The Long Beach Ronald McDonald House hosted its 11th Annual A Few Good Men and Women Gala at the Hyatt Regency on Oct. 29. The signature event drew nearly 700 guests to support the Ronald McDonald House’s mission of raising vital funds to support families with critically ill children.
The Long Beach Ronald McDonald House 11th Annual A Few Good Men and Women Gala, with the Class of 2025 A Few Good Men and Women, from left to right, John Freeborn, Barbara Blackwell, Chris Steinhauser, Carolyn Caldwell, Alfredo Velasco, Nancy Foster, Honorable Alan Lowenthal, Jean Bixby Smith, John Fylpaa.(Courtesy photo)
At Rancho Los Alamitos inaugural Roundup at the Rancho
fundraiser, from left to right, Executive Director Tim Roberts, Director of Development Erin Wilson, Coordinator Nicole Ridley, and The Grand owner Dan D’sa in the Rancho’s tack room. (Photo courtesy of Shirley Wild)
At Rancho Los Alamitos inaugural Roundup at the Rancho
fundraiser with a front-row seat for the game! (Courtesy of Shirley Wild)
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The Long Beach Ronald McDonald House 11th Annual A Few Good Men and Women Gala, with the Class of 2025 A Few Good Men and Women, from left to right, John Freeborn, Barbara Blackwell, Chris Steinhauser, Carolyn Caldwell, Alfredo Velasco, Nancy Foster, Honorable Alan Lowenthal, Jean Bixby Smith, John Fylpaa.(Courtesy photo)
Hosted by Honorary Chairs Julie and Don Knabe (class of 2014), with community organizer Justin Rudd (class of 2014) serving as the master of ceremonies, the gala honored nine distinguished leaders from the greater Long Beach area for their outstanding achievements and enduring commitment to philanthropy.
Among the honorees were Jean Bixby Smith, Barbara Blackwell, Carolyn Caldwell, Nancy Foster, John Freeborn, John Fylpaa, former U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal, Chris Steinhauser, and Alfredo Velasco, each a shining example of generosity and leadership.
The evening kicked off with a champagne arrival and signature cocktail reception, during which guests savored delectable hors d’oeuvres before participating in an exciting silent auction.
Auction highlights included a Porsche driving experience, a Lake Arrowhead getaway and Lakers tickets.
During the reception, a “Heart to Heart” activity invited guests to share messages of hope on red hearts, which were placed on white trees to create a meaningful display for families at the LBRMH. The evening continued in the ballroom, where guests were touched by the inspiring story of Jacko Junior’s courageous battle with cancer.
“We can’t take away Jacko’s tumor, and we can’t stop childhood cancer,” the Aulet-Leon family shared. “But we can say the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House gave us peace in the storm, a place to hold onto hope, and a reminder that we are not alone.”
A dynamic live auction followed. It was curated by each honoree and concluded with a chic and memorable honoree fashion show.
The evening was presented by the Ackerman Family/Evalyn Bauer Foundation, Temple Family Charitable Foundation, Lisa and Frank Chapman and Valero.
The gala raised more than $850,000 to help keep families together and close to the critical medical care their children need, while also providing the comforts of home: nourishing meals, cozy rooms and a community of care.
Seen at the scene: Mayor Rex Richardson, Honorary Chairs Don and Julie Knabe, state Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, LAPD Chief Jim and Kathy McDonnell, L.A. Sheriff Robert and Celines Luna, CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia, Mike and Arlene Walter, LBCC ‘s Paul Kaminski, Ginny Baxter, Manhattan Beach Mayor David Lesser, Bob and Nancy Foster, Rich Archbold, Marlene Temple, Sumer Temple, Jill Rosenberg, Dr. Nissi Suppogu and spouse Sam Abraham, Gary and Dawna DeLong, Gloria Deukmejian, Dr. Grant and Debbie Uba, Mari Hooper, Rose Hamm Bothner, Kevin and Jennifer Peterson, Mike and Mimi Brascia, Ron and Nancy Piazza, Loree Scarborough and Denis McConkey, Evan Braude, and Darick Simpson.
Inaugural Roundup at the Rancho
Yee-haw!
There were 150 cowboys and cowgirls at the inaugural “Roundup at the Rancho” fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 1, to support the Rancho Los Alamitos Livestock Program. Close to $50,000 was raised for the program, which oversees a rotation of farm animals representing the history of ranching in the Long Beach area.
Lots of Western attire was seen among the throng during the fun night. The evening included tours of the gardens, barn and house while enjoying food and libations — and a whole bunch of enthusiastic conversations. Interesting demonstrations of blacksmithing and historic poker, live music, a silent auction, and barnyard animals were among the highlights.
The roundup was created by board member Matt Knabe and The Grand owner Dan D’sa, both neighbors in the Bixby Hill community. Their concept was to create a new event that borrowed from Rancho events of the past, but was easy to include friends and new visitors. With Director of Development Erin Wilson and Executive Director Tim Roberts, the team dreamed up “Roundup at The Rancho,” an immersive food-and-drink tour of the 7.5 acres that comprise Long Beach’s historical treasure.
When Game 7 of the World Series came on during the event, the team was ready and quickly turned the game on, utilizing it as “the best entertainment ever.” It was an unexpected watch party and mass celebration of the Dodgers back-to-back World Series titles.
“It was great having the game on,” as one guest said. “It was so special and fun to watch at the Rancho!”
The fundraiser was sponsored by the Port of Long Beach and the Grand Food and Beverage, designed to attract new and first-time visitors to the Rancho.
Seen at the Scene: Executive Director Tim Roberts, Director of Development Erin Wilson, Henry and Julie Taboada, Deborah Castro, Dan and Cherie D’Sa, Matt and Bri Knabe, Roberta Jeanette (cq), Harry and Maria Saltzgaver, Evan Braude, Nicole Ridley, and Tony and Sandra Martinho.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net or by fax to 562-594-9468. 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.