The NAACP Long Beach branch celebrated its Freedom Fund Gala, dubbed “We the People United,” at the Marriott on Sept. 12.
The gala honored Confluence Rising and seven distinguished individuals, awarded $10,000 in student scholarships, and raised support for year-round civil rights and community programs to strengthen the greater Long Beach community.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came as attendees rose to give a standing ovation to past NAACP Long Beach branch President Naomi Rainey-Pierson, recognizing her extraordinary legacy of leadership, advocacy and service to the organization she oversaw, and to the broader community.
Also honored were Confluence Rising, formerly known as CCEJ, for its service and commitment to the community. Seven distinguished individuals were also honored: Kenneth Turner, Anna Salusky, Beverly Burns, Marie Treadwell, Carolyn Caldwell and Jeremiah Camacho.
A powerful keynote address by David Zaid, Long Beach Unified School District’s superintendent, underscored the importance of education, opportunity, community engagement and investment in the next generation. Education remained at the heart of the evening as the $10,000 in scholarships went to deserving students attending Cal State Long Beach and Long Beach City College.
“The Freedom Fund Gala represents more than one evening of celebration,” said Sharifa Batts, current president of the NAACP Long Beach branch. “It represents an investment in our young people, our families and the future of our community. The work does not end when the gala concludes.”
Seen at the Scene: Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, Councilmember Megan Kerr, Mayor Rex Richardson, NAACP Long Beach branch past Presidents Naomi Rainey Pierson and Ahmed Saafir, CSULB President Loren Blanchard, LBCC Superintendent-President Mike Muñoz, LBUSD Superintendent David Zaid, NAACP Regional Director Darrell Goode, Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga, Port of Long Beach harbor commission President Steven Neal, LBPD chief Wally Hebeish, Port of Long Beach harbor Commissioner Bonnie Lowenthal, and Freedom Fund Gala co-chairs Cecile Harris Walters and Rosie Chaney.
The NAACP Long Beach branch celebrated its Freedom Fund Gala at the Marriott on Sept. 12. From left, Freedom Fund Gala co-chair Dr. Rosie Chaney, Dr. Sharifa Batts, past NAACP Long Beach Branch President Noami Rainey-Pierson, and Freedom Fund Gala co-chair Cecile Harris Walters. (Courtesy photo)
Don Fesler, left, and Tyler Luckey, staunch supporters of the Steel Magnolias enjoy the group’s volunteer appreciation event on Sept. 14. (Courtesy photo)
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The NAACP Long Beach branch celebrated its Freedom Fund Gala at the Marriott on Sept. 12. From left, Freedom Fund Gala co-chair Dr. Rosie Chaney, Dr. Sharifa Batts, past NAACP Long Beach Branch President Noami Rainey-Pierson, and Freedom Fund Gala co-chair Cecile Harris Walters. (Courtesy photo)
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Steel Magnolias
Sept. 14 was a beautiful evening for the “Steel Magnolia Volunteer Appreciation” gathering at the lovely home of Renae Waestman-Furlow. It was a fun night, attended by more than 60 members who enjoyed an evening of fun and camaraderie. There was a taco truck, generously funded by the board, while President Sue DeRosa kept the refreshments flowing with fresh skinny margaritas, skinny palomas and full-strength palomas for the more adventurous souls. A “Monday meeting” record of $800 was raised.
Dr. Gary Feldman, Ioana Pal and Deneisha Calvert from the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center and MemorialCare Foundation were honored guests. Feldman gave an informative presentation about the range of services and resources available to children and families through the Stramski Center. His presentation was made even more meaningful by Sandra Grace, a longtime Steel Magnolias volunteer, who shared a moving personal story about the meaningful difference the Stramski Center made in the life of her child and the invaluable resources and support it provided to her family.
“It was a powerful reminder of why the Steel Magnolias does what we do and why the support of our members, volunteers and donors matters so much,” DeRosa said.
Small gifts of appreciation were created by DeRosa and Janel Rowden for the volunteers.
“This evening is first and foremost about saying thank you to the many volunteers who give their time, talents and hearts to Steel Magnolias throughout the year,” DeRosa said.
The evening ended with cupcakes and a rousing “Happy Birthday” to Pam Luckey, made even more special because her family was there to join in the celebration.
Among those joining were Grace Harambasic of St. Anthony High School, Sandra Grace, Cheryl LeMmon, Pam Camfield, Maryam Odabaee, Tammy Long, Carl Lee and Pam Hughes. Two new members were welcomed, Amelia Cooper and Valerie Owen. Prospective members Ilene Fuson, Judy Nichols and Debbie Sarkar were welcomed to the Steel Magnolias family.
The Magnolia Blooms, meanwhile, are a new group of provisional members who were well represented by Christie and Tyler Luckey, Dennis McConkey, Don Fesler, Karen Simpson, Stephanie Everson, Helen Mendoza and Christine Tucker.
Seen at the scene: President Sue DeRosa, President Elect Debbie Martin-McMullen, Michele Dobson, Mari Hooper, Bobbie and Don Fesler, Stephanie Davis, Paul Diego, Sherry Loos, Liz Krummell, Angi Burkard, Jean Joseph, Judie Johnsen, Dorothy Jacobi, Hilda Sanchez, Marlene Temple, Gary Lee Wolf, Pam and Tyler Luckey, Loree Scarborough and hostess Renae Waestman-Furlow.
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.