Borrowing from the high energy 1970s and coinciding with the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Steel Magnolias gave its annual signature even, which took place on April 26 at The Reef, the theme “Stars, Stripes and Boogie Nights.”
The 200 or so guests were encouraged to follow the patriotic disco wonderland theme — and boy did they ever! There was a lot of red, white and blue attire. None was more spectacular than the stunning Wonder Woman Gary Wolf portrayed while greeting guests for a photo op, setting the party mood. He later changed attire into a fabulous long white formal gown, as the Statue of Liberty. There was a sea of red, white and blue seen throughout the venue in the guests’ attire, hair color and go-go boots. Gorgeous floral centerpieces of roses, carnations and blue florals were accented with mirrored disco balls. No detail was overlooked in any of the decor.
Steel Magnolias Stars, Stripes and Boogie Nights event, photo from left, Joan Knight, Shirley Wild, Marlene Temple, Sue De Rosa, Mari Hooper, Gary Wolf, Debbie Martin McMullen, Renae Waestman-Furlow, Angi Burkard. (Photo courtesy of CaughtintheMoment.com)
Scouting America’s Distinguished Citizens Dinner event, photo from left, Marc Bonner, Dr. Dick Bell, Tom Jacobsen, Sarah Tong Sangmeister, Bruce DD Mac Rae. (Photo courtesy of CaughtintheMoment.com)
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Steel Magnolias Stars, Stripes and Boogie Nights event, photo from left, Joan Knight, Shirley Wild, Marlene Temple, Sue De Rosa, Mari Hooper, Gary Wolf, Debbie Martin McMullen, Renae Waestman-Furlow, Angi Burkard. (Photo courtesy of CaughtintheMoment.com)
The Magnolia Blooms, the newest group of members, made quite a splash with their red, white and blue “In Dolly We Trust” T-shirts. The Blooms in attendance included Chair Renae Waestman-Furlow, Karen and Steve Webster, Karen and Bobby Smitheran, Nancy Cherin, Christy Beranek, Jacquie Ferneau, Christy and Tyler Luckey, Tessa Luckey-Owen, Helen and Luis Mendoza, Diane and Kirk Anglin, Suzie Price, Gina Ashworth, and Tasha and Zoe Mazakas.
Auctioneer Jim Nye was pleased to be a part of the day’s success.
“The Steel Magnolias are one of the most dedicated and cohesive group he’s had the pleasure of working with,” Nye said.
He did a fabulous job getting people to raise their paddles. The event raised an estimated $100,000 at least.
The Steel Magnolias’ primary beneficiary is the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. They provide funding to fill the gaps in services needed by children and their families that are not funded or are only partially supported by other sources.
Seen at the Scene: Steel Magnolias President Sue DeRosa, event co-Chairs Angi Burkard and Debbie Martin-McMullen, Marlene Temple, Joan Knight from Millers Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Stramski Children’s Developmental Center Medical Director Dr. Gary Feldman, Lara Khouri, Dr. Tanya Dansky, Dr. Ioana Pal, Lisa Noack, Marina Ascarate, Paul Ascarate, Rob Gunsalus and Josue Hernandez. Shelly Barbre, Janet Briggs, Denise Dahlhausen, Stephanie Davis, Michele Dobson, Diana Eastman, Bobbie Fesler, Surina Geoffrey, Mari Hooper, Judie Johnsen, Liz Krummel, Sherry Loos, Tammy Newland, Janel Rowden, Hilda Sanchez, Julie Tonks, Renae Waestman-Furlow, Victoria Witherington, and Gary Lee Wolf.
Scouting America
The Long Beach Area Council of Scouting America was treated to a spectacular waterfront view from Gladstones on April 22 as it celebrated three local distinguished citizens during a dinner reception. Around 130 people attended the event, which raised more than $70,000 to help local families benefit from Long Beach Area Scouting programs.
Guests were welcomed with a high-energy cocktail hour, creating an atmosphere of connection, and leading to a scrumptious buffet dinner. The combination of iconic views, warm fellowship and heartfelt recognition made for a truly memorable evening.
The centerpiece of the evening was the celebration of awardees: Bruce DD Mac Rae; Jacobsen Pilot Service, represented by Tom Jacobsen; and Dr. Dick Bell, DPM. Followingbrief remarks by each, they were presented with Scouting America’s McKenzie statuette of an “ideal Boy Scout.” The sculpture was created in 1914 by the Philadelphia Council of Boy Scouts of America.
Mac Rae, serving double duty as bid-master, kept the auction spirited and lively as it was interspersed with the awards ceremony. Items up for bid included a VIP tour of the USS Iowa complete with cigars; an all-in trip to Catalina Island; a relaxing getaway in Paso Robles; a ride-along in a Jacobsen’s Pilot boat; a bottle of hard-to-find USS Constellation Rum; and a Duffy Boat experience followed by dinner at the Boathouse on the Bay.
Bell’s remarks included references alluding to his Scouting experiences as a boy.
“There is no finer youth organization in the country than Scouting,” he said. “I’ve been at this a long time. Scouting does more for youth than anything else I’ve seen.”
Some of the impressive Scouting youth attending from the greater Long Beach area included many Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing Scouts and Eagle Scouts — including both young men and women. It was noted that one young Scout (Thomas) has received an appointment to West Point; (Jenna) has been accepted to the University of Pennsylvania and will pursue a degree in nursing; her twin brother (John Jr.) will attend UC Berkeley to study medicine; and (Aidan) was accepted to Embry Riddle, where he will study aeronautical engineering.
Seen at the Scene: Honorees Mac Rae, Jacobsen and Bell. Long Beach Area Council Scout Executive Marc Bonner, council President Sarah Tong Sangmeister and husband John, President-elect Chris Shararian, past council President Sandy Mayuga, Vice President of Programs Bob Colley with wife Lawdra, Vice President of Maritime Ops Albert Guerra, board members Bob and Heidi Blair, Jon Gotz, Chuck Howard, Steve Keesal, Jeff Kellogg, J.P. Shotwell, Nathan Strang, and Greg White. Also Suzie Price, Long Beach City Attorney Dawn McIntosh, Bonnie Lowenthal with Evan Braude, Debbie Castro, Steve Goodling, Mari Hooper and Lisa Meier.
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.