Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach Auxiliary, founded in 1946, hosted its popular fashion show last month.
Nearly 400 people attended the Feb. 25 event at the Hyatt Regency. “Hearts Reunited” was the theme of the day, with the event raising an estimated $85,000.
Mary Alice Braly and the audience glowed with delight as she was escorted down the catwalk by Rick Paap, where Roxie Hause, president of the auxiliary, presented her with a beautiful bouquet of roses (provided by Stalks and Blooms). Mary Alice has been a member since 1964 and was honored for her many years of support.
Rick Paap has been the popular emcee for the past 20 years.
“It just wouldn’t be the same without him,” said Margie Penny, who has coordinated the fundraiser since 2010.
The presentation was preceded by the ever-popular silent auction. The silent auction displayed 200 items under the guidance of Meagan Flynn.
The centerpieces of the lunch were cheerful sunflowers, in memory of Cherese Mari. Keynote speaker Christy Layton, Adolescent Gym’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Manager, updated the audience on the facility. Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village Gym for Teens will be the recipient of the successful event.
Beautiful dresses were designed by Anna Gupta Couture. Roger Canamar of Priestly Garments presented day wear. All were presented by Couture Productions.
Seen on Scene: Rob Gunsalus, president of the Long Beach Memorial Foundation; Cathy Wieder, executive director of development for MemorialCare’s Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach; the Pediatrix Medical Group; doctor James Fritzell and wife Christella Torres, Chris Laulhere, Mary Alice Braly, Leslie Schlauch, Judi Jacobus, Carol England; F&M Bank; Maryann Dilday, Meagan Flynn, Lisa Maloney, Rita Goshert, Richele Steele, Beatrice Jimenez, Tina Paige, Sally Lane, Kathy Milich, Linda Dilday and JoAnn Barlow.
Rick Rackers Woman of the Year 2023
Even though it was raining on March 10th, The Grand events center was full of warm votes from 183 guests for Marlene Temple, the 67th Rick Rackers Female Supporter of the Year.
The pomp and ceremony of the auspicious occasion is performed each year by the former Women of the Year in attendance, who are escorted to the dais by current members of Rick Racker. The procession is a special and proud moment in the ceremony.
Preceding the formal ceremony, School Bell Presidents Christina Mansour and Gloria Reyes presented a Clothe-A-Child video presentation. Rick Rackers’ flagship philanthropic program, Operation School Bell, provides school uniforms to needy children attending Kindergarten through Grade 12 in the Long Beach Unified School District. Last year, the organization dressed 14,000 LBUSD school children.
The main table has been decorated with beautiful blue floral centerpieces, echoing the festive invitation. Backstage, there was a “step up” for petite Marlene to reach the microphone as she delivered her inspirational acceptance speech, drawing smiles from the audience.
In 2003, Marlene and Don Temple established the Temple Family Charitable Foundation. Marlene has served as president of the foundation since 2013, focusing efforts on projects that touch all aspects of life in Long Beach, from the sea otters at the Aquarium of the Pacific to the LBCC. The many organizations Marlene has supported over the years have been represented by participants from DAAG, Steel Magnolias, Musical Theater West, Rancho Los Cerritos and Long Beach Memorial.
Previous women of the year who participated in the event were: Karen Clements, Melva Miller, Mary Alice Braly, Jill Rosenberg, Shirley Wild, Sande Rice, Shirlee Bouch, Gloria Deukmejian, Mari Hooper, Candace Stacy, Norma Marter, Judy McNulty Black, Susan Bell, JulieToboada, Tammy Newland, Lynne Pillsbury, Kathy Lingle and Jane Netherton.
Seen on Scene: Woman of the Year, Katey Conley, Rick Racker, Christina Mansour, Councilman Darryl Supernaw, Paul Garmin, Lisa Mais, Cheri Bazley, Ginny Paxter, Penny Wilds, Kathy Wade, Vickie Sullos, Maria Harris, Kathy deSilva, Holly Reinhard, Dana Hauser, Staci Keller.
Steel Magnolias Annual Members’ Luncheon
Ladies’ “lunch” turned into ladies’ brunch as Steel Magnolias kicked off the new year under blue skies during the annual Members’ Brunch on February 19th at Roe Restaurant on Belmont Shore.
Nearly 30 members gathered on the popular restaurant’s umbrella-covered patio for a welcome mimosa, followed by a delicious brunch served at a single farmhouse-style table. Members and their guests could choose from an expensive breakfast menu, some had lox and bagels with all the trimmings, while others enjoyed avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and Roe’s signature Brekki Bowl.
Guests raised their glasses for the return of in-person events in the near future. Table talk quickly turned to Steel Magnolias’ plans for this year’s Signature Event, which will feature the Kentucky Derby theme at Los Alamitos Racetrack on Sunday, May 7th.
Seen on Scene: President Bobbie Fesler and President Elect Michele Dobson, Theresa Brunella, Dana Buchanan, Andrea and Matt Crompton, Stephanie Davis, Diana Eastman, Tony Gagliardi and her sister Elena Papini, Lynn and Jack Gesner, Surina Geoffroy, Dane and Neale Hickerson, Mari Hooper, Jean Joseph, Joan Knight, Liz Krummell, Cheryl LeMmon, Sherry Loos, Patti Martin, Randy Martin, Hilda Sanchez and Past Chair/President Elizabeth Borsting.
News of charitable social events can be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net or by fax to 562-594-9468. Include a contact phone number. To send high resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of left-wing individuals. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.