Olé!
The Rick Rackers, an Auxiliary of Assistance League of Long Beach, celebrated incoming Chair Jill McGougan and her 2026-27 governing body on May 5. The Assistance League house was decorated as a fiesta with a vibrant Mexican theme, bursting with colorful decorations, flair and a sense of joyful celebration. There were 30 members and guests enjoying the traditional changing of the guard, which is heartfelt and serious — but still playful, warm and high-spirited.
Outgoing Chair Judy Cullen opened the evening with a warm welcome, reflecting on a year of continued success marked by meaningful impact, strong friendships and memorablemoments. Among the highlights was a successful Clothe-A-Child campaign, which raised nearly $60,000. This contribution underscores Operation School Bell’s remarkableachievement of serving close to 12,000 Long Beach Unified School District students this year.
A poignant moment followed as Assistance League of Long Beach President Christina Mansour presented McGougan with the prestigious Winifred Campbell Orchid, anenduring symbol of leadership, service and the responsibility she now carries into the year ahead.
After a celebratory dinner, the evening took the traditional playful and creative turn, with a spirited skit that was inspired by the makings of a strong team. Each member of theincoming governing body was introduced as an essential “ingredient” to the “Recipe of Success,” highlighting how their individual strengths will come together to create a recipe for adynamic and successful year.
McGougan was presented with a molcajete (mortar and pestle), symbolizing the strong and steady foundation where everything comes together; Chair-elect Anne Kinerwas presented with salsa, for bringing energy, brightness and fresh ideas; Secretary Katey Conley was presented with a cookbook, preserving every detail and guiding the wayforward; Assistant Auxiliary Treasurer Laura Chasin was presented with a chip basket, managing to ensure balance and sustainability; and Parliamentarian Holly Reinhard received alime, adding structure, balance and just the right touch.
Chapter liaison Christina Mansour received tequila for connecting and keeping communication flowing. Avocados, bringing richness, wisdom and enhancement to all she touches went to Mansour, Operation School Bell chair. A tamale, hands-on and deeply rooted in supporting philanthropic programs, was presented to Judy Cullen, resource and development chair. The tortilla finale was presented to Marlene Raab, membership chair, welcoming and creating a sense of belonging for all.
The evening concluded with cherished traditions, including the ceremonial passing of the gavel and the ringing of bells by past chairs, welcoming the new leadership into their“sacred circle.”
In her inaugural remarks, McGougan reflected on her personal journey to Assistance League of Long Beach, ultimately as a Rick Rackers member. She shared a heartfelt story ofresponding to an Instagram post expressing how much she missed volunteering, only to be encouraged by a then-anonymous responder to join Rick Rackers. That responder, she later discovered, was Oscar Reyes, Assistance League’s director of donor relations and development, whom she now considers one of her closest friends.
It was a vibrant celebration, filled with laughter and a shared commitment to service.
Seen at the Scene: Jill McGougan, Judy Cullen, Christina Mansour, Colleen Bragalone, Rosemary Zarn, Oscar Reyes, Karen Sprague, Katey Conley, Penny Wilds, and NancyBeesley.
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