The Children’s Benefit League had an intriguing theme for their March 8 fundraiser, held at Old Ranch Country Club — presenting a captivating performance called “Dance, Dance, Dance. Every Step Counts.”
Energy and grace were brought to the stage by the performances, who showed off multiple dance styles, celebrating the spirit of community and creativity in dancing for a cause. The program, arranged by WEBBY Dance Company and Arthur Murray Dance Centers, encouraged a healthy lifestyle, with every season of life being enriched by dancing through the years.
A record-breaking 200 guests arrived before lunch to browse the silent auction. While it was silent, it was alive with action as guests lined up to bid on eight different trips: Boston, African safari, Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, Scotland and Switzerland. The vacations were provided by Blank Bald Travel, with a three-year window, no blackout dates and a trip specialist to assist in the booking. These opportunities were offered in an interesting basket that was artistically arranged.
In keeping with the theme, guests found that “every step did count,” as the donations mounted for the five children’s clinics supported by the league. A record amount of money was also raised for those clinics: Ability First, Children’s Dental Health Clinic, John Tracy Center, The Children’s Clinic and The Guidance Center.
Seen at the scene: Susan Laffiche, Susan Livesay, Tess Ray, Zelda Rice, Jona Howe, Rachael Campbell, Maureen Carley, Lorie Frank, Jeanne Johnston, Pat Lee, Andrea La Vela, Theresa Gill, Jan Marcus, Carol black, Judy Cornwell and Katherine Peterson.
Birthday bash
Celebrating 30 Years, Operation Jump Start brought together 150 alumni students, mentors, staffers and supporters on earlier this year at the Museum of Latin American Art. It was a night of connection and celebration — filled with gratitude, storytelling and recognition.
Guests enjoyed private, guided museum tours led by MOLAA’s trained docents, which provided an exclusive and engaging cultural experience.
Adding to the night’s nostalgia, OJS founders Diann and Walt Zenda were in attendance, alongside Miguel Delgadillo, one of Operation Jump Start’s first graduates from 30 years ago.
The event raised more than $43,000 to directly support Operation Jump Start’s student and family programming, ensuring continued mentorship and resources for more than 320 Long Beach students annually.
The event also honored the nonprofit’s legacy of empowering low-income, high-potential, first-generation students by providing the resources and support needed to achieve college success.
In celebration of National Mentoring Month, Operation Jump Start took a special moment to honor its dedicated mentors. Kevin Melvin, student access coordinator, delivered a heartfelt tribute. Mentors in attendance were asked to stand while youth leadership ambassadors presented each with a rose as a token of appreciation.
“Mentors are the lifeblood of OJS,” Melvin said. “They are the steady hand, the guiding voice and the unwavering cheerleaders for our students. I, along with the entire OJS team, see firsthand just how much time, energy and persistence our mentors put into helping their mentees grow into confident and passionate young adults.”
OJS alumna and current mentor Jazzminn Henry delivered a moving speech about the transformative impact the organization has had in her life. She reflected on how the support and mentorship she received helped shape her path — reinforcing the importance of giving back to the next generation.
A highlight of the evening was the unexpected announcement of a $2,500 donation from Doug Ismail, president of the California Masonic Foundation, to further support Operation Jump Start’s student programming.
Seen at the scene: Rick Nolan, Jazzminn Henry, John Case, Diann and Walt Zenda, Doug Ismail, Erik Miller, OJS CEO Irene Quevedo, The Triesh Family, Mark Christoffels, Joe Arismendez, Wendy and Charles Russell, and Kevin Melvin.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at [email protected] or by fax to 562-594-9468. 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.
