Children Today gets a Big Bang of support
John Morris has done it again.
His creative talents and enthusiastic organization, combined with a strong sense of community, produces exceptional results for charities. On the eve of Independence Day, he presented the 2022 Big Bang on the Bay, which benefited Children Today. That charity helps families and their young children in need to achieve stability and success.
“We are grateful that John and the Boathouse selected our organization to support,” Children Today Executive Director Pamela Austin said.
The Big Bang event has grown each year since its inception in 2011.
In addition to the boathouse and patio, with sidewalk and pier side seating, there was a block party. Naples Rib Company catered the block party and VIP premier tent — and the crowd, estimated to be around 1,000, had a great time. Many of the neighboring homes also enjoyed the view with parties. Homeowners also chip in to offset the costs.
Bruce DD McCrae led a prayer and thank you. Dennis Lord once again arranged air demonstrations that concluded with The Tiger Squadron's “Freedom Break” formation. A cheer went up as the 100foot firework barge entered the Bay. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
Children Today board member Michael Chun; Kadee and Rick Lorenzen; Ned and Barbara Gaylord with family; Gary and Patty Gad;, Gail and Jim Gray; Heather and Al Moro, Jane Netherton and Jerry Bloeser; Jayne Lastusky and Craig Dougherty; Loree Scarborough and Dennis McConkey; John and Betsy Metcalfe; Margie and Jim Penny; Joanne and Dean Barlow; Dr. Kathy Tanaka and Joel Davidson; Dr. Toni Long and Ronald Stockdale; Therese Lemieux, Gary Johnson; Stacy Bryant and Scott Southron; Brendan and Katie Diette; Nikki and Warren Chenier; C. Thomas Ruppert; Jean Michelle Cros; Joan Venditozzi. At the Long Beach Convention Bureau premier table were Troy Karnoff, Juan Luis Karnoff, Anthony Mancuso, Ron and Patrice Mancuso, Jesi and Bobbie Diekmann, Jackie and Jeff Forney with young Matthew. ensemble visits of symphony musicians into secondand third-grade classrooms and free concerts at the Terrace Theater for fourth- and fifth-graders.
Kelly Ruggirello, John Morris, Suzie Price, Jane Netherton and Jerry Bloeser, Craig Dougherty and Jayne Lastusky, Loree Scarborough and Dennis McConkey, Melanie Wertz, Clyde and Susan Kendzierski, Joan Venditozzi, Michelle Dobson, Jean Bixby Smith, Barbara Blackwell, Barbara and Ned Gaylord and family Marni Gaylord, Candace and Tom Nantais, Susan Nantais, Karen Autrey, DeDe Rossi, Phyllis Covey, Darick Simpson, Katie Harrington and daughters Aila and Elsie, CSULB volleyball team members Savana Chacon, Callie Swarzenbach, Katie Kennedy, Morgan Chacon. pictures represent multicultural families of all sizes and includes selected nursery rhymes and more tips to parents on how to read and talk with their babies.
The book also has a Spanish-language counterpart with authentic literature.
Mary Alice Braly, a past president and the current parliamentarian, has been with the group from its beginning. Also attending were MMC Foundation Major Gifts Director (hospital liaison) Cathy Weider, President Roxanne Korzeniowski, Bea Almada, Valorie Cameron, Jean Stone, Margie Rodriguez, Miryam Fernandez, Judy Bogart, Mary Pat Sabol, Nancy Hill, Susan Masero.