The Long Beach Area Council of Scouting America has announced that its second annual KAW High Tea Gala will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Lakewood Country Club in Lakewood, California. The event, which runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., will bring together community members, women business leaders, and Scouting supporters to honor a distinguished group of individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the Long Beach area. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.longbeachbsa.org/kaw.
The significance of the gala extends beyond recognition. Proceeds from the event directly support Scouting programs throughout the Long Beach area, including youth leadership development, outdoor education, and scholarships for underserved youth. This funding is critical for maintaining and expanding access to Scouting programs that serve young people ages 5 to 20 across Long Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Signal Hill, and Avalon on Catalina Island. The Long Beach Area Council, which has been serving local families since 1919, organizes Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Sea Scout ships, Venturing crews, and Exploring posts through three districts: Iron Star, New Frontier, and Neptune.
This year's honorees represent a cross-section of leadership in the region. They include Tina Hansen, Council Member for the City of Signal Hill; Marla Jo Fisher, Senior Writer Columnist; Linda Dilday; Caryn Desai, Artistic Director and 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 and Educator. The diversity of their roles—from public safety and education to the arts and local government—underscores the broad community support that sustains Scouting's mission.
Corporate sponsorship also plays a role in the event's success. Coastline Environmental Solutions and A1 Best Plumbing are proud sponsors of the gala. Their involvement highlights how local businesses are investing in youth development and community service. For Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, the gala serves as both a fundraiser and a platform to celebrate the volunteers, educators, and civic leaders who embody the values Scouting seeks to instill in young people.
The implications of this announcement are clear: the KAW High Tea Gala is more than a social occasion. It is a targeted effort to secure resources for programs that build character, leadership, and outdoor skills among youth, particularly those who might otherwise lack access. By honoring community leaders and attracting corporate sponsors, the Long Beach Area Council is reinforcing a network of support that extends far beyond the event itself. As the second annual gathering, it also signals a growing tradition of recognizing local contributions while sustaining the infrastructure of Scouting in the region.
