An evening of games, food, community resources and more will help raise funds for Long Beach community members impacted by ongoing immigration raids.

The local nonprofit Long Beach Forward’s Youth Movement and Education Center will be hosting a “Tardeadas Fundraiser” next week, which will offer an opportunity for attendees to have fun and build community all while supporting a meaningful cause, organizers said.

The fundraiser will be held on Friday, July 24, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Youth Movement and Education Center, 2217 E. Sixth St.

A “tardeada” is a community-centered evening gathering, rooted in Mexican and Hispanic cultures, featuring music, local vendors, delicious food, and opportunities to connect with neighbors.

All proceeds raised through the event will go directly to immigrant individuals and families who have been impacted by the current political climate through the organization’s Belonging & Resiliency Fund. The rapid response fund is guided by a committee of trusted community members who work closely with the individuals and families affected by recent federal immigration raids, ensuring that support reaches those who need it, organizers said.

“At Long Beach Forward, we remain deeply committed to standing alongside immigrant communities and providing ongoing support through initiatives like the Tardeadas and the Belonging & Resiliency Fund,” Diana Martinez, communications manager for Long Beach Forward, said in a statement.

Those interested in supporting can attend the event, with a suggested donation of $5 to $10. People can also directly make a donation to the Belonging & Resiliency Fund at givebutter.com/BandR. Limited free parking will be available at 621 Dawson Ave.

The nonprofit is also looking for more local vendors to join this and future “tardeadas.” Vendors interested in participating can get more information and apply at lbforward.org/tardeada-vendor.

NAACP Long Beach Branch hosted successful blood drive last month

The NAACP Long Beach Branch hosted a successful blood drive last month, officials said, collecting 45 units of blood – potentially saving up to 138 lives.

The community blood drive, held on June 26, was in partnership with the American Red Cross, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Rho Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The event exceeded expectations, with every available donation appointment filled and additional community members arriving throughout the day, according to a press release. The drive resulted in 43 blood donors and 45 units of blood collected.

Additionally, 33 units were collected from African American donors, helping to address the critical need for blood donations, which are especially important for patients living with sickle cell disease.

“This blood drive demonstrated the incredible power of community,” Sharifa Batts, president of the NAACP Long Beach Branch, said in a statement. “When organizations unite around a common purpose, lives are changed. Every donor answered a call that will have a lasting impact on patients and families throughout our city.”

The Branch extends its sincere appreciation to the American Red Cross for its partnership and outstanding support, as well as to fraternity and sorority members who volunteered, recruited donors, and helped make the event possible, Batts added.

The NAACP Long Beach Branch also recognizes Cameron McClure, health chair, for his leadership and coordination of the blood drive. His dedication, along with the effort of volunteers, ensured a welcoming experience for every donor and contributed to the event’s success, according to a press release.

“The American Red Cross shared how impressed they were with the tremendous community response,” Batts said. “This was truly a collaborative effort that reflects what is possible when community organizations, volunteers and residents work together to save lives.”

The blood drive is part of the Branch’s ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and raising awareness of the importance of blood donation, particularly among African American donors, whose blood is often in critical demand to treat patients with sickle cell disease and other chronic illnesses, according to a press release.

Community members can learn about other upcoming NAACP Long Beach Branch events at lbcanaacp.org.