Cameo, an auxiliary of Assistance League of Long Beach, celebrated its annual fundraiser in its usual style of immersion with a Fiesta Mexicana Elegante at The Westin on March 14.
Inspired by Mexico’s rich culture and history, guests were welcomed to the event by the sounds of a serenading mariachi. The creativity of this group was in full flourish, with its visual impacting the decor — which also highlighted silent auction items. There was, as always, great attention to detail, including sarape scarves worn by members.
Nearly 400 guests were entertained by the day’s events, including a professional fashion show, dancers, live and silent auctions, interactive games and a delicious luncheon. The fun event raised more than $125,000 to support its mentoring program for promising underserved students of Lon Beach high schools and reentry women at Long Beach City College.
Each Year, a former mentee-turned-mentor inspires the attendees with a heartwarming success story.
“Before Cameo, college was simply a dream to me,” said this year’s alumni keynote speaker, Nohelia Gavarrete. “I knew I wanted to attend college, but being a first-generation eldest daughter of immigrants, I had no idea how to get there, pay for it and what would happen after.”
From left, Kaydence Miller, Norma Salcedo, Nohelia Gavarrete, Aramis Asaaderaghi, Rosa Ruiz, Danita Humphrey and Ayrem Yeudiel Lemus attend Cameo’s annual fundraiser on March 14. (Courtesy photo)
Harbor Commissioner Bonnie Lowenthal, left, received the Corporate Partner of the Year award on behalf of the Port of Long Beach during Cameo’s annual fundraiser on March 14. Next to Lowenthal is her husband, Evan Braude. (Courtesy photo)
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From left, Kaydence Miller, Norma Salcedo, Nohelia Gavarrete, Aramis Asaaderaghi, Rosa Ruiz, Danita Humphrey and Ayrem Yeudiel Lemus attend Cameo’s annual fundraiser on March 14. (Courtesy photo)
She also mentioned that the cultural enrichment she experienced inspired her to share her motivation with her younger siblings (who are now attending college). She graduated from Cal State Long Beach and decided to return to school as a full-time student. She is currently in her first semester at CSULB, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. Her words were heartwarming and encouraging.
The Fashion Show was produced by award-winning Couture Fashion Productions and highlighted the designer collections of Lourdes Chavez and Will Franco. Also featured was a dance presentation from the highly sought-after performers of Relámpago del Cielo Grupo Folklórico.
With a silent auction of more than 200 items and a live auction, led by Carrie Cunningham, the day was packed with excitement. The live auction featured a wide variety of items that ranged from a VIP suite at Intuit Dome and a murder mystery dinner to trips to Las Vegas (via private jet); a chateau stay in Bordeaux, France; and a trip to Washington, D.C., for a lunch with Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach.
Cameo, meanwhile, is approaching its 40th anniversary of mentorship this year, said Chair Danita Humphrey.
“With your generosity, we’re able to fund our mentoring program and help so many Long Beach students reach their full potential and achieve their dreams,” Humphrey said.
The Cameo program supports underserved Long Beach high school and community college students through one-on-one mentoring, she added, helping them define and achieve their college and career goals. Participants also benefit from monthly enrichment workshops, cultural activities, paid summer internships, academic support funding, scholarships and access to computers.
The program’s impact is evident: In a recent graduate survey, 100% of students reported feeling better prepared to attend college as a result of their participation.
The Port of Long Beach was honored with the Corporate partner of the year award during the event. For many years, the port has supported the Cameo mentoring program. Harbor Commissioner Bonnie Lowenthal received the award on behalf of the Port of Long Beach.
Sponsors: Gold sponsors were Temple Family Charitable Foundation, Martha & Faustino Bernadette, and Family & Friends of Rosi Pedersen. The Silver sponsor was the Port of Long Beach. Bronze sponsors were F&M Bank and LBS Financial Credit Union.
Seen at the scene: Chair Danita Humphrey, Rosa Ruiz, Norma Salcedo, Nohelia Gavarrete, Michelle Antonaras, Jennifer Jeffries, Linda Edgar, Ellen Calomoris, Naomi Blackmore, Diane DeWalsche, Sherry Hom, Sharon Chavez, Maria Harris, Margaret Warren, Cathy Videbeck and Daniela Garica, Christina Mansour, Colleen Bragalone, Rosemary Zarn, Bernice Banares and Magnolia Barajas, Bonnie Lowenthal, Mario Gonzalez, Moeng Choung Chao, Mary Eichenhofer, Elsa Gildner, Denise Joseph-Brown MD, Anette Kashiwabara Isozaki, Margaret Matsui, Mary Niefert, Diane Owen, Nellie Pallares and Cynthia Terry
For more information, go to assistanceleague.org/long-beach/cameo-mentoring.
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.