jane Netherton.
Seen at the Scene: Woman of the Year Chair Katey Conley, Rick Racker Chair Christina Mansour, Councilman Darryl Supernaw, Paul Garmin, Lisa Mais, Cheri Bazley, Ginny Paxter, Penny Wilds, Kathy Wade, Vickie Sullos, Maria Harris, Kathy deSilva, Holly Reinhard, Dana Hauser and Staci Keller.
Steel Magnolias host annual brunch
Ladies “lunching” turned into ladies “brunching” as Steel Magnolias kicked off the new year under the blue skies during its annual Members' Brunch on Feb. 19 at Roe Restaurant in Belmont Shore.
Nearly 30 members gathered on the popular restaurant's umbrellaladen patio for a welcome mimosa followed by a delicious brunch served at a single farm-style table.
Members and their guests had their choice of an expensive breakfast menu.
Some noshed on smoked salmon and bagels with all the accoutrements, and others enjoyed avocado toast, breakfast burritos and Roe's signature Brekki Bowl.
Guests raised their glasses to the return of inperson events for the foreseeable future. Table chatter quickly turned to Steel Magnolias' plans for this year's Signature Event, which will feature a Kentucky Derby theme at Los Alamitos Race Course on May 7.
Seen at the Scene: President Bobbie Fesler and President-elect Michele Dobson, Theresa Brunella, Dana Buchanan, Andrea and Matt Crompton, Stephanie Davis, Diana Eastman, Tony Gagliardi and his sister Elena Papini, Lynn and Jack Gesner, Surina Geoffroy, Dane and Neale Hickerson, Mari Hooper, Jean Joseph, Joan Knight, Liz Krummell, Cheryl LeMmon, Sherry Loos, Patti Martin, Randy Martin, Hilda Sanchez and past president/event chair Elizabeth Borsting.
News of social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon. net or by fax to 562-5949468. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.