Big Bang on the Bay raises big bucks for Children Today

On July 3, some 700 people enjoyed the fifth aual Big Bang on the Bay, making it the best attended Big Bang event so far. There were many families and all ages attending the block party and a full house at the Boathouse on the Bay restaurant, where the guests had reserved best seats for the show.

“This is truly a community fireworks show,” said Founder John Morris. “Ninety-nine percent of the cost comes from people around the bay. And once again, the event benefits a nonprofit organization.”

This year it benefits Children Today, whose programs foster long-term stability and success in children and families who are facing homelessness or who are involved in the child welfare system. Theresa Bixby, founder of Children Today, and Morris were pleased that the event raised $65,000, a record-high, exceeding their goal of $50,000, for the programs and services of Children Today.

The festivities started with the beautiful voice of Zackary Gianformaggio, a talented employee of Boathouse, who led the throng in singing “God Bless America” and the National Anthem.

Highlights also included a spectacular fireworks show and flyovers of vintage aircraft. Auction bidders also got the chance to win rides in those aircraft. Delicious barbecue, courtesy of Naples Rib Company, fun music courtesy of DJ A-Ron, plus face painting and balloon animals for the kids, made for a celebratory family atmosphere.

Laura Herzog, founder of Honoring the Fallen, displayed a red, white and blue auto with the names of 6,840 servicemen killed in action since 9/11.

Seen at the Scene: Boathouse on the Bay manager and event chair John Morris, Children Today founder Theresa Bixby, board president Boie Lowenthal and Evan Braude, and board members Theresa, Josh and Erika Lowenthal, Matt and Briana Knabe, Michael and Melody Chun, Marsha and Elise Naify, Marisa Semense, Heather and Al Moro and executive director Tonya Bus. Congressman Alan Lowenthal and Debbie, city council members Stacy Mungo and Roberto Uranga with Tonia Reyes Uranga. Darick Simpson, Bruce Mac Rae, Phil and Jeaie Jones, Gainer and Ly Pillsbury, Elizabeth and Andy Jones, Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Rich Brandt, Dawn McKea, Rick and KadeeLorenzen, Jean Bixby Smith, Art Levine, Collette and George Anderson, Marge and Jim Pey, Loree Scarborough and Deis McConkey, Kathy Tanaka, Patty Godber, Barbara Blackwell.

Califoia Conference for Equality & Justice

A whopping $150,000 was raised at the 53rd Aual Califoia Conference for Equality and Justice’s Humanitarian Awards Dier held on May 25 at the Hyatt Regency.

The 350 attendees were welcomed by CCEJ chair Miie Douglas, with dier co-chairs Julie and Walter Larkins opening the program by introducing the 40 past honorees by year.

Four distinguished honorees were recognized with the CCEJ’s 2016 Humanitarian Award. These leaders were recognized for their advancement of the mission of CCEJ, their many civic contributions, and their life-long commitment to humankind.

Advertisement

Honorees were Jim and Liz Breslauer, Terry Geiling, Police Chief Robert Luna, and Darick Simpson. The Building Bridges Award was presented to the Assistance League of Long Beach, accepted by president Suzae Powell, for its support of the vision of CCEJ and for valuing diversity and the worth of every individual.

The always elegant dier began with entertainment during the cocktail hour provided by former Motown recording artist Rick Whitfield.

The room was beautiful, decorated in black, silver and green. Debi Win’E, of Saddleback Valley Chapter of American Gold Star Moms, opened the program with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an inspiring opening thought from Chaplain Eve Edmond, chaplain with the Long Beach Police Department.

Deborah Goldfarb, CEO for the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation, closed the evening, with heartfelt remarks about the honorees’ humanitarian works and the importance and impact of CCEJ’s work in the community.

The Califoia Conference for Equality and Justice is a social justice and human relations organization dedicated to eliminating bias, bigotry and racism through education, conflict resolution and advocacy.

Seen at the Scene: Barbara Alpert, Mike and Arline Walter, A and Gene Lentzner, Amy and Rich Lipeles, Robert Stemler, Biie and Jack Berro, Suzae Nosworthy, Matthew and Roberta Jenkins, Lye and Gainer Pillsbury, councilmember Roberto Uranga, Port of Long Beach commissioner Doug Drummond, Signal Hill Mayor Larry Forester, Signal Hill Chief of Police Michael Langston, CSULB president Jane Close Conoley, LBCC Trustees Virginia Baxter and Doug Otto, LBUSD Superintendent Christopher Steinhauser, LBUSD Board of Education members Megan Kerr and Felton Williams, Bill and Virgie Baes, Shari Nemirow, Bob and Nancy Foster, John Morris, Dede Rossi, Rich Archbold, Steve Keesal, Leo and Judith VanderLans, Jeff Williams, Mari Hooper, Rosi Pederson, Sandy VandenBerge, Coie Sziebl, Harry Saltzgaver, Mort and Susan Stuhlbarg, Braden Phillips.

Sail Away for Literacy

Sail Away for Literacy was the 6th Aual Fundraiser of the Long Beach Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi to support Children’s Literacy through the Pi Beta Phi Foundation.

The event was held on May 15, a beautiful afteoon, at the Boathouse on the Bay. The $4,500 profit from the event will be used to support literacy in children. The 75 guests could choose between tasting Califoia wines or craft beers, along with light appetizers.

The raffle drawing and auction items drew much anticipation. Ron Murrey and Leslie Rogers won the boat ride on the bay and dier for eight at the Boathouse, provided by the Boathouse. The package for Disneyland went to Amy Overgaauw, and the Dodger ticket package went to Lisa Oesterreich who was thrilled to use them for the upcoming Father’s Day. Robert Senske provided watercolor prints for sale.

Scene at the Scene: Ellie Adams, Aemarie Allain, Karen Autrey, Patti Baxter, Kristen Caplin, Noreen Curry, Laura Fitzgerald, Amanda Guzman, Betsy Haaker, Doa Hawk, Cherie’ Hayes, Barbara Joyce, Karen Kerr, A Kuga, Doa Kupfer, Amy Overgaauw, Mindy Rappe, Leslie Rogers, Marcia Scharfen, Katherine Shipley, Gabriella Tutson, Nancy Young, Julie Zieg.

Correction: Because of an editing error, the headline for last week’s column stated that Doug and Freda Otto were recipients of this year’s Cottonwood Awards at Rancho Los Alamitos. The Ottos were recipients in 2015. They presented this year’s award to honorees Bob and Nancy Foster.

- - , .
.