Fringes, sequins, feathers and fur filled the ballroom at the westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach on Saturday, Aug. 15, for the Cancer Support Community South Bay’s 29th annual Celebrate Wellness gala — which this year, had a “Great Gatsby” theme.
The fundraiser was intended to allow people who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families to attend support sessions free of charge.
More than 250 people attended the event, which raised more than $230,000 through ticket sales, and silent and live auctions.
Proceeds from the gala will help fund more than 200 free programs that provide emotional and social support, education, and hope for cancer patients and their families throughout the South Bay, Long Beach and Orange County.
Cancer Support Community South Bay Executive Director and CEO Jillian Van Leuven with Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin and his 1955 Ford Thunderbird at the 29th annual Celebrate Wellness gala Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 at the westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach. (Photo by David Plakos)
Guests browse silent auction items during the Cancer Support Community South Bay’s 29th annual Celebrate Wellness Gala Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 at the westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach. (Photo by David Plakos)
Cancer Support Community South Bay participant Sean Fistonich shares how the organization’s free support programs helped him through his cancer journey at the 29th annual Celebrate Wellness gala Saturday, Aug. 15 at the westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach. (Photo by David Plakos)
Members of Cancer Support Community South Bay’s Youth Leadership Council (left to right): Klara Mertz, Arya Abbasian Kashi, Ava Abbasian Kashi, Aubrey Bradford, Liam Hartigan. The students were recognized at the 29th annual Celebrate Wellness gala for helping raise awareness of the organization’s free programs in local schools and throughout the community.
Cancer survivor and CSC South Bay participant Sean Fistonich and his mother, Sharon Fistonich, a CSC South Bay volunteer, welcome guests at the 29th annual Celebrate Wellness gala Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 at the westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach. (Photo by David Plakos)
Attendees gather for a group photo on the dance floor at the Cancer Support Community South Bay’s 29th annual Celebrate Wellness Gala Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 at the Westdrift Hotel in Manhattan Beach. (Photo by David Plakos)
KTLA’s Wendy Burch announces the winning Golden Ticket number during the Cancer Support Community South Bay’s 29th annual Celebrate Wellness gala Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 at the westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach. (Photo by David Plakos)
Show Caption
1 of 7
Cancer Support Community South Bay Executive Director and CEO Jillian Van Leuven with Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin and his 1955 Ford Thunderbird at the 29th annual Celebrate Wellness gala Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 at the westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach. (Photo by David Plakos)
Sean Fistonich, a cancer survivor who participates in the CSCSB’s programs, took the stage on Saturday to share the impact of finding community through his cancer journey.
When Fistonich first heard about the Cancer Support Community, he said, the information went in one ear and out the other.
“But every night I went to bed, that brochure was staring at me,” Fistonich said. “I finally went, ‘What can it hurt?’”
He arrived at his first meeting petrified to talk about himself, he said — but “they made me feel great.”
“Everyone was going through it themselves,” Fistonich said. “They heard my story and gave me advice on things I didn’t know was coming.”
He thought it was going to be a one-off meeting, Fistonich added, but he kept going. And even after recovering from cancer, Fistonich continues giving back to the organization.
“Within moments of my first Zoom meeting, I felt a wave of comfort I hadn’t felt in months,” Fistonich said. “I couldn’t find myself leaving because I knew it was my turn to to help somebody else as they’ve helped me.”
A golden ticket $100 drawing also took place. Each year, the winner of that drawing gets to choose from six substantial prizes, such as Lakers suite tickets and a ride in a Goodyear blimp. Whichever prizes the raffle winner doesn’t choose are auctioned off to the rest of the crowd.
On Saturday, Paul Miyahara, whose wife and two daughters have survived cancer, won the golden ticket raffle. He chose a five-day trip to a Montana ranch for 14 — noting that he plans a big family vacation each year.
This year, there was also a “wine pull” behind a gold speakeasy curtain, where guests could spin a wheel for $20 and win bottles of wine
Jazzy, Roaring Twenties renditions of more modern songs played throughout the night.
Members of the CSC South Bay’s Youth Leadership Council also took the stage to share what inspired them to join the council, what they have learned through the program, and why they are passionate about raising awareness of CSC South Bay’s free programs in local schools and throughout the community.