Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach Auxiliary, founded in 1946, hosted its popular fashion show last month.
Nearly 400 people attended the February 25 event at the Hyatt Regency. “Hearts Reunited” was the theme of the day, and the event raised around $85,000.
Mary Alice Braly and the audience beamed with delight as Rick Paap escorted her down the runway, where Auxiliary President Roxie Hause 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 wouldn’t be the same without him,” said Margie Penny, who has been the fundraising chair since 2010.
The presentation was preceded by the ever-popular silent auction. The silent auction displayed 200 items under the direction of Meagan Flynn.
The luncheon centerpieces were cheerful sunflowers, in memory of Cherese Mari. Keynote speaker Christy Layton, Adolescent Gym’s pediatric rehab manager, updated the audience on the facility. The Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village Teen Gym will be the recipient of the successful event.
The beautiful dresses were designed by Anna Gupta Couture. Roger Canamar of Priestly Garments presented daywear. All were presented by Couture Productions.
Seen at the 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; Dr. James Fritzell and his 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
Although it was pouring with rain on March 10, The Grand event center was filled with warm wishes from 183 guests for Marlene Temple, Rick Rackers’ 67th Auxiliary Woman of the Year.
The pomp and ceremony of the auspicious occasion is carried out each year by the former Women Attendees of the Year, who are escorted to the dais by current members of Rick Racker. The procession is a special and proud moment in the ceremony.
Prior to the formal ceremony, School Bell Principals Christina Mansour and Gloria Reyes presented a video presentation of Dressing a Child. Rick Rackers’ flagship philanthropic program, Operation School Bell, provides school uniforms for children in need who attend grades kindergarten through 12 in the Long Beach Unified School District. Last year, the organization dressed 14,000 LBUSD schoolchildren.
The head table was decorated with beautiful blue floral centerpieces, echoing the festive invitation. Behind the scenes, there was a “step up” for little Marlene to reach the microphone as she delivered her inspiring acceptance speech, drawing smiles from the audience.
In 2003, Marlene and Don Temple established the Temple Family Charitable Foundation. Marlene has served as the foundation’s president since 2013, focusing efforts on projects that touch all aspects of life in Long Beach, from sea otters at the Aquarium of the Pacific to LBCC. The many organizations that Marlene has supported over the years were represented by attendees from DAAG, Steel Magnolias, Musical Theater West, Rancho Los Cerritos, and Long Beach Memorial.
Previous Women of the Year who attended 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 at the scene: Woman of the Year President Katey Conley, Rick Racker President Christina Mansour, Councilmember 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 Member Brunch
Ladies’ “lunch” became ladies’ “lunch” when Steel Magnolias ushered in the new year under blue skies during its annual member brunch on February 19 at Roe Restaurant in Belmont Shore.
Nearly 30 members gathered on the umbrella-lined patio of the popular restaurant for a welcome mimosa followed by a delicious brunch served at a single farm-style table. Members and their guests chose from an expensive breakfast menu, some featuring lox and bagels with all the accessories, while others enjoyed avocado toast, breakfast burritos and Roe’s signature Brekki Bowl.
Guests raised their glasses to the return of in-person events for the foreseeable future. Table talk quickly turned into Steel Magnolias’ plans for this year’s signature event, which will feature a Kentucky Derby theme at Los Alamitos Racetrack on Sunday, May 7.
Seen at the scene: President Bobbie Fesler and President Elect Michele Dobson, Theresa Brunella, Dana Buchanan, Andrea and Matt Crompton, Stephanie Davis, Diana Eastman, Tony Gagliardi and his 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 former event chair/chair Elizabeth Borsting.
News of charity social events can be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net or by fax at 562-594-9468. Please include a contact phone number. Send high resolution jpeg photos, per attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from the left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.