Dancing to the tune of $235,734

More than 700 people attended the exciting eighth aual Dancing For Our Stars that raised $235,734 to benefit a new Integrated Cancer Medicine Program at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial.

The popular event was held at the Pacific Ballroom on Jan. 23 and was presented by FreeConferenceCall.com, represented by Su and Dave Erickson. Justin Rudd was host for the evening.

Raising the most money and receiving the Champion award was Dr. Nilesh and Pinal Vora Bollywood dancing to “Balam Disco.” Hilda Sanchez and Dave Rigby received a standing ovation for their performance of the foxtrot to “Walking My Baby Back Home.”

The crowd favorite was Debra Greco who did a West Coast swing to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

Best Technique went to Cindy and Randy Allen’s character routine to “Copacabana.”

Paul Velasco received the most enthusiastic award for his tango/bachata to “Propuesta Indecente.”

Seen at the Scene: Frank and Lisa Chapman, Karen and Joe Zucchero, Kent and Linda Browning, Kevin Tiber, Christine Walker-Bowman, Bob and Mary Alice Braly, Peter Ridder, Cynthia and Martin Howard, Dave Carver, Michael Dene, Beth Keesal and daughter Katherine and son Steve Keesal, Carl and Robin LaBarbera, Josh and Erika Lowenthal, Ethel Severson, Patricia and John Wang, Jeff Severson.

Soroptimist Hall of Fame Award 2016

On Jan. 20, Ly Shrum was inducted as the 38th member of the Hall of Fame by Soroptimist Inteational of Long Beach in ceremonies during a luncheon at The Grand.

The Hall of Fame Award is the highest award that the club gives, recognizing a member who demonstrates outstanding achievement in service to the community, to her business or profession, and fulfillment of the Soroptimist pledge, which includes: Sincerity of Friendship, Joy of Achievement, Dignity of Service, Integrity of Profession, and Love of Country. She was honored for her outstanding service to the community not only as a member of Soroptimist Inteational of Long Beach but also for her self-sacrificing work with Steel Magnolias, Special Olympics, Assistance League, Long Beach Day Nursery, Long Beach Symphony, AAUW, and others.

Inducted by last year’s honoree, Josephine Fitzpatrick, Ly was surprised by a group of 60 members of the club, her mother, Lavee, friends, and representatives from the many organizations for which she has provided leadership in the volunteer arena.

Ly’s professional and personal accomplishments were highlighted as well as her 10 years of service to Soroptimist. She was presented with an inscribed crystal bowl, and 2013 Hall of Fame honoree Judith Pedneault provided words of inspiration, encouraging Soroptimists to be compassionate yet powerful, dangerous women.

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The theme was of Golden Retrievers which Ly loves. Golden centerpieces (the gold color representing not only the retriever color but also Ly’s success as a financial adviser), designed by Jaye Johnson had photos of Ly’s beloved dog Harlow backed by the logos of the organizations for which Ly has volunteered.

Seen at the Scene: Traci Glassock, Delores Mayuga, Tammy Newland, Aette Kashiwabara, Carolyn Maney, Debby Thorpe, Suzae Powell, Karen Wells, Stephanie Davis, Michelle Dobson, Sandra Sherrad, Theresa Landers, Whitley Leathers, Courtland Palmer, Julie Taboada, and Jodean Pelzman, Soroptimist of Long Beach president, as well as “The Golden Girls,” owners of golden retrievers who meet each week for breakfast.

Correction: In the Jan. 31 column Tom Shadden (not John Shadden) was honored as the founder of the Aquatic Capital of America.

News of social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at [email protected] or by fax to (562) 594-9668. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to [email protected] and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at (562) 594-9468 for more information. Please check the website for coverage of additional events: wwwpresstelegram.com/social.

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