Long Beach Scouting Gala Honors Community Leaders, Supports Youth Programs

The Long Beach Area Council, Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) has announced that its 2nd annual KAW High Tea Gala will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Lakewood Country Club, located at 3101 E Carson St, Lakewood, CA 90712. The event, scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., brings together community members, women business leaders, and Scouting supporters to honor a distinguished group of honorees whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the Long Beach area.

This year's honorees include Tina Hansen, Council Member for the City of Signal Hill; Marla Jo Fisher, Senior Writer Columnist; Linda Dilday; Caryn Desai, Artistic Director/Producer; Julissa Jose-Murray, Chief of Business Operations for the Long Beach Police Department; Dr. Terry Mendoza, Educator; Dr. Sara Pol-Lim, Educator; Susan Price, Sr. Assistant District Attorney; and Barbara Shoag, Community Volunteer/Educator. These individuals represent a cross-section of leadership in fields ranging from public service and education to business and community advocacy.

Proceeds from the KAW High Tea Gala directly support Scouting programs throughout the Long Beach area, including youth leadership development, outdoor education, and scholarships for underserved youth. The Long Beach Area Council serves families in Long Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Signal Hill, and Avalon on Catalina Island, and has been active since 1919. Through neighborhood Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Sea Scout ships, Venturing crews, and Exploring posts organized in three districts (Iron Star, New Frontier, and Neptune), the council brings outdoor adventure, leadership, and community service to youth ages 5-20 across its cities.

The gala is sponsored by Coastline Environmental Solutions and A1 Best Plumbing, both of which are proud supporters of the event. Their involvement underscores the role that local businesses play in sustaining youth development initiatives. Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.longbeachbsa.org/kaw.

This event matters because it highlights the intersection of community leadership and youth empowerment. By honoring local leaders and raising funds for Scouting programs, the gala helps ensure that young people in the Long Beach area have access to opportunities that build character, leadership skills, and outdoor education. The support from sponsors like Coastline Environmental Solutions and A1 Best Plumbing demonstrates how businesses can contribute to the social fabric of their communities. As the Long Beach Area Council continues its century-long tradition of serving youth, events like the KAW High Tea Gala play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding its reach, particularly for underserved youth who benefit from scholarships. The recognition of women leaders also aligns with Scouting America's broader commitment to inclusivity and developing future leaders from all backgrounds.