The YMCA of Greater Long Beach hosted its 58th annual Good Friday Breakfast, bringing together hundreds to kick off this weekend’s Easter activities.
This year’s event started early Friday morning, April 3, at the Long Beach Convention Center and featured Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, as the keynote speaker.
A long-standing tradition that has united the community in reflection, inspiration and service for nearly six decades, officials said. The event welcomed civic leaders, nonprofit partners, faith-based organizations, and community members from across the region for breakfast and worship.
This year’s theme was “Anchored in Hope,” which called attendees to be guided by service and committed to lifting one another, even in times of challenge and uncertainty, said Alfredo Velasco, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach.
“In a world that can feel divided, distracted and disconnected, we are called to slow down, reach out and truly see one another. That’s what today is about, not just a theme, but a call to action,” Velasco said. “An invitation to pause, reflect, and center ourselves in hope, because when we are grounded in hope, we’re moved to see people, to truly know them and to lift them up – one neighbor, one neighborhood, one community at a time.”
Hundreds of people on Friday ate breakfast together, listened to a performance by the Millikan High School Chamber Choir, and attentively listened to the keynote speaker.
Hundreds of members from dozens of churches and religious organizations dine and eat together during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees applaud during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Steven Neal, the president of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, speaks during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Members of the Millikan High School Chamber Choir sing various spirituals during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Brian Russell, board chair for the YMCA Greater Long Beach, speaks during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Noel Hacegaba, chief executive officer of the Port of Long Beach, gives a speech as the keynote speaker during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Noel Hacegaba, chief executive officer of the Port of Long Beach, gives a speech as the keynote speaker during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Theresa Cornwell reads out a scripture during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Members of the Millikan High School Chamber Choir sing various spirituals during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Hundreds of members from dozens of churches and religious organizations dine and eat together during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Members of the Millikan High School Chamber Choir sing various spirituals during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Steve Keesal, who serves on the board of directors for the YMCA Greater Long Beach, speaks during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
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Hundreds of members from dozens of churches and religious organizations dine and eat together during the YMCA’s 58th Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
Hacegaba shared reflections on leadership, partnership and the importance of investing in people and communities to build a stronger future. He delivered his speech with bits of humor, as well as passion for how his faith has helped him navigate through his career at the port.
Hacegaba leads a team of 600 staff at the Port of Long Beach and is responsible for advancing the port’s priorities and initiatives, and elevating its leadership position in the global arena, according to his biography. During his 15-year career at the port, Hacegaba has distinguished himself as an industry leader and international expert on global trade, decarbonization, data collaboration and workforce development, organizers said.
He also serves on various industry boards, including the California Association of Port Authorities, and serves in pastoral leadership at his home church of 30 years. Hacegaba serves on the YMCA of Greater Long Beach Board of Directors and has attended the Good Friday Breakfast for many years.
“I’ve had to lean on my faith so many times over my nearly 16-year career at the port that I’ve lost count,” Hacegaba said.
He recounted his experiences handling shipping containers falling from a cargo ship in September and helping the port navigate through the supply chain crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hacegaba shared how his faith and hope helped him through moments of crisis and high-stakes decisions.
“In one phrase, you can say that my life has been anchored in hope,” he told the room of 900 attendees at the breakfast. “Just as a ship needs an anchor to securely hold its position on the seabed, preventing it from drifting or colliding with other vessels, we need an anchor to endure the storms of life.
“People of faith don’t drop their anchor downward to the storms of life,” Hacegaba added, “we toss it upward into the very presence of God, and it snags on faith-fueled hope.”
Hacegaba shared his family’s story and how faith is something that was passed on to him from his parents. He shared how it helped him through his first year at USC and applying for his first job at the port.
“In life, you will face adversity, setbacks, and disappointments, but when your life is anchored in hope, it changes your outlook,” he said. “It broadens your perspective, it gives you perseverance, because you rely on the ultimate way maker to make the way. The same God who made crucifixion Friday good is the same God who made resurrection Sunday possible.”
Hacegaba ended his speech by encouraging those in attendance to share their hope with others during a time when the world needs more hope.
“The world around us can use a little hope today,” he said. “This is one of the reasons why I’m so proud to be associated with the Y, not only do we provide life skills to our youth and our communities and our neighbors, but we also offer them something that we all need – hope. Hope for the future, hope for tomorrow. Let’s each of us do our part and share this hope with those around us.”
Other featured speakers during the event included Phyllis Hayes-Reams, board officer for the YMCA Board of Directors, who gave the invocation; Brian Russel, chair of the YMCA Board of Directors, gave a message from the YMCA; Theresa Cornwell, board director of the YMCA Board of Directors, who read the scripture; and Steven Keesal, board director of the YMCA Board of Directors and first vice president/financial advisor at RBC Wealth Management, who served as the master of ceremonies.
During the event, a moment was taken to honor Skip Keesal and Bob Foster, distinguished past keynote speakers of the Good Friday Breakfast and whose dedication and vision helped shape the legacy of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach.
The Good Friday Breakfast continues to be a signature event for the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, officials said, raising awareness and support for its mission of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.