Jenam 2011The California Conference for Equality and Justice moved into new offices two years ago, exactly two weeks before the pandemic shut down in-person activities.
But earlier this month, the CCEJ held its much-delayed office warm-up, with some 35 supporters in attendance. The staff overflowed with pride to show off their large, colorful installation. Many of the attendees were former Humanitarian Awards winners, who met this year’s group. This year’s winners also spoke a few off-the-cuff words. The energy of the group was shared by the staff.
The CCEJ will host its 58th Annual Humanitarian Awards Celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 11 at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach.
Seen on stage: This year’s winners, Rodney Jones, Rosecarrie Brooks, Gail Meredith and Crechena Wise, who will represent ABC Unified School District. Ginny Baxter, Dennis Smith, Michael and Arline Walter, Fenton Williams, Michele Dobson, Annette Kashiwabara and Marty Isozaki, Braden Phillips, Dean Garrison, Jill Rosenberg, Cynthia Terry, Marie Treadwell, Mildred Whisenton, General Manager Reena Hajat Carroll, Daniel Solís , Jessy Needham, Paulina Pina Garcia, Geneiva Sweeney.
Boys and Girls Clubs Youth of the Year
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach held their annual awards ceremony on April 6 at the Maya Hotel, with Michaela Pereira as emcee.
The event raised over $230,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach’s Diplomas2Degrees programs. This program provides one-on-one mentoring of high school students through their education and college application process to ensure that all teens in the club have the resources they need.
Se’Quoia Sims, a high school student from Jordan High School, was held up as a great example of what Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach is helping to shape as strong, professional, and exceptional women. Sims addressed an audience of over 220 people and was awarded Young of the Year 2022. The other two finalists were Jordan Crowdus and Sophie Villegas-Castro.
The Sims will receive a $5,000 college scholarship, with Crowdus and Villegas-Castro each receiving a $2,500 college scholarship. In addition to scholarships, everyone received a new laptop thanks to Dan Hart of Virgin Orbit. Sims had been accepted to 10 universities. She will attend San Jose State, her first choice, and major in forensic science.
Earlier in the evening, Long Beach Clubs CEO Don Rodriguez presented three of the organization’s biggest supporters — Tamara Achauer, Terrance Hodel and Alice Wallace — with the John C. Wallace Dream Maker Award. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Achauer and Hodel were so impressed with the clubs’ efforts that they made sure they could keep their doors open for full-day services.
Club alumnus and former Youth of the Year winners – Joy Wallace (2019 winner and current student at UC Santa Barbara), Korea MiAmour (2020 winner, intending to join the US Air Force after his next high school graduation) and Danyelle Shaw (2018 winner and current club member) – spoke about how the clubs have changed them and continue to support them.
John C. Wallace was also honored, in memory. He was a member emeritus of the board of directors. His father founded the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach in 1939 and was a lifelong supporter of the clubs. Board member Richard Dilday was also honored for his years of service and dedication to the organization and its members.
Sponsors included: Browning Automotive, Dr. Grant and Debbie Uba Scholarship Fund, with title sponsors Tamara Achauer and Terrance Hodel.
Seen on stage: Alice Wallace, Michaela Pereira, Barbie Barker, Matt Browning and family, Bonnie Ganz, Nancy Gaines, Cheryl and Alan Fox, Allan and Stephanie Stratford, Scott and Jeff Merrill, Drs. Hollie and Kin Lai, Rich Archbold, Dr Robert and Maxine Nagourney, Skip and Beth Keesal, Stefan Perovich, Kelli Gardener, Dr Charles and Margaret Durnin, Brian Holmen and Elizabeth Weldon, Craig Dougherty, Rich Lindgren, SueAnn Schoonmaker, Gene and LeAnn Johnson , Phil Trani, Dan and Nancy Munzer, Jeff and Lauren Munzer, Mark and Leigh Latimer, Carlos and Imelda Delherra, Rocky and Julie Suares, Stu and Paula Ledsam, Johanna Kent, Tim Tadler, Kevin and Sandi Kayse, Rob Tuckman and Erik Spitznagel , Kevin and Nancy Malloy, Kim Estes, Robert and Kathleen Milich, Robert Renteria, Fernando Chavez.
Allied Dramatic Arts Guild Celebration
The Dramatic Allied Arts Guild held a champagne celebration in mid-April which was attended by approximately 45 members and guests. The event, held at the home of Marsha Jeffers, honored recent provisional members Jackie Butts, Diane Levine, Stephanie Davis and Linda Malkin.
“Provisional mother” Wendi Vodhanel and her committee, Susan Townsend, Cheryl McNulty, Joanne Hermansen and Sharon Civalleri, planned the celebration. Stephanie Siemer arranged the beautiful floral centerpieces.
New provisionals must spend their first year attending monthly general meetings, usually at the Long Beach Yacht Club. Provisionals are also required to plan a fun outing for all members as a “get to know us better” event. At the end of the year, they become active members.
Seen on stage: President Penny Wilds, Beverly Butters who was in charge of invitations, Jennifer Scott, Cindi Odegard, Claire Rand, Carolyn Powers, Nancy Koblensky, Victoria Gammer, Gail Meredith, Marlene Temple, Jane Thomas, Ruby Wool, Jan Foster, Veronica Hochman, Ellen Silverman, Sandy Wells, Bobbi Fessler, Pandora Wan and Kathie Chapman.
News of charity social events can be sent to Shirley Wild at [email protected] or by fax at . Please include a contact phone number. Send high resolution jpeg photos, via email attachment, to [email protected] and include the name of the group and identification of individuals on the left. Call Shirley at for more information.
