Shirley Wild: Maleka Chris recognized as the 2018 Long Beach Hero of the Year

On Jan. 13, Justin Rudd’s Community Action Team held the eighth-annual Long Beach Heroes Awards Dinner at the Bay Shore Church. Long Beach Heroes, fashioned after the CNN Heroes program, gave thousands of dollars to otherwise unsung heroes who have done amazing things in the community. The Community Action Team’s Long Beach Turkey Trot 5K/10K funded the event.

A panel of judges announced Maleka Chris as the 2018 Long Beach Hero of the Year. Susan Malecki nominated Maleka, who founded the nonprofit Love Beyond Limits.

Seen at the scene: Receiving a check for $500 to continue doing their good work were the 2018 Long Beach Heroes Anthony Formoso, Doug Felchlin, Hulean T., Izzy Matos, Jacob Baruch, Julie McCall, Lisa Hoffmaster, Luci West, Mary Ann Hernandez, Patricia DeBacker and Paige Pelonis.

Soroptimist International of Long Beach “Munch and a Movie”

Soroptimist International of Long Beach held its fourth annual Munch and a Movie event on Jan. 26 at the beautiful and historic Scottish Rite Event Center. The organization hosted the double movie feature, with a deli lunch and silent auction, to improve the lives of local women, girls and Meals on Wheels. The Soroptimist of Long Beach crew members wore red-and-black aprons and sequined princess crown headbands.

The first movie was “The Princess Bride.” Alison Reid and her tiny band with their flip cards encouraged the audience to participate by saying “as you wish” each time the famous line came up in the film.

While nearly 200 guests munched on hot pastrami, French dip, and assorted deli salads and cookies, provided by Berg Catering, the silent auction closed; then raffle and door prizes were presented to the enthusiastic crowd.

After lunch, the movie goers headed back to the theater to see “When Harry Met Sally.”  This time, Reid and her tiny band encouraged the audience to chant,“I’ll have what she’s having,” the memorable final line from one of cinema’s most iconic scenes.

The event raised more than $8,000, with profits going to the Meals on Wheels program. Funds will also sponsor the Live Your Dream: Education and Training scholarships and Dream It, Be It, a career support program at local high schools. Meals on Wheels was one of the Soroptimist seed projects nearly five decades ago.

Making it all possible were the Soroptimist members and the generous event sponsors, including Susan Berkman, Diane DeWalsche, Jaye and Rick Johnson, Pat and Julia McConaghy, Lynn Shrum, Frank and Donna Skinner, and Linda Taylor.

Seen at the scene: Lori and Don Brault, Bill Cruickshank, Minnie Douglas, Judy Pedneault, Gail Wasil and Jerry Miller, Harry and Maria Saltzgaver, and President Diane DeWalsche and Tom Kennelly.

News of social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at [email protected] or by fax to (562) 594-9668. 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. Please check the website for coverage of additional events: wwwpresstelegram.com/social.