The Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026 will once again place survivor support at the center of the city’s civic conversation. Hosted by WomenShelter of Long Beach, the annual event brings together community advocates, business leaders, and public safety partners for an evening dedicated to strengthening services for survivors of domestic violence.

 

Set for Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Ovation Square in Downtown Long Beach, the gala serves as both a major fundraiser and a public reminder of the infrastructure required to protect individuals and families in crisis.

 

Civic Leadership Behind the Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026

 

Domestic violence response in Long Beach relies on two pillars: law enforcement and community based support services. This year’s co chairs reflect that partnership, with representation connected to the Long Beach Police Department alongside leadership from the region’s growing space industry.

 

That collaboration mirrors what happens across the city every day. Public safety professionals and nonprofit advocates work in tandem to ensure survivors have immediate protection and long term pathways toward stability.

 

By placing those partnerships at the forefront, the gala highlights how coordinated