Chamber of Commerce members from Seal Beach, Cypress, and Los Alamitos filled the Epson America campus theater Thursday as executives from this area’s oldest and best-known nonprofit organizations gathered to share information with the public.
“We are happy to have representatives of five local nonprofits and the communities they represent,” said Tiffany Roberts, an official of F&M Bank who served as moderator.Epson America, one of the nation’s top tech companies, has taken an interest in participating in the local economic community affairs since establishing its offices from Long Beach to Los Alamitos five years ago.
On key occasions, they have allowed the use of its facilities for Chamber events, including this past week’s nonprofit summit.
The nonprofit summit marked another milestone in cooperative efforts between three area chambers, as the event was hosted by the Chambers from Seal Beach, Cypress, and Los Alamitos.
According to state officials, the City of Los Alamitos has more registered nonprofit organizations per capita than any other California city.
Tim Mosa, Treasurer of Run Seal Beach, Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center, Amy Payne, Executive Director of Summer Harvest, Diana Hill, Executive Director of Pathways to Independence, and Julie Meeman of Long Beach Gives participated in the panel discussion.
The mission of nonprofits in local communities plays a significant role in everything from feeding the hungry to providing college education to distressed women. They facilitate large community events and raise funds from local community donors; the capacity audience was told.
Hill, Executive Director of Pathways to Independence, said she has worked to modernize its signature fundraising event, which has moved from local neighborhoods to Cal State Long Beach.
Most of the nonprofit executives spoke about their “signature events,” the one key fundraising event from which the local organizations generate most of what they use to fulfill their nonprofit missions.
After 34 years, Hill said the organization has created “metrics of success,” and it appears as though “The Beach” is proving to be a great place for their major event.
The nonprofit’s major event involves dozens of area restaurants that set up mini kitchens and give away food to support Pathways’ mission, which changes the trajectory of young women’s lives, she said.
Mosa said Run Seal Beach rests on its foundation of 51 years of successfully running its signature event. Assistance from the Seal Beach city government and from its loyal following comes together to sustain its signature fundraising event.
Proceeds from the event are then distributed to worthy projects throughout the city for the year, he said.
Payne said Summer Harvest raises funds in a unique way, through its David Fletcher Charity Poker Tournament, and the group also conducts a Seed-to-Table program.
According to Meeman, Long Beach Gives is a citywide, online fundraising campaign to raise awareness and inspire community giving for a host of Long Beach nonprofits.
The goal of Long Beach Gives is to inspire individuals and businesses in our community to support the exemplary work of nonprofits making a difference in Long Beach- and raise funds for their important work, she said.
Meenan is the executive director of the Josephine Gumbiner Foundation and was a cofounder, along with Michelle Byerly, president and CEO of The Nonprofit Partnership, according to the group’s website.
Overall, the nonprofit leader urged the business leaders to engage with local nonprofits, noting the growing role they now play with philanthropy and service in our communities.
By collaborating with many area nonprofits and local sponsors, Lumme said, The Youth Center now awards “more and more scholarships” to young men and women. She said the Youth Center has 14 signature events.
Lumme, who has worked with thousands of kids and families since becoming the Youth Center’s Executive Director more than a decade ago.
“Citizens should never underestimate the value of getting involved with nonprofits or community groups,” she told the group.