It was an exciting evening for the 200 or so people attending the Long Beach Century Club’s “Night of Giving” on Tuesday, April 21, at the new Long Beach City College entertainment facility above the swimming pool.
Funds are annually dispersed for the athletic programs at each Long Beach Unified School District middle and high school, as well as St. Anthony High, LBCC and Cal State Long Beach. A highlight of the evening was when the representatives from the schools addressed the crowd and detailed the money their campuses are receiving.
Representatives from all of the Long Beach Unified School District Middle Schools, High Schools, including St. Anthony, Long Beach City College and Long Beach State, along with Long Beach Century Club President Mike Fillipow. (Courtesy)
Carolyn Caldwell, president and CEO of St. Mary Medical Center. (Courtesy)
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Representatives from all of the Long Beach Unified School District Middle Schools, High Schools, including St. Anthony, Long Beach City College and Long Beach State, along with Long Beach Century Club President Mike Fillipow. (Courtesy)
This year, a record $100,000 was distributed. The schools were also presented a banner to display on their campuses.
The schools will use the money for various things, such as uniforms, equipment, facility upgrades, awards and championship banners for their gymnasiums. LBCC, for example, uses its donations for student-athlete academic services, and CSULB uses its money for student-athlete scholarships.
“The Long Beach Century Club was established in 1957 to support the young athletes of Long Beach,” said Century Club President Mike Fillipow. “There are currently 375 members who work very hard to raise money that can be given to schools and youth sports organizations who are truly making a difference in the lives of the youth of Long Beach that we are all so fortunate to serve.”
Board member Rob Wigod summed up the program during his remarks.
“What makes the evening so special for those in attendance is the opportunity for all of the coaches and administrators from the schools involved to gather together to share their appreciation and support for each other,” he said. “It is like a big reunion of people who all share the same passion and commitment to helping young people.”
Century Club member Dave Ursini, from Naples Rib Company, catered the dinner following the social hour.
Seen at the scene: Century Club President Mike Fillipow; board member Rob Wigod; Jeff Williams, representing Mayor Rex Richardson’s Office; Doug Otto; Edward Samuels; Bill Salas; Lauren Goins; Randy Totorp; and Mike Guardabascio.
Spirit of St. Mary Awards
Dignity Health/CommonSpirit Health — St. Mary Medical Center held its fourth annual Spirit of St. Mary Awards during a luncheon at the Museum of Latin American Art on April 7. The event honored individuals and organizations whose service and commitment reflect their tagline “humankindness” — the ideal of making life better for other people every day.
St. Mary Hospital President Carolyn Caldwell and Chief Philanthropy Officer Micheal Neils presented the awards to Lisa and Doug Haubert, and Precious Lamb Preschool board Chair Matt Cullen and Executive Director Cheri Bazley.
“The Spirit of St. Mary Award recognizes those who don’t just talk about compassion; they embody it,” Caldwell said. “They step forward, often quietly, to lift others and the community. St Mary Medical Center was honored to recognize both Precious Lamb and Doug and Lisa Hubert for the impact they have on building a healthier future for our community.”
This year’s honorees were recognized for their dedication to supporting the most vulnerable residents of Long Beach while strengthening our community. Attendees enjoyed a tour of the museum, luncheon and program, including the debut of St. Mary’s award-winning humankindness video.
Arline Walter offered a closing reflection on the importance of humankindness. Proceeds raised during the event will go to the St. Mary CARE Center. The title sponsors were Arline and Dr. Mike Walter; there were also other sponsors, including the Port of Long Beach.
Seen at the scene: Past Honorees – Arline and Mike Walter, Gloria Cordero, Minnie Douglas, Police Chief Wally Hebeish, Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan. Also in attendance: Suzie Price, Dawn McIntosh, Felton Williams, Bonnie Lowenthal, Mario Cordero, Sharon Weissman, Carolyn Caldwell.
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.