The 22nd Annual Grape Expectations Gala—our signature fundraising event benefiting the Long Beach Public Library—will take place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Billie Jean King Main Library. Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring a gourmet dinner with perfectly paired fine wines, exciting live and silent auctions, and a gathering of community leaders and library champions. Your support helps fund vital free library programs, including early literacy, STEAM workshops, job search resources, and more.
2025 Gala Co-chairs
Mario Cordero
CEO
Port of Long Beach
Bob Foster
Former Mayor
City of Long Beach
2025 Honorees
Clark Construction
Library Leadership Award
M. Lissette Flores
Durnin Family Award
Honorary Host Committee*
The Honorable Nanette Barragán, Congresswoman, U.S. House of Representatives, D44
The Honorable Rex Richardson, Mayor, City of Long Beach
The Honorable Roberto Uranga, Vice Mayor, City of Long Beach, D7
The Honorable Mary Zendejas, Councilwoman, City of Long Beach, D1
The Honorable Megan Kerr, Councilwoman, City of Long Beach, D5
The Honorable Dawn McIntosh, City Attorney, City of Long Beach
Dr. Mike Muñoz, President, Long Beach City College
Vivian Malauulu, Trustee, Long Beach City College, Area 2
*As of April 28, 2025
Thank You to Our Sponsors!**
If you or your business are interested in sponsorship opportunities, we would love to hear from you!
Contact our team at Events@LBPLfoundation.org.
Presenting Sponsor
Zinfandel Sponsor
Cabernet Sponsor
Margaret and Charles Durnin
Pinot Sponsors
AES
The Edmond Group LLC
Barbara Long and Friends
Mitsubishi Cement Corporation
Daniel and Pamela Munzer
Frank and Margie Newell
Phillips 66
SA Recycling
**As of April 22, 2025
Gala Committee
Olga G. Chavez and Sharon L. Weissman, Co-chairs
Colleen Bentley
Susana Gonzalez Edmond
Michele Grubbs
Pearl Hanks
Barbara Long
John Mathews II
Elizabeth Munzer
Sean Reilly
Jeff Toelsin
Elizabeth Warren
Relive the Magic of 2024
The Long Beach Public Library Foundation celebrated its 21st Annual Grape Expectations gala on October 6, 2024, at the Billie Jean King Main Library. With nearly 425 attendees, the event raised over $560,000 in support of the Foundation’s fundraising and advocacy efforts on behalf of the 12 Long Beach public libraries.