by Dan Pressburg
Special to LBReport.com
[Mr. Pressburg is a member of Better Balance for Long Beach and provides this "first person" account.]
(July 6, 2008) -- A fundraiser at Clancy's (803 Broadway) benefiting the Better Balance for LB (BBLB) "Christmas Gift Store" brought neighborhood groups, media outlets and public officials together on July 3.
The event was the brainchild of The District Weekly, a charity series (the second of four July fundraisers) to help BBLB raise funds for its Christmas Store.
The Christmas Gift Store, located at LB's First Congregational Church, allows needy adults to buy gifts for children (and lets needy children do likewise for adult familymembers) and operates by appointment only. It's not a "give-a-away" program but an opportunity for people in need to shop with dignity, buying items at a nominal price.
This is the second year in which the Long Beach Rescue Mission, BBLB, and First Congregational Church are teaming to make toys and gifts available for the Christmas Gift Store.
The District Weekly stepped forward when publisher Will Swain came up with the idea, said BBLB co-founder Jane Kelleher. DistrictWeekly account executive Patrick Dooley organized the evening's event, jointly with marketing rep Kristina Coffeen.
Seventh District Councilmember Tonia Reyes Uranga and her husband LB Community College Board Trustee Roberto Uranga were early arrivals...and Councilmember Uranga called the fundraiser an excellent event.
Vice Mayor/1st dist. Councilmember Bonnie Lowenthal and former 1st district Councilman/LB Historical Society President Evan Braude arrived a bit later and were likewise supportive.
Representing the office of Sixth District Councilman Dee Andrews was Legislative Analyst Tonia Martin.
The event included a raffle for a bicycle, tee shirt give aways for donations and personalized goody bags for attendees.
The next Christmas Store fundraiser is scheduled for this coming Saturday July 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Gaslamp, 6251 E. Pacific Coast Highway.
That'll be followed by another fundraiser on Tuesday July 17 @ Alex's Bar, 2913 E. Anaheim, starting at 9 p.m.
With the community's help, this will be a second great year for LB's Christmas Gift Store.
Any questions about the upcoming events? Contact Kristina Koffeen or Patrick Dooley @ the District Weekly (562) 366-1596.
