We’re thrilled to bring back Doing Good in the LBC, a newsletter that began over three years ago to highlight the people and organizations that make Long Beach a better place to live.
The return of Doing Good is timely as the city heads into its biggest fundraising day of the year: Long Beach Gives on Sept. 19. More than 260 nonprofit organizations are participating this year, including (for the first time), the Long Beach Post, which recently became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The fall event has raised $8.7 million over the past five years. For some organizations, it is a lifeline that now serves as their biggest fundraising day of the year.
I’ll be writing about some of the organizations participating this year, with emphasis on those that sometimes get overlooked. There are, for example, just 11 nonprofits raising funds for causes that benefit seniors, and just one — the Heart of Ida — that dedicates 100% of its services to the social needs of the city’s elderly.
It’s easy to see why children, youth and family causes are popular for donors; we all want to invest in the future. But it’s critical that the city’s rapidly aging population not be left behind.
Founded in 2008 by sisters Dina Berg and Keri Reich in honor of their grandmother, Ida Alice Reich, the organization helps older adults’ stay connected and independent with free recreational classes, companionship, technology resources and more.
The nonprofit is staffed by just four part-time employees and funded almost entirely by donations.
Donations through Long Beach Gives will not be accepted until early giving opens on Sept. 12. The weeklong effort ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 19.
A concert for Kenny
The community is coming together to raise funds for a 38-year-old local artist who is battling a rare form of cancer. We wrote about Kenny McBride last spring; the well-known muralist needs a stem cell transplant and has been unable to work.
Steve Guillen, owner of DiPiazza’s Restaurant, is hosting a fundraising concert this coming Thursday (Sept. 5) with local bands Hamapple, One Square Mile (1SM) and Plasma Pool performing at 7:30 p.m.
All proceeds from presale tickets, and collected at the door, will go toward McBride’s expenses. Advanced tickets can be purchased here; donations to McBride’s GoFundMe can be made here.
One event, two causes
The Billie Jean King Tennis Center will play host to a summer fundraising party from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 14, with proceeds benefitting two charities: Love in the Mirror and Bridge the Gap Tennis.
The evening includes food, drinks, live music, tennis and pickleball matches, a silent auction and more. Tickets are $50 for individuals, or $80 for couples.
For more information email: [email protected].
Animals need friends
Friends of Long Beach Animals — now in its 35th year of promoting responsible pet ownership, education and humane treatment of animals — is looking for sponsors to support its fundraiser on Oct. 11 at the El Dorado Golf Country Club.
Sponsorships start at $500, and packages include tickets, recognition and more.
Find more information about the nonprofit here and information about sponsorship here.
If you have a nonprofit worth highlighting or an event coming up that will benefit a good cause, please email Melissa Evans at [email protected].