Our Previous Events
Let’s Chill Out!
A Social Event
August 13, 2024
The Chill Spot
Long Beach, California
An Ice Cream Social with the Steel Magnolias twist!
We Beat the heat and visited with friends while enjoying a glass of wine and participated in an ice cream tasting contest!
Dirtbags Game Day
A Charity Event
Long Beach, Calif. - On Sunday May 20, Long Beach State and Steel Magnolias will host "Game Day", an event in connection with the Dirtbags 1 p.m. game against Pacific, which will benefit the Geraldine Stramski Children's Developmental Center at Miller's Children's Hospital in Long Beach, Calif. There are three primary objectives for Game Day: One, raise funds for the Stramski Center; two, increase awareness about the services offered through Stramski; and three, provide an afternoon of fun for the patients of Stramski and their families. Long Beach State and the Steel Magnolias, a Long Beach-area not-for-profit volunteer group, have joined forces to ensure that these goals are met and that Game Day maximizes its positive effect for the Stramski Center.
Complimentary tickets, food, prizes and entertainment will be provided to the Stramski Center patients and their families. Complete proceeds from tickets sales through this promotion will be donated back to the Stramski Center.
The Geraldine Stramski Children's Developmental Center
The Stramski Children's Development Center is a multidiscipline team of highly trained professionals who care for the needs of children and families facing life long challenges. Under the direction of Dr. Gary Feldman, the medical director of the Center, children with birth defects, autism, chronic diseases, developmental problems, cleft lip and palate, speech, hearing and vision problems, attention deficit disorder, and many other problems that may interfere with the normal mental, emotional, social and academic development of a child can have their needs met in a professional and loving manner. The Stramski Center often serves as the transitional care center for infants and toddlers, who have developmental delay following hospitalization in either the NICU or PICU. The Stramski Center also houses an International Adoption Program that provides consultation, evaluation and counseling to families that are in the process of adopting a child from another country.
More information about the Stramski Center can be found at millerchildrenshospitallb.org/stramski.
Steel Magnolias
The Steel Magnolias are a Long Beach community group that began in 1999 with a mission to raise funds and to promote goodwill and the public's awareness of the needs and services of the Stramski Children's Developmental Center. In the past thirteen years the Steel Magnolias have raised close to $3,000,000 in support of the Stramski Center. The money has been raised primarily at the annual Gala and the Home Tour, which has become one of the group's most popular events and draws a crowd of more than 700.
May 20, 2024
Blair Field
Long Beach, California
Run For the Roses
A Signature Event
April 28, 2024
The Reef
Long Beach, California
Taking their lead from the pomp and ceremony of the Kentucky Derby, the Steel Magnolias, a support group of the Stramski Center, recently followed that famous equestrian theme with “Run for the Roses.” The event included raffle packages, silent and live auctions, wine/liquor pulls, and a champagne tasting.
The event, on April 28 at The Reef, boasted a crowd of more than 200 people, who enjoyed a delectable lunch and silent auction before they began the lively program. There was a parade of members wearing beautiful hat creations, with Gary Wolf winning the competition. Paul Diego showed off a powerful costume design, a Darth Vader-inspired “hat” and full regalia costume, created by Anthony Gagliardi.
The attendees were caught up in cheering for their “horse” in the derby race. Feedbags held the donation tickets that were purchased for the “horses and their trainers.” The prize tickets determined the winners of the race.
Overall, the event raised more than $120,000.
A lively auction was held for stunning items, including a diamond ring and a beautiful opal. There was laughter at the seeming coincidence that hubby David Rigby had the high bid on a popular item — each time his wife, Hilda Sanchez, left the room.
Steel Magnolias raises funds to benefit children with developmental delays, behavioral and learning challenges and other special needs. All funds raised at this event will benefit the Stramski Center at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach.
To honor Volunteer Month, platinum nametags were given to longtime Steel Magnolia supporters: Marlene Temple, Mari Hooper Shirlee Bouch, Anthony Gagliardi, Joan Knight, Mari Hooper and Hilda Sanchez. Also recognized were Platinum Members who were not in attendance: Judy McNulty Black, Mary Alice Braly, Gloria Deukmejian, and Dane Hickerson.
Seen at the scene: President Bobbie Fesler, President Elect Michele Dobson, Event Chairs and Past Presidents Tammy Newland and Theresa Brunella, Founder Shirley Wild, Founding Chairman of the Board Anthony Gagliardi, Angi Burkard, Debbie Martin-McMullen, Stephanie Davis, Sue DeRosa, Sherry Loos, Shari Nemirow, Janel Rowden, Hilda Sanchez, Gary Lee Wolf, Carl Lee, Richard Brown, Barbara Gaylord, Jill Rosenberg, Gail Schwandner, Cheryl Doorbar, Robbie Butler.
By Shirley Wild- Press-Telegram
LBCC Adaptive Sports Fair
A Children’s Empowerment Event
April 13, 2024
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, California
Letsbeplaymakers.org invited athletes to explore a diverse range of sports and recreational activities at the Adaptive Sports Fair held at The Long Beach City College! The organization specializes in coaching and adapting some of the most-loved sports and recreational programs for people with disabilities. Athletes were encouraged to bring your friends and family to this event to try a sport for the first time or showcase their athletic skills. Activities included baseball, basketball, dance, martial arts, yoga, boccia and more!
