Sunday, October 1, 2023

5:30pm – 10:00pm

Billie Jean King Main Library

Celebrating our libraries at the 20th Annual Grape Expectations gala!

Grape Expectations is an evening to remember with a lavish gourmet dinner, incredible wines, and exciting auctions! The Grape Expectations gala is the Long Beach Public Library Foundation’s signature fundraising event to support our work on behalf of the 12 Long Beach public libraries. Dress is cocktail attire.

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