Steel Magnolias Awarded City Proclamation
Some 250 people, including nearly 100 active and sustaining members of Steel Magnolias and their spouses and partners, gathered at Betty Reckas Cultural Center, on Dec. 2, to celebrate the successful year, which resulted in a $140,000 check presented by founder Shirley Wild (and author of this column), Chairman Anthony Gagliardi and Outgoing President Sofia Riley.
The evening began with Price presenting Wild with a proclamation from the city of Long Beach commending the organization on its valued philanthropy and 20th anniversary. Retiring Board Chair Anthony Gagliardi spoke of the thrill of the successful project. The 2019 board was thanked for its service and the incoming board was introduced.
The new Class of 2020 members were introduced by Membership Chair Liz Krummell. They include Michele Dobson, Heidi Van Horn, Marsha Arteaga and Bobbie Fesler. Both Sofia Riley, outgoing president, and Denise Dahlhausen, who will lead the organization for 2020, welcomed the new members at the dais.
“Steel Magnolias relies on just 50 active volunteers to ensure our mission and goals are reached each year,” said Ms. Dahlhausen. “Membership is based on recommendations from our active and sustaining members, so these ladies come highly recommended and are very qualified to help the organization thrive in the coming years. I’m so pleased to have each and every one of them as part of our small, but mighty, group.”
Steel Magnolias holds just two fund- and friend-raising events a year: the Signature Event and the Rally Round Golf Tournament, which is sponsored by local businessman Mohammad Raghib, who donates all net proceeds to Steel Magnolias.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of Steel Magnolias, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The all-volunteer group of men and women employs no paid administrators and leases no brick-and-mortar office space. Every position is held by a volunteer with monthly and committee meetings conducted at either members’ homes or their places of business. All net proceeds raised by Steel Magnolias go to help children with severe behavioral and developmental challenges, such as autism and Fragile X Syndrome.
The past presidents: Mari Hooper, Mary Alice Braly, Dawn McKenna, Shirlee Bouch, Judy McNulty Black, Tammy Newland, Theresa Brunella and Hilda Sanchez were honored, along with 20 “unsung heroes,” the Founders Honorees. The newest inductee, Susan Whitecotton, was welcomed into this special group.
Seen at the scene: Carmen and Dave Bubar, Kurt and Elizabeth Borsting, Jennifer and Kevin Peterson, Dane Hickerson, Susan and Clyde Kendzierski, Stephanie Davis, Mike O’Hara, Katherine Keesal, Richard Brown, Kelly Lucera and Liz and John Krummell.
https://www.presstelegram.com/2019/12/13/shirley-wild-memorial-womens-hospital-league-donates-more-than-4000-books-this-year/