An enthusiastic crowd of 160 or so arrived on the historic Queen Mary for Long Beach Heritage’s 45th anniversary commemoration earlier this month.
The annual Preservation Awards Gala took place April 9 in the Queen’s Salon, a venue known for its historic significance and artistic features, including the “Unicorns in Battle” mural, which Long Beach Heritage honored for outstanding art conservation and rehabilitation. The organization, dedicated to preserving the city’s architectural and cultural heritage, hosts this event each year to recognize outstanding efforts in the restoration and renovation of historic residential and commercial properties.
This year’s celebration was particularly significant, as it marked both the organization’s milestone anniversary and the return of the gala to the Queen Mary, its traditional venueprior to the COVID-19 pandemic. About $15,000 was raised to support the group’s educational programs, with a special emphasis on expanding youth-focused initiatives. This includes the development of additional learning opportunities for children and the growth of a reading program conducted in partnership with the Billie Jean King Main Library.
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach, addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of historic preservation in shaping the identity and character of the city. Awards were presented to individuals and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to advancing historic preservation in Long Beach. A posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award waspresented to longtime Long Beach businesswoman Patty Moore, who had dedicated more than 20 years of leadership and service to the organization.
Guests also enjoyed delicious dining and participated in a silent auction. Local performer Jewels Long Beach kept things lively throughout the evening.
Event organizers and participants underscored the importance of the occasion.
“This is a fantastic night for Long Beach Heritage,” said President Chris Hogan. “We are returning to the Queen Mary, where our awards ceremony has been held since 1989.”
Board member Cheryl Perry lauded those who received awards.
“All of our award winners are truly deserving,” Perry said. “It makes us proud to honor homeowners, small businesses and this year a nonprofit child advocacy agency with our prestigious awards.”
Co-Chair Rick Hobbs Seeley highlighted the organization’s volunteer-driven nature.
“Long Beach Heritage has no paid staff; it is run entirely by its members and volunteers,” Seeley said. “It was my honor to co-chair this event knowing all dollars raised will go directly to our programs.”
Ruthanne Lehrer, former Long Beach Preservation Officer, was in attendance. She wrote to Perry, who previously served as president: “Congratulations on a spectacular program: Cheryl, you and your team are amazing — what a beautiful evening.”
Seen at the scene: Rep. Robert Garcia, Councilmember Megan Kerr, Sen. Lena Gonzalez and Adam Carrillo, Bonnie Lowenthal and Evan Braude, Denise Dilday King, Maryann Dilday, Vice Mayor Roberto and Tonia Uranga, Julie Bartolotto, Gina Rushing-Maguire, Andre and Herlinda Chico, Jean Smith Bixby, Barbara Blackwell, Kevin and Ana Maria McGuan, Kelly Ruggirello, Mario and Gloria Cordero, Rick Hobbs and Bradley Seeley, Mark and Cheryl Perry, Javier Gonzalez and MaryEllen Mitchell-Gonzalez, Chris Hogan, Donna Hancock, Tasha Hunter, Amy Bodek, Mimi Masher, the Mark Grisafes, Jocelyn Pryor, Doug and Freda Otto, Rich Archbold, Arnold Strong and Jessica Jorgensen, Fernando and Olga Niebla, Louise Ivers and Janice Ostashay
Fore the Kids Golf Tournament
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach recently hosted its annual Fore the Kids Golf Tournament at Virginia Country Club, bringing together corporate partners, community leaders and longtime supporters for a memorable day on the course. Enterprise Mobility returned as presenting sponsor, helping make the tournament a tremendous success and raising more than $140,000 to support the clubs’ life-changing youth programs.
Additional sponsors helping make the day possible included U.S. Bank, Manson Construction, American Business Bank, Astro Aluminum, Crash Champions, Dart Entities, Farmers Insurance, the Munzer family, Patterson Construction, Sares Regis and Yusen Terminals. Their generosity ensured golfers enjoyed a beautiful day of friendly competition, followed by a delicious barbecue dinner and raffle celebration inside the clubhouse.
Funds raised will directly support Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach’s programs that provide mentorship, academic support, wellness resources and enrichment opportunitiesfor the city’s most at-risk children and teens.
Seen at the scene: Mitchell Shenkin, Scott Sampley, William Dickson, Joseph Medlin, Jared Florin, David Babore, William Phillips, Jill McCullough, Jim Zehmer, Tony Chukuka, Alan McCorkle, Jim Bunnell, Carlos Delherra, Tim Kirchhoff, Bo Burch, Bruce Patterson, Wayne Prins, Dan Munzer, Rocky Suares and Diana Wolf
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.