There were around 100 guests enjoying the moonlit reflections shining on the waterfront of the Boathouse on the Bay on Wednesday, Feb 18, for the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House’s special Major Donor Appreciation Evening. Conversations were lively as guests enjoyed tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
Major donors and board members were recognized in a celebration of partnership, impact and the future of the house.
It was a special feeling of accomplishment for the donors who helped make the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House a reality 15 years ago and continue to support its growth. It was asignificant accomplishment to provide 15 years of keeping families close to their hospitalized children and providing comfort during unimaginable times. In recognition of this milestone, guests heard about an exciting new renovation project that will refresh all 23 guest rooms and facilities.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of Pam and Keith Shukait’s extraordinary dollar-for-dollar matching gift, up to $200,000, toward the $400,000 renovation effort. Their generosity provides an inspiring opportunity for the community to double its impact and help bring this vision to life.
In a moving moment, new legacy donors were recognized for their commitment to include the house in their long-term plans and will be added to the commemorative legacy wall, a lasting testament to their belief in the mission for generations to come. Those added to the legacy wall were Gordon and Judi Lentzner, Becky M. Cool, the late Loretta Frye and the late Bill and Beverly Sawrey.
The 2026 gala will be held Oct. 14 at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, with Valerie and Greg Owen serving as honorary chairs who pledged “they will ensure another meaningfuland impactful evening in support of families shared common spaces, and ensuring the house continues to reflect the level of care and dignity families deserve.”
“The board and staff of the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House express their deep gratitude for the unwavering support of this community,” said board Chair Dr. Grant Uba. “Because of the generosity and leadership in the room, the house continues to provide comfort, stability and hope to hundreds of families each year.”
Seen at the scene: Valerie and Greg Owen; Pam and Keith Shukait; board members Jill Rosenberg, Lisa Chapman and Suzanne Nosworthy; board Chair Grant Uba; KateKuykendall representing the Port of Long Beach; Darick Simpson; Arline and Mike Walter; and Norm and Trish Rassmussen.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net. 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.