The Long Beach Area Council, Scouting America (formerly the 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. Their recognition underscores the diverse leadership that strengthens the region's civic and social fabric.
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. These programs are designed to equip young people with skills that extend far beyond the classroom, fostering responsibility, teamwork, and community service.
The Long Beach Area Council is the local chapter of Scouting America, serving families in Long Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Signal Hill, and Avalon on Catalina Island 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.
Tickets and sponsorships for the gala are available at www.longbeachbsa.org/kaw. The event is proudly sponsored by Coastline Environmental Solutions and A1 Best Plumbing, local businesses whose support helps make the fundraiser possible.
The gala's importance extends beyond a single afternoon of recognition. By funding scholarships and leadership initiatives, it addresses critical gaps in access to enrichment activities for underserved youth, potentially improving educational outcomes and civic engagement in the Long Beach area. For local businesses and community members, the event offers a chance to invest in the next generation of leaders while celebrating the individuals who have already made significant contributions. As Scouting America continues to evolve, events like the KAW High Tea Gala demonstrate how local councils adapt to serve modern families while preserving timeless values of service and character development.
