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 gala will recognize an exceptional class of honorees, including 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. The recognition of these individuals underscores the gala's purpose of celebrating local leadership and community service.
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. This funding is critical for expanding access to Scouting opportunities and ensuring that young people from all backgrounds can benefit from the organization's character-building programs. The event's focus on honoring community leaders while raising funds for youth programs highlights the interconnectedness of local philanthropy and youth development.
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. The gala's proceeds will help sustain and grow these programs, which have a long history of positively impacting the region.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the KAW High Tea Gala are available at www.longbeachbsa.org/kaw. The event is proudly sponsored by Coastline Environmental Solutions and A1 Best Plumbing, demonstrating local business support for Scouting's mission. The gala not only honors community leaders but also ensures the continuation of programs that foster leadership and service in the next generation.
