Steel Magnolias has raised over $6.3 million dollars in its 25 years in existence

Steel Magnolias has raised over $6.3 million dollars in its 25 years in existence. We wanted to take a moment to celebrate the success of this wonderful charity and honor our founding members and sponsors of our Signature Events.

There were two outstanding Chefs that provided cooking demonstrations at the event. Chef Shelly Barbre did a wonderful presentation of Mediterranean dips and how to serve them (She was also the 7th Steel Magnolias President). Chef Paul Buchanan of Primal Alchemy gave an very insightful presentation of how to choose and produce a fantastic charcuterie board (although his was the size of a table!). Steel Magnolias was presented with scrolls from Los Angeles County (Janice Hahn), Long Beach (Vice Mayor Allen, Councilmember Austin and Council Member Duggan) celebrating 25 years helping the Long Beach children blossom. Sue DeRosa and Mari Hooper (SM President Emerita) provided craft cocktail demonstration discussing the difference between a Paloma and a Margarita. Raffle prizes were won by 11 lucky people – especially Susan Hill and Carmen Bubar (double winners). Wonderful food provided by Naples Ribs, Boathouse on the Bay and TGIS cheese boards. We enjoyed woodfired pizza and salad from Nona Rosa pizza from a wood burning pizza oven on site. The private collection of pinball machines and the large fountain added to the unique space of the event.

Special guests at the scene were Founders Shirley Wild and Anthony Gagliardi, Mari Hooper, and Dr. James and Karen Wells. In addition to the five main founders of Steel Magnolias, we were blessed to have Stephanie Davis and Judie Johnson, two Charter members who have been with us from the beginning. Other notables: Councilmember Kristina Duggan, Paige McCracken from Vice Mayor Cindy Allen’s office, Representatives from Councilmember Al Austin and an honorary scroll from Janice Hahn’s office celebrating our 25 years in existence. Other Seen at the Scene: Bobbie and Don Fesler (President of Steel Magnolias), Michele Dobson (President Elect of SM), Hilda Sanchez and Dave Rigby (SM Treasurer), Susan and Lee Hill (SM Recording Secretary), Tammy Newland and Ken Shishido (SM Signature Event Chair 2024), Sue DeRosa (SM Membership Chair), Sherry Loos (SM Membership Chair), Debbie Martin-McMullen (SM Signature Event Chair 2025), Denise Dahlhausen (Past President SM), Chef Paul and Dana Buchanan (SM Parlimentarian), Chef Shelly Barbre (Past SM President), Surina Geoffroy (SM Liaison to Stramski Center), Dr. Iona Pal (Stramski Center), Marianne Gastelum, Carmen and Dave Bubar, Valerie Uyeda and Larry Silva, Gary Lee Wolf, Carl Lee, Janel and Steve Rowden, Pam Luckey, Loree Scarborough and Dennis McConkey, Paul Diego, Renae Furlow, and Dian Morris (Harold Brown Foundation)

By Shirley Wild- Press-Telegram