What a blast from the past!
International City Theatre recently held its 41st Anniversary celebration “Encore 2026,” with a 1970s, “Soul Train” theme — and raised more than $190,000 to support production and education programs.
Around 250 guests enjoyed a champagne reception in the outdoor reception area of The Grand. There were many photos taken of people, creatively attired in the theme costumes. A DJ played lively and danceable music from the era. The costume/dance contest was enthusiastically encouraged by the crowd.
Following the celebratory reception, guests were seated in the ballroom, where Encore dinner chairs Stephanie Loftin and Robin Thorne welcomed the throng and introduced the master of ceremonies, ICT board member Cory Allen. Allen introduced ICT Artistic Director and Producer caryn desai. desai invited Sharon Gardner, who starred in ICT’s last production of “Conscience,” to share her thoughts on theater and ICT. Noah Sinclair then took over for the lively auction, as ICT board member David Zanatta prepared the videos for the honorees.
ICT board co-President Gary Einstein, and board members Nancy Ackerman Gaines and Bonnie Lowenthal presented the International City Theatre’s James Ackerman Crystal Arts and Humanitarian Award recipients in recognition of their dedication, commitment and service to so many. Those honored were Long Beach City Attorney Dawn McIntosh, community supporter Sandy VandenBerge and Long Beach harbor Commissioner Sharon Weissman.
Presenting sponsors and Crystal Event Executive Producers were Ackerman Family/Bauer Foundation and the Port of Long Beach. Other key sponsors were Temple Family Charitable Foundation, Visit Long Beach, ASM Global, the Water Replenishment District and Long Beach Law. Encore 2026 funds will support ICT’s 2027 season productions and six education programs, which reach thousands of children and seniors annually in every district of Long Beach and surrounding communities.
Seen at the Scene: Nancy Ackerman Gaines, Cindy Allen, Alan and Debbie Lowenthal, Roberto and Tonia Uranga, Marlene Temple, Minnie and Vickie Douglas, Lyn and John Pohlmann, Doug, Lisa and Delaney Haubert, Josephine Molina and Heather Rudy, Dr. Grant Uba and Debbie, Judy Ross, Amy and Rich Lipeles, Jean Bixby Smith, Barbara Blackwell, Bonnie Lowenthal and Evan Braude, Herlinda Chico, Kay Cofield, Harry and Maria Saltzgaver, Henry and Julie Taboada, Michele Dobson, Karole Foreman, Charlie and Terese Parkin, Paul Garman, Ron Nelson, Patricia Toliver, Jacki Stanfield, Jay Beeler, Norm Rasmussen, Douglas and Suzette Senecal, and Tom and Cathy Wieder.
Young Horizons
From left, Young Horizons Board of Directors board members Moustapha Hammoude, Alexandra Torres-Galancid, Frank Gutierrez, Elizabeth Willis (center back), Nancy Manriquez, Dowell & Executive Director Sarah Soriano (center), Alejandra Albarran Moses, Bianca Villanueva and Juancarlos Mariano (right) at Young Horizons’s annual fiesta. (Courtesy photo)
Young Horizons hosted its annual fiesta celebration at The Grand on Sept. 18, where more than 100 supporters raised about $52,000. Mariachi EP set the tone for the celebration with lively and beautiful performances. Attendees participated in a silent auction and opportunity drawing to support Young Horizons’ early education programs that provide high-quality learning opportunities and family support services for children throughout the community.
A highlight of the evening was a moving testimonial from parent Isamar Flores, who shared how Young Horizons has supported her family and her five children. Flores related that she is currently close to graduating from Cal State Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, crediting the support she received from Young Horizons. Board members Bianca Villanueva and Rosalina Vergara energized the crowd during the Fund-a-Need appeal, inspiring guests to invest in the future of local children and families.
The evening was a true fiesta, a celebration of Young Horizons’ accomplishments, the strength of families it serves, the dedication of its staff, and the support of the Long Beach Sponsors Marathon Petroleum, F&M Bank, Buchalter Law Firm and the Port of Long Beach.
Seen at the Scene: Board members: Alejandra Albarran Moses and Ken, Frank Gutierrez, Moustapha Hammoude (F&M Bank), Anna King and husband Ray Strunk, Nancy Manriquez Dowell, Juancarlos Mariano, Alexandra Torres-Galancid, Rosalina Vergara, Bianca Villanueva and Edward, Elizabeth Willis. Also attending were: Jose Barerra, Nancy Downs, Jorge Enciso, Bruce Heyman, Gail McCullough, Jake Mooney, Jose Perera, Nancy Perez (Marathon Petroleum) and Roger Scott (Buchalter Law Firm), and Executive Director Sarah Soriano.
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.