Raising funds to benefit young people with educators, football stars
September seems to be the beginning of the traditional year for nonprofit fundraising. Here's a glimpse of four September events I attended.
Chips Ahoy fundraiser for Children's Benefit League
The Children's Benefit League dived into their fund-raising year from the Long Beach Yacht Club on Sept. 9 with a “Chips Ahoy” theme. Members, friends and family enjoyed a beautiful afternoon viewing the bay.
The Howes, who gained fame on NBC's “The Voice” of television show fame, entertained with emphasis on Tanner Howe's songs.
A nautical theme showcased more than 100 items in the silent auction. Many of these items became the live fundraising portion of the day, with chips bet and numbers drawn, to reveal the winner.
Lots of laughs accompanied the day filled with comradeship and appreciation of the accomplishments of the five clinics supported by CBL:
• The Guidance Center;
• The Dental Clinic;
• Ability First;
• John Tracy Center; and
• The Children's Center. Since incorporation in 1948, the league has raised more than $2 million for the clinics.
Seen at the Scene: Mary and George Bell, Judy Cornwall, Jan Marcus, Carol Black, Rachel Campbell, Cherie de Gomez, Sylvia Desmond, Janice Futon, Jona Howe, Fran Kalish, Judy Nichols, Susan Laffiche, Susan Livesay, Diana Parker, Zelda Rice, Connie Stewart, Sharon Young, Elaine McKay, Pat Leue, Sandy Larkin.
Long Beach Retired Teacher's Association
Starting the back-to-school season off on Sept. 15, The Long Beach Teacher's Association awarded $74,000 in scholarships to 16 students studying to fill needed teacher vacancies in California schools.
Three area colleges offered these scholarships: Long Beach City College, Cerritos College, and Cal State Long Beach.
Past President Becky Carroll greeted the audience of 56 members that included: CSULB Dean of the College of Education Anna Ortiz, LBCC Trustee Virginia Baxter, CSULB, Communication Event Specialist Christine Bidell and CSULB Development Coordinator Hayley Miller.
Following a catered lunch at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, Program Chair Frank Dayak introduced Scholarship Chair Barbara Ellis, (who has held that position for 10 years). She noted that the organization does not have fund-raising activities, instead they secure scholarship money from the generous member's annual donations.
Scholarship recipients were introduced amid enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Receiving scholarships were: Tiffano Keo, Valeria Calvillo, Vivian Ta, Yani Tan, Erick Sanchez, Coral Green, ArnaiZia Call, Issac James, Fatima Chahine, Jethrolee Llamido, Eric Sanchez, Joseph Nguyen, Blanca Medina, Carlos Cueva, Griselda Mejia, Emilio Ruiz.
Seen at the scene: Lester Sakurai, Pam Sich, Emiko Fulruta, Jim and Joy Mullen, Michael and Rosann Monaghan, Cynthia Clark, Janice and Jerry Wilcox, Marnos Lelesi, Lewis and Felicia Ward, Dale Fairbanks, Kitty Rozenstraten, Barbara Powell, Jean and Frank Dayak, Amy Tsubokawa Judy Kaho, Susan Chadbourne, Sheryal Walther.
Summertime Patio Party
“Entertain up to 100 Guests by treating them to a delicious and sustainable Meal, catered by the Beyond Meat Food Truck” read the taste-tempting auction item offered at last year's Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, “A Few Good Men” Gala.
Gary and Dawna DeLong couldn't resist the winning bid. Since summer was rapidly waning, they thought the time was upon them to invite neighbors and friends for the last patio party of the season.
The 60 or so guests enjoyed the comfortable weather and great conversation before placing their orders for meatless tacos or sandwiches at the food truck. Many remarked that the taste wasn't that different from beef.
Seen at the scene: Dr. Grant Uba, Braden and Susan Phillips, Vern and Trish Schooley, Cheri Bazely, CSULB President Jane and Collie Conoley, Marcelle Epley, Joan Venditozzi, John and Liz Hancock, Suzanne Nosworthy, Heather Moro, Tom Burns, Sofia and Jim Riley.
Goals for Life
On Sept. 20, some 200 supporters gathered at the lovely setting of the Old Ranch Country Club, for refreshments and the opportunity to meet some well-known ex-football players. About $110,000 was raised for the Goals For Life Foundation.
The 501.c3 foundation provides support, academic mentoring and tangible goal setting tools to at-risk youth by former football players. They reach out to youth in public schools, private schools and kids in the juvenile justice system.
An impressive 30,000 students have been impacted by the program. On hand was GFL Executive Director and Founder Reggie Berry, a former defensive back for the NFL's then-San Diego Chargers.
*Seen at the Scene: GFL board member Steve Murow; Harbor Commissioner Steven Neal, a board member, and his wife, Katonja; Julie Boyd, board treasurer; Long Beach City Councilman Roberto Uranga and his wife, Tonia Reyes-Uranga, a GFL board member and former LB City Councilwoman; board member Jim Emslie and Nancy, Harvey and Claire Ginns; Ginger Shattuck Reverend Osie and Paula Woods; former Oakland Raider, Jon Nielsen, the ead coach at L.B. Jordan High School; former Cincinnati Bengal Isaac Curtis; and former Ram and Olympic Gold Medalist Ron Brown.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@ verizon.net or by fax to (562)594-9468. 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.