The Long Beach Area Council, Scouting America, turned back the clock to the Roaring ’20s on Nov. 9, hosting a dazzling Great Gatsby-themed High Tea Gala at the Lakewood Country Club.
The morning shimmered with mimosas, music, and camaraderie — “but at its heart was a noble mission: raising funds to ensure that all youth, regardless of background, can access programs offering outdoor adventures, leadership training, and mentorship,” noted event chair Bob Colley.
More than 200 guests filled the Avalon Ballroom, helping to raise an impressive $65,000. The ballroom was awash in flowers, while the adjacent Fireside Room displayed auctiontreasures that drew eager bidders.
Guests were welcomed with professional photographs, corsages and boutonnieres for honorees, and the lilting sounds of James Alcantara on keyboard, accompanied by violin and the vocals of his wife, Celeste.
With flutes of champagne in hand and charcuterie boards brimming, attendees in period dress mingled in the foyer, speculating on which auction items might soon be theirs.
Networking flowed seamlessly into a sumptuous meal, more champagne, and a spirited live auction, conducted by Bruce (with Barbie) MacRae. The High Tea meal service began with a flag salute led by Sea Scout Sarah Salamon and a warm welcome to Lakewood from Mayor (and Kick Ass Women 2025 honoree) Cassandra Chase and Scouting America Council President Sarah Sangmeister.
The Long Beach Area Council, Scouting America, photo from left: Emcee Todd Rogers, Council President Sarah Sangmeister, VP Program Bob Colley, Scout Executive CEO Marc Bonner. (Courtesy photo)
Long Beach Memorial Hospital Women’s League, photo from left: Books for Babies board members Kathy Elkins, Julie Taboada, Jean Stone, Judy Bogart, Tanya Winslow, Jeanne Contreras, Valorie Cameron, Ximena Lopez, Alexis Ramirez, Nancy Hill, Margie Rodriguez. On the 2nd row are Miryam Fernandez, Melonie Cruz and Lynnette Bello from Welcome Baby. (Courtesy photo)
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The Long Beach Area Council, Scouting America, photo from left: Emcee Todd Rogers, Council President Sarah Sangmeister, VP Program Bob Colley, Scout Executive CEO Marc Bonner. (Courtesy photo)
The highlight of the day was the award program, honoring nine local women: Geraldine Knatz, Gina Rushing Maguire, Karen Rindone, Joanie Dixson, Cassandra Chase and Lori Woods.
For the sake of transparency, I’ll let you know thatI was also among the honorees. Honored in absentia were departing Cal State Long Beach President Jane Close Conoley and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn.
The award was a lovely solid gold charm emblazoned with the Scouts’ fleur de lis.
Emcee Todd Rogers noted: “These accomplished women, drawn from diverse fields, have made exceptional contributions to the community and stand as role models for all. They live boldly, blazing trails, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”
As the final toast was raised, he added, “this was more than a glamorous gala and opportunity to dress up. It was a celebration of women who lead with courage and a promise to invest in the next generation of leaders.”
Among the throng of supporters were Long Beach Council Scout Executive/CEO Marc Bonner, Council Vice-President of Program Bob Colley, with Lawdra and his Eagle Scout Grandson, Robin.
The Gala Planning Committee included Jan Cooper, Nancy Kneuer and Barbie Amagamian.
Also present from the Long Beach Area Council’s Board were Vice-Presidents Chris Shararian with Jeannie, Vince Attardo with Ana, Katie Zinh, and Albert Guerra; Council Board Members Dr. Richard Bell with Susan, J. P. Shotwell with his family, Lee Shoag with Barbara, and Greg White.
Seen at the Scene: Heidi, Karen and Nancy Blair; emcee Todd Rogers; Kristina Duggan; Suzie Price; Lisa Chapman; Lakewood City Council members Steve Croft and Jeff Wood;; Signal Hill City Council Tina Hansen; Jennifer Hong from the Cerritos City Council; Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish; Long Beach Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan; Long Beach City Attorney Dawn McIntosh; Steve and Katherine Keesal; Stephanie Davis; Mari Hooper; Joan Knight; Shirlee Bouch; Marianne Gastelum; Sherry Loos; Sue DeRosa; Bobbie Fesler; Dane Hickerson; Jean Joseph; Hilda Sanchez; Richard Brown; Jane Netherton; and Karen Wells.
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Foundation Women’s League
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Foundation Women’s League’s Books for Babies program was the focus at Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital, on Nov. 7, where Lynnette Bello, Alexis Estrada and the team gave an informative and interesting presentation.
Refreshments followed the presentation, where members and guests mingled while discussing promotion of Welcome Baby.
Books for Babies is a literacy initiative. It aims to promote early literacy by delivering new English and Spanish books to mothers and their newborns at Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach.
The Welcome Baby program by first5la is a free voluntary program for pregnant women and families with newborns. The program includes prenatal support, a hospital visit at the time of the child’s birth, and home-based visits during the baby’s first nine months.
Seen at the Scene: Books for Babies board members Kathy Elkins, Julie Taboada, Jean Stone, Judy Bogart, Tanya Winslow, Jeanne Contreras, Valorie Cameron, Ximena Lopez, Alexis Ramirez, Nancy Hill, Margie Rodriguez, Miryam Fernandez, Melonie Cruz and Lynnette Bello from Welcome Baby.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net or by fax to . 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 for more information.