Steel Magnolias members had a wonderful time volunteering. They passed out treats, had Steel Magnolias information on hand and were readily available to hang out with the athletes and answer any questions they may have had about The Stramski Center and how Steel Magnolias helps the community.
Miller’s Children’s and Women’s Hospital
Long Beach for Autism Acceptance Day
An Autism Awareness Event
April 2, 2024
Our Steel Magnolias Members were there to help represent The Stramski Children’s Developmental Center!!!
Long Beach Airport
Long Beach, California
Take Flight Over Fear
A Children’s Empowerment Event
March 2, 2024
On Saturday, March 2, the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, in collaboration with the Long Beach Airport, proudly hosted the inaugural “Take Flight Without Fear” event. This groundbreaking initiative provided neurodivergent children and their families with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in airport culture, fostering confidence, independence, and empowerment in children with various abilities.
Upon arrival at the Long Beach Airport, attendees received travel backpacks, filled with travel necessities such as snacks and sensory toys. Patients from the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center were welcomed by Juan Lopez-Rios, deputy director of the Long Beach Airport; Megan Kerr, councilwoman, District 5; Gary Feldman, M.D., medical director, Stramski Children’s Developmental Center; and Kevin Meno, Long Beach Airport’s resident volunteer, who is also on the spectrum. In attendance were several volunteers and donors supporting Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the Long Beach Airport, and the community efforts of exploring the feasibility of becoming an autism-certified city.
The Steel Magnolias – an all-volunteer organization that has been raising funds for the Stramski Center since 1999 – donated their time and resources to help children cope before this immersive and overwhelming experience.
The experience included a tour of the airport facilities, where patients and their caregivers received mock boarding passes and guidance on navigating security screening and procedures from TSA officers.
“This is a transformative experience for our neurodivergent patients,” says Gary Feldman, M.D., medical director, Stramski Children’s Developmental Center. “Travel opens up new horizons, fosters confidence, and breaks down barriers, and this event is a testament to our commitment at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital to create inclusive opportunities that empower everyone, regardless of their unique abilities, to navigate the world.”
After being screened, patients were escorted by Long Beach Airport volunteers to their designated gate, where they awaited the unique opportunity to board a flight ramp and experience the sights and sounds of an airplane up close. Participants were able to watch planes take off and land, a popular hobby among neurodivergent individuals. Afterward, they celebrated their newfound skills with a visit to baggage claim, marking the completion of their training run.
“At Long Beach Airport, we’re more than just a hub for flights; we’re a gateway to dreams,” says Cynthia Guidry, airport director, Long Beach Airport. “Let’s show these children that the sky’s the limit and empower them to navigate through life’s journeys with confidence and courage.”
The collaboration between Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital and the Long Beach Airport underscores the shared commitment to inclusivity and support for the neurodiverse individuals within the community, further emphasizing the city’s dedication to creating welcoming spaces for all residents.
Long Beach Airport
Long Beach, California
Let’s Get Down and Derby
A Signature Event
2023
Over 200 guests gathered at Los Alamitos Racetrack in support of Steel Magnolias. We had a hat-making party to get in the spirit and guests and supporters showed up in their finest rags! We netted $84,182 for the Stramski Children’s Center.
“Let’s get Down and Derby – May the Horse Be with You” attracted nearly 200 attendees got into the spirit of the day by wearing regal finery with elaborate hats and seersucker suits - Marina and Rob Ascarate were standouts!
The theme began unfolding with the cheery greetings from the St. Anthony High School student-volunteer guides, who wore festive jockey-style hats as they guided guests to “The Finish Line Private Dining Room.” There, they were treated as celebrities when posing for photos, taken by Caught in the Moment photography.
The Kentucky Derby milieu was underscored in every detail of Southern traditions, including mint tuleps. Guests dined on tables decorated with an elaborate red-and-white rose centerpiece that showcased dramatic ironwork horse-head profiles above horse-head-shaped bottles of Cabell tequila.
Karen Cobb of Kacey’s Karaoke kept the atmosphere lively as guests participated in fun activities included a silent auction, whiskey and bourbon tastings, and a wine pull. Then there was a parade of elaborate hats worn by guests, with the winner going home with a horse-head-shaped bottle of tequila.
Great enthusiasm and audience participation was shown during the “Spouses Race to Win, Place or Show.” Handlers carrying authentic feedbags collected “ticket-bets” on the husband-and-wife teams: “Blazing Saddlers,” with handler Val Uyeda; “Ole Blu,” Cathy King; “Son of a Biscuit,” Angi Burkard; “Mighty Mark,” Claire Guillen; “Run Ron Run,” Marianne Gastelum; and “Dapper Don,” Bobbie Fesler.
Zack Krone, the lively and humorous auctioneer, had the audience bidding against themselves and their neighbors, and seemingly loving every minute of it. Laughter reigned with his innovative approach to separate the audience from their wallets.
It was an evening where everyone went home as winners — with more than $70,000 raised for the Stramski Children’s Development Center. Dr. Gary Feldman, director of the center, thanked guests for their participation and introduced a brief film depicting the care the children receive at the center, which helps with developmental delays, autism behavior and learning challenges, among other needs. MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center was represented by Rob Gonsalus, Dr. Robert Nagourney and Iona Pal (who donated two of her paintings to the auction).