A Message from Our Co-Chairs

We are honored to invite you to join us for the 2026 Leading with Love Gala on Thursday, May 7, in Downtown Long Beach at Ovation Square. This special evening brings together community leaders, philanthropists, and friends who believe in a future where all survivors of domestic violence have access to safety, healing, and hope.

As Gala Committee Co-Chairs, we are proud to support WomenShelter of Long Beach and the life-changing work they have led for nearly five decades. We hope you will join us for an inspiring night of connection, purpose, and generosity as we celebrate impact and invest in the work still ahead.

We hope you will take part by reserving your seat, sponsoring a table, or making a meaningful gift in support of this important mission. Your participation helps ensure that survivors in our community continue to receive compassionate, trauma-informed services when they need them most. Join us as we lead with love and help build a safer, more hopeful future together.

In service to survivors,

 Rubi Castro                  Gabriela Hobe

Leading with Love Gala Honoree and Recipient of the Catalyst Award

Max Connors

The Leading with Love Catalyst Award recognizes individuals or organizations whose significant financial contributions or leadership in inspiring others to give have been a catalyst for change at WSLB. Whether through transformative personal support, mobilizing resources. or engaging others to contribute, their efforts have fueled vital programs and services that empower survivors of interpersonal violence, strengthen families, and build safer, more resilient communities.

Join us at our gala to hear directly from Max himself as we come together to financially support survivors of domestic violence.

Leading with Love Gala Honorary Chair

65th District Assemblymember 
Mike A. Gipson

"As we work to make 2026 an incredible year for the people of the 65th Assembly District, I could not be prouder to have a partner and ally in the WomenShelter team!  After more than a decade working for Long Beach and its neighboring communities on behalf of families like mine, I know that this wonderful organization is a powerful advocate for a better California."

Gala Committee Co-Chairs:
Rubi Castro          Gabriela Hobe

Gala Committee

Scott Apel                      Candace Bandoian
Frank Dunnick              Tom Farrarr
Lissette Flores              Carol Grabowski
Berta Hanson                Barbara Long
Courtney Russell          Harry Saltzgaver
Ellis Sanchez                 Mike Vela
Bella Wang                    Kent Wallace-Meggs
Freeman Welch            Natalie Wilson

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 6-10 pm
Place: Ovation Square
350 Pine Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90802

Cocktail reception with silent auction
Dinner and program with live auction

Cocktail attire

Join 300 community leaders, philanthropists, and individual supporters, all interested in raising critically needed funds for the prevention of domestic violence

Presenting Sponsor     $25,000
   Platinum Sponsor     $15,000
           Gold Sponsor       $10,00
         Silver Sponsor       $5,000
       Bronze Sponsor       $2,500

Individual Ticket: $300 per person

• If interested in becoming the Title Sponsor for the event, please reach out to Kent at development@womenshelterlb.org or by phone at (562) 437-7233.
• For Live and Silent Auction donations and Underwriting Opportunities, please contact development@womenshelterlb.org.