The following is part of a series on nonprofit news with weekly roundups on updates and upcoming events. Are you a nonprofit with news to share? Email [email protected] with “nonprofit news” in the subject line. 

Help build a farmstand and art gallery at North Long Beach Victory Garden on May 8

On Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. until noon, Long Beach Fresh invites community members to help build a farmstand to distribute produce to the community. Part of the adjoining historic fire station will also be transformed into a community art gallery for exhibitions and shows. Artist Amy Tanaha will lead the building process.

The garden is at 6509 Gundry Ave., at 65th Street.

For more information, email [email protected]

Junior League of Long Beach releases cookbook for 90th anniversary

Presales are now open for the Junior League of Long Beach’s limited edition cookbook, “JLLB Cook Book—Celebrating 90 Years of Life, Community & Cooking.” It will include stories along with over 100 tested recipes from the Junior League’s 400 women volunteers.

Purchase your copy in advance and check out some of the recipes here. Copies are $27 each, and local pickup and shipping options are available.

The Junior League is an organization of women focused on community improvement. The organization is currently involved with projects related to increasing confidence and self-awareness in youth along with Kids in the Kitchen nutrition programs. The Junior League  has played a role in launching more than 60 projects such as the establishment of the Arts Council for Long Beach and the Casa Youth Shelter. There are 295 Junior Leagues throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Great Britain, with 125,000 members worldwide.

Watch and listen to a virtual event on family reunification on May 8

A New Way of Life, an organization dedicated to providing resources for women released from prison, will host a free virtual event on Saturday, May 8 at 5 p.m about family reunification.

According to the Marshall Project between 2006 and 2016 tens of thousands of children were placed into foster care solely because a parent was incarcerated. The parental rights of 5,000 of these children were eventually taken away entirely.

Watch and listen to three journeys of formerly incarcerated women and their fight to reclaim their children.

Register for the event here.

One of the organization’s eight Los Angeles-area reentry homes for women is in Long Beach.

Learn about the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island with the Museum of Latin American Art  

On Thursday, May 13, from  6 until 8 p.m., join a discussion hosted by MOLAA about the unique situation of the Rapa Nui people and their island. Learn some history about the region, and listen to film director Sergio Rapu talk about his experience growing up on the island and the motivation behind his film “Eating Up Easter.”

The virtual discussion is part of the museum’s Asian Pacific Islander Latinx Festival throughout the month of May, in partnership with the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum and the Japanese American National Museum. The festival explores instances of cultural synthesis between Asian, Pacific Islander and Latinx communities.

Register for the webinar here.

Attend the crowning of the next Miss, Mr. Ms. and Mx. Long Beach Pride in support of United Waves Scholarship Awards

On Sunday, May 23 at 7 p.m., for a $10 door donation, join the International Imperial Court of Long Beach to raise funds for LGBTQ+ students living in or attending college around Long Beach. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current students at an accredited college or university.

In 2020, the organization held its first United Waves Scholarship Awards, awarding $25,000 to students.

The International Imperial Court of Long Beach is the longest running LGBTQ non-profit  in the Long Beach area. Since its 1971 founding, over $1,000,000 has been raised for local community causes.

The event is located at the Executive Suite nightclub, 3428 E. Pacific Coast Highway.

Donations can also be made to your favorite candidate here.

Cruise into a Memorial Day live drive-in concert for Rock for Vets fundraiser

On Monday, May 31 from 1 until 5 p.m. the Rock Club Music Is The Remedy will host a live drive-in concert featuring blues, soul and classic R&B music, headlined by the band Boxcar 7.

Rock for Vets is a program that helps local veterans heal through music.

The concert can be enjoyed from inside your car, or attendees can bring lawn chairs and sit in their designated parking spot. There will be food for purchase from local food trucks and a raffle.

Reservations must be made in advance here.

Front row parking is $120, general parking is $80, motorcycle parking is $20.

The concert will be located at the Long Beach Scottish Rite parking lot, 855 Elm Ave.

Check out a virtual Food & Wine Festival for AbilityFIrst on June 6

Support children and adults with disabilities by enjoying a gourmet food and drink event  from the comfort of your own home. The event includes live chef demonstrations, drink pairings, an online auction, and stories from AbilityFirst participants and their families.

VIP tickets, private dinner parties, and sponsorships are available for purchase, or just grab a general admission ticket and participate in the online auction. All ticket options can be found here.

For more information including a list of participating restaurants, sponsors, table host and VIP ticket sales, call 626-243-4845.