Sunday, October 1, 2023
5:30pm – 10:00pm
Billie Jean King Main Library
Celebrating our libraries at the 20th Annual Grape Expectations gala!
Meet our 20th Annual Grape Expectations Honorees:
Meet our 20th Annual Grape Expectations Honorees:
Library Leadership Award: Billie Jean King
The Library Leadership Award recognizes those who have demonstrated longstanding financial support for the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. Billie Jean King has been a community champion, not just in literacy for her namesake Main Library, but for the people of Long Beach.
Durnin Family Award: Skip Keesal, Keesal, Young & Logan
This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, our public libraries, and the community. Skip Keesal is a renowned community leader, generous supporter of our gala and library programs.
Gala Committee:
Barbara Long, Chair
Diane Anglin
Cheryl Avirom
Ryan Ballard
Charlyn Bender
Celine Cordero
Cindy Costello
Tina Cox Mary
Hancock-Hinds
Jessica Kober
Mary Lamo-Putnam
John Mathews
Elizabeth Munzer
Carmen O. Perez
Sean Reilly
Jeff Toelsin
Elizabeth Warren
Sharon L. Weissman
Greg Zinberg
Honorary Committee:
*As of August 25, 2023
United States House of Representatives Congressman Dr. Robert Garcia, 42nd District
California State Senator Lena Gonzalez, 33rd District
California State Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, 69th District
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, 4th District
Long Beach City Mayor Rex Richardson
Long Beach City Councilmember Mary Zendejas, District 1
Long Beach City Vice Mayor Cindy Allen, District 2
Long Beach City Councilmember Daryl Supernaw, District 4
Long Beach City Councilmember Megan Kerr, District 5
Long Beach City Councilmember Dr. Suely Saro, District 6
Long Beach City Councilmember Roberto Uranga, District 7
Long Beach City Councilmember Al Austin II, District 8
Long Beach City Attorney Dawn McIntosh
Long Beach City Auditor Laura Doud
Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert
Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education Member Maria Isabel López, District 1
Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education Member Erik Miller, District 2
Long Beach City College Board Trustee Uduak-Joe Ntuk, Area 1
Long Beach City College Board Trustee Vice President Vivian Malauulu, Area 2
Long Beach City College Board Trustee Sunny Zia, Area 3
Long Beach City College Board Trustee President Herlinda Chico, Area 4
Long Beach City College Board Trustee Virginia Baxter, Area 5
Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica
Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Sharon Weissman
Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioner Bonnie Lowenthal
Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Officer Mario Cordero
California State University Long Beach President Dr. Jane Close Conoley
Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker
Thank you to our sponsors!
Presenting Sponsors
Magnum Sponsor
Champagne Sponsors
Margaret & Charles Durnin
Cabernet Sponsor
Lloyd and Lauretta Dyer Family Foundation
