The Nonprofit Partnership, photo from left, Dora Jacildo, Ehsan Zaffar, Marni Wratchford, Danita Humphrey, Candice Wood, Oscar Reyes, Norma Stein, president, Susan Jacobs, Michelle Byerly, executive director, and Erin Wilson. (Courtesy photo)
More than 300 community leaders, nonprofit professionals, funders and advocates gathered at The Grand Long Beach last month for The Nonprofit Partnership’s annualNonprofit Community Breakfast. It was an uplifting morning centered around collaboration, celebration and the future of the nonprofit sector.
Centered around the theme “Forward Together,” the room was filled with excitement, energy and a shared sense of purpose as nonprofits and community partners from across the region came together to connect and support one another. It was a meaningful opportunity for community-building while highlighting the collective impact nonprofits continue to make throughout Southern California.
A special fun highlight of the morning included an energizing and interactive dance led by Alison De La Cruz. The experience encouraged guests to step outside traditional networking formats, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere that fostered authentic conversation and collaboration.
Mayor Rex Richardson highlighted the nonprofit sector’s remarkable ability to respond quickly and effectively to community needs. He pointed to the collaboration between TheNonprofit Partnership, Long Beach Gives, the mayor’s office, and the Mayor’s Fund for Long Beach. This group mobilized a coordinated rapid response through the Long Beach Food Access Fund in late 2025, following the federal government shutdown that resulted in the loss of SNAP benefits for many residents. It addressed urgent food insecurity by rapidly directing resources to community-based organizations, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families had access to critical support.
Geoff Green, CEO of CalNonprofits, offered a sneak-peek at the upcoming “Causes Count 3.0” report, a landmark study that highlights the economic power, scope, and impact ofCalifornia’s nonprofit sector. He noted that the nonprofit sector now ranks as the 3rd largest employer by number of jobs among key California industries.
Seen at the Scene: Ennette Morton, Geoff Green, Jack Cunningham, Anthony Regina, Jeanette Christian, Jeff Williams, Patrick Swymer, Robert Allarte, Sam Waldoch, SharonWeissman, Steve Neal, Victoria Rowe, and Vivian Malauulu.
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.