Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) crowned the winners of the inaugural King & Queen of Hearts Ball on Nov. 22 at the Grand Event Center in Long Beach. Royal Court candidates were Vince Bodiford, Diana Brunjes, Med Cutuli, Trisha Morris, Justin Padilla, Danny Salas and Mike Tannourji who had just concluded a six-week fundraising campaign that culminated in the ball.
Fundraising totals were shared at the end of the night with a combined total of $39,319 plus an additional $10,818 of in–kind donations. The crowned Queen and King, Meg Cutuli and Mike Tannourji, collected over $20,000 of the total funds raised. Both candidates accepted the challenge and the crown with grace and panache.
Outgoing Executive Director of LAEF, Janine Ingram said, “We are thrilled with and have the deepest respect and gratitude for all of our candidates. In this first year, we asked these brave partners to leap into the deep end with us, and they responded! As far as we are concerned, every one of them is a king or queen for education and our mission.” Newly hired Executive Director, Carrie Logue was introduced to the crowd, and will begin full-time with LAEF on Dec. 3.
In part, the ball was sponsored by The Grand Event Center, Hennessey’s Tavern, Scott Durzo Photography, the LA Times, Sun News and News-Enterprise. Stepping up to be a part of the ongoing commitment to the event is one of LAEF’s newest partners, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF). Flowers were generously provided by Enchanted Florist consisting of dashing boutonnières and corsages for the candidates along with dramatic centerpieces and arrangements. With an aerialist bartender, the Elm Street Band, live and silent auctions amidst an LA style lounge feel and progressive action themed dinner stations, the event further raised awareness and collaboration within the community. Choura Events helped to create a beautiful and memorable evening for all.
“These outstanding men and women are not only heroes of education, they are all royalty for working so hard to raise funds for our school district,” said President of LAEF, Randy Hill. “We are incredibly proud of each of them. Special congratulations to Queen Meg and King Mike for their triumph. At the end of the night and each event, it is really all about the kids and building resources to help every child in the district have access to the four A’s: Academics, Athletics, Activities and the Arts.”
Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp said, “LAEF is essential to carry on the Los Al Legacy. We are extremely grateful to all of the King and Queen Candidates who helped establish this first-time event.” LAEF is the trusted partner through which the community engages with the Los Alamitos Unified School District to measurably improve student achievement results. LAEF provides both significant funding to the district in critical areas impacting all students and educational enrichment opportunities for every student.
