Long Beach Charities Mark Milestones With Walk, Galas and Ethics Award

A string of fundraisers across Long Beach in recent weeks brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars for local organizations, from youth programs to domestic violence services, arts and ethics education.

Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, and board member Dr. Grant Uba walked 50 miles in a fundraiser that raised more than $100,000. Their route took in well-known city landmarks as well as distressed neighborhoods where club locations are found and members live. The money supports the clubs' college readiness program and the Uba Scholarship Fund. The distance honored presenting sponsor TABC Toyota, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year.

At the halfway point of the two-day walk, Matt and Jennifer Allyn opened their newly restored penthouse in the 1920s Villa Riviera on Ocean Boulevard. They led tours and shared stories about the building's architecture and history. Twenty donors joined Rodriguez and Uba for dinner beneath the landmark's copper roof. Cary Hardwick donated full-service catering from his Seal Beach restaurant, Spaghettini's.

WomenShelter of Long Beach, meanwhile, raised $225,000 at its 2022 gala last month, held at the Pacific Gallery of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. More than 300 people attended the event, called "Building Brighter Futures," which marked the organization's 45th year of working to end domestic violence. New Executive Director Kathy McCarrell said its programs are needed more than ever, noting that pandemic-related stay-at-home orders led to a 15% rise in domestic violence calls to the Long Beach Police Department. The shelter provided close to 20,000 direct services to families in 2021.

The gala honored Councilmember Suzie Price with the Protector Award, presented by former police chief Robert Luna, for her prosecution of high-profile domestic violence cases and her service as an honorary board member. Former Councilmember Bonnie Lowenthal received the Legacy Award for her support of vulnerable residents. Her son, Josh Lowenthal, accepted it on her behalf. Live auction items included a Hawaii trip donated by Castle Hospitality Group and a pace car ride at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The Museum of Latin American Art held its 26th anniversary gala in October, drawing more than 500 guests. It presented LEGADO awards to master artist Fernando Botero, businessman and philanthropist George L. Plá, and Fundación Elías Pando. Grammy-winning Chicano rock group Quetzal performed. President and CEO Dr. Lourdes Ramos-Rivas said the museum was "excited to have celebrated this special gala night with our friends and supporters." The museum says it has welcomed more than 1 million visitors over 26 years, has staged more than 188 exhibitions and holds roughly 1,300 artworks.

This fall, more than 185 community leaders gathered at the Terrace Theater downtown for the Nell and John Wooden Ethics in Leadership Award, hosted by Cal State Long Beach's Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership. The 2022 honoree was Taryn Williams, a CSULB College of Business alumna now pursuing a doctorate in organizations and management at UC Irvine. A former foster youth who was previously incarcerated, Williams was recognized for a story that highlights education, respect and second chances.

The $10,000 award goes to a person or organization whose community contribution is grounded in ethical behavior and visionary leadership. Greg Wooden, grandson of Nell and John Wooden, helped present it and said Williams' emphasis on education and on being a positive role model for her children reminded him of his grandparents. Center Director Janey Roeder and CSULB President Jane Close Conoley described the center's "Ethics Across the Curriculum" program, which pays $3,000 stipends to faculty who add ethics modules to their courses. Since 2005 it has awarded $400,000 to more than 150 faculty members.

The evening raised more than $60,000 for that program.