Gina Rushing Maguire was inaugurated as the 70th Annual Woman of the Year, presented by the Rick Rackers Auxiliary of Assistance League of Long Beach, on Mar. 27 at The Grand.
There were 185 celebrating her legacy, as French-inspired yellow and blue floral décor set a vibrant and welcoming tone.
Rick Rackers Woman of the Year, from left, honoree Gina Rushing Maguire and event chair Nancy Beesley. (Courtesy)
Past Rick Rackers women of the year: top row: Shirlee Bouch, Suzanne Nosworthy, Jane Netherton, Tammy Newland-Shishido, Judy Ross, (Gina Rushing Maguire), Jill Rosenberg, Jean Bixby Smith, Gloria Deukmejian, Mari Hooper and Sande Rice, (bottom row) Clements, Candice Stacy, Melva Miller, Lynne Pillsbury, Kathy Lingle, Judy McNulty Black, Marlene Temple, Arline Walter and Shirley Wild. (Courtesy photo)
Tichenor Clinic for Children 100th Anniversary ribbon cutting ceremony, from left, Marc Allmeroth, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, Olina Benson, and executive director Kathryn Miles. (Courtesy photo)
Photo from left, Barbara Blackwell, Jean Bixby Smith, and Dr. Charles Durnin at the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the Tichenor Clinic for Children 100th anniversary. (Courtesy)
Show Caption
1 of 4
Rick Rackers Woman of the Year, from left, honoree Gina Rushing Maguire and event chair Nancy Beesley. (Courtesy)
The elegant luncheon reflected both the significance of the occasion and the warmth of the community. It’s always a very special day for the Past Women of the Year, Auxiliarymembers, family, friends, and civic leaders who come together to honor Gina’s decades of leadership, mentorship, and service to Long Beach.
The presence of past honorees further underscored the tradition of celebrating women whose dedication strengthens the fabric of Long Beach.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gina’s volunteerism spans numerous organizations, including Leadership Long Beach, the Junior League of Long Beach, Rotary, and the Long Beach Utility Commission.
The highlight of the afternoon was Gina’s heartfelt acceptance speech. She reflected on the power of community, the importance of women supporting one another, and theunexpected paths that shape a life of service. She emphasized resilience, gratitude, and living fully in the present; messages that resonated throughout the room. Guests responded with a standing ovation, celebrating not only her accomplishments but also her authenticity and compassion.
Adding to the day’s significance, Long Beach Fifth District Councilmember Megan Kerr presented Gina with a certificate of recognition from the City, acknowledging herextraordinary contributions and lasting impact on the Long Beach community.
The funds raised will directly benefit Assistance League of Long Beach’s signature philanthropic program. Impressively, Operation School Bell has provided 12,000 students with brand new sets of uniforms, backpacks and school supplies, annually.
Seen at the Scene: Nancy Beesley, Christina Mansour, Megan Kerr, Alfredo Velasco, Andrea Sulsona, Patti Brown, Diane DeWalsche, Zayda Garcia, Monica Ochoa, DanitaHumphrey, Robert Gunsalus, Oscar Reyes, Colleen Bragalone. Past women of the year attending were: Shirlee Bouch, Suzanne Nosworthy, Jane Netherton, Tammy Newland-Shishido, Judy Ross, Gina Rushing Maguire, Jill Rosenberg, Jean Bixby Smith, Gloria Deukmejian, Mari Hooper, Sande Rice, Karen Clements, Candice Stacy, Melva Miller, Lynne Pillsbury, Kathy Lingle, Judy McNulty Black, Marlene Temple, Arline Walter and Shirley Wild.
Tichenor Clinic for Children’s 100th Anniversary
On Mar. 26, Tichenor Clinic for Children marked its 100th Anniversary with a joyful Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at the front entrance of the clinic. The event brought together a community of supporters, friends, and longtime advocates, all gathered to honor a century of service dedicated to improving the lives of children and families.
Eighty-five guests attended the celebration, filling the space with shared memories and gratitude. Their presence reflected the deep and enduring relationships the clinic has built.
As the ribbon was cut and bubbles were set adrift in the air, applause rose from the crowd. This was an exciting moment recognizing not only the clinic’s historic past, but also itscontinued commitment to compassionate care and community partnership.
Seen at the Scene: Marc Allmeroth, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, Olina Benson, Executive Director Kathryn Miles, Barbara Blackwell, Jean Bixby Smith, Michele Dobson,Sandy and Delores Mayuga, Melanie Werts, Linda Silver, Julie Taboada, Nancy and Chuck Hegelheimer, Dr. Charles and Margaret Durnin, Jeanette Christian, Jeff Williams, Nick Kaspar and Kimberly Lie.
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.