The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) crowned their 2024 King and Queen at the Royal Gala on February 2nd at The Grand in Long Beach. The honors were bestowed upon Randy and Diana Hill. They were appointed to serve as the royal ambassadors for the year due to their strong ties to the Los Al community and their ongoing support of LAEF and Los Al kids.
The Royal Gala is LAEF’s signature event and kicked off the “Fundraising February for Los Al Kids” campaign. This year, campaign proceeds will support “The Whole Child” through programs and funding at all nine Los Al Schools. Over 200 guests were in attendance and the total raised during the Gala alone was over $50,000! These funds were raised through live auction, opportunity drawing tickets, the Giving Wall, and the Fund the Need paddle raise. Business sponsorships, donations and the online auction will continue through the end of February and bring in additional funds to support kids.
LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue said, “We are so grateful for the generous support from so many wonderful community members that attended our Gala. LAEF is honored to put these donations to work, so that all Los Al children will thrive.”
Representatives from Fundraising February’s top business sponsor – Clean Wave Express Car Wash – were on hand to celebrate LAEF’s 2024 King and Queen. Upon arrival, guests immediately entered the cocktail hour where they enjoyed music from a Los Al High School student Jazz Band combo and donated to the Giving Wall supporting LAEF programs.
Guests also enjoyed complimentary photo portraits and mingled with community members, parents, staff, and administration before sitting down for dinner. While enjoying dinner, the program began with Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver and Logue sharing the role of Master of Ceremonies.
The Hills were crowned by last year’s Queen, retired principal Erin Kominsky. A special video provided testimonials from colleagues and friends to give attendees personal reflections on their tremendous impact. After being crowned, Randy and Diana each talked about their time serving as LAEF Board President and the humble beginnings of LAEF. Both were proud to be a part of helping to build a strong foundation for LAEF, and transforming it into the professional, non-profit organization it is today. Randy and Diana encouraged those in attendance to take personal responsibility for improving our community. Diana finished her speech by coining Randy’s own principle in life and in business of always “leaving things better than you found them.” This theme resonated throughout their acceptance speeches.
Randy and Diana Hill have lived in Los Alamitos since 1992 and have been active community volunteers for 30+ years. Randy joined the LAEF Board as Vice President in 2009 and served as President from 2011-2015. He brought crucial leadership to LAEF and tirelessly attended community events to promote and inform. In 2017, Randy was appointed as a LAEF Board Member Emeritus. Diana served as LAEF Board President from 2007-09 expanding fundraising and establishing after-school and summer programs. In 2010, Diana was elected to the Los Alamitos USD Board of Education and continues to serve as the Trustee for Area 3. Randy and Diana have supported LAEF as business sponsors and auction item contributors since the 2013 inception of the King & Queen of Hearts campaign. They are Founding Members of the Los Al Leadership Circle, LAEF’s major donor group, and have been dedicated donors since 2018.
LAEF Board Chair Felicia Gonzalez remarked, “It was a successful and fun evening, and we are thrilled to have Randy and Diana as our 2024 Royals. We are excited to continue to support great programs and expand the ways we support Los Al Kids!”
LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF provides significant funding for mental health/wellness and STEAM instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources, to impact all students. For additional information on LAEF, please call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424 or visit www.LAEF4Kids.org.