Precious Lamb Preschool’s annual gala last month sparkled with the theme, “Reaching for the Stars.”
The event lit up the Aquarium of the Pacific on Sept. 25, drawing 365 guests for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and generosity. More than $550,000 was raised to support Precious Lamb’s faith-based early education and childcare programs for families who are homeless.
Guests were also treated to the premiere of a new video unveiling the preschool’s expanded campus, which opened in July. With the new space, the school will soon extend care to infants, with plans to open an infant care center in early 2026.
Highlights included a spirited live auction — featuring a Porsche for a month, a Paso Robles estate stay and a Napa Valley getaway. It also featured a silent auction with 74 desirableitems. The Long Beach State women’s water polo team brought high energy to the crowd, while guests were moved by heartfelt remarks from the grandmother of a former student.
Compliments continue to pour in about the magical evening — with many guests experiencing the aquarium at night for the first time.
Seen at the scene: Marlene Temple, Arline and Mike Walter, Judy and Matt Cullen, Ross Riddle, Mike and Diane Jensen, Randy and Nancy Gordon, Suzanne and Doyle Powell, Heather Rudy and Josephine Molina, Julie Wilson, Julie and Howard Hamlin, Dr. Grant Uba and Debbie, Bill Rouse and Stephane Vachon.
Attendees at the Precious Lamb Preschool’s “Reaching for the Stars” gala, from left, Judy Cullen, Matt Cullen, Ross Riddle, on Sept. 25 at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Courtesy photo)
Steel Magnolias Member Celebration attendees on Oct. 12, from left, Surina Geoffroy, Sandy King, and Bobbie Fesler, the event’s hostess. (Courtesy photo)
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Attendees at the Precious Lamb Preschool’s “Reaching for the Stars” gala, from left, Judy Cullen, Matt Cullen, Ross Riddle, on Sept. 25 at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. (Courtesy photo)
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Steel Magnolias member celebration
Retired physical therapist Sandy King was a surprise guest speaker at the annual Steel Magnolias member celebration, held poolside on Oct. 12 at Past President Bobbie Fesler’s home. Delectable hors d’oeuvres accompanied wine and the many animated conversations.
Sandy King, a pediatric physical therapist, was introduced as Dr. Geraldine A. Stramski’s right hand in the early years in developing the Stramski Children’s developmental program. King later became the government liaison for Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
The Stramski Center program was created to develop coordinated diagnosis and care for patients and understanding of the child. A goal was to initiate the concept of the “same language” when families and professionals met.
When Stramski died more than 20 years ago, the Steel Magnolias fundraising organization was created to support the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center atthe hospital.
Seen at the scene: Bobbie Fesler, Tammy Newland, Shelly Barbre, Shirlee Bouch, Joan Knight, Theresa Brunella, Denise Dahlhausen, Stephanie Davis, Paul Diego, MarianneGastelum, Surina Geoffroy, Karen and Billy Gagliardi, Gary Lee Wolf and Carl Lee, Sherry Loos, Pam Luckey, Greg McMullen, Janet Briggs, Hilda Sanchez and David Rigby, VictoriaWitherington.
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 for more information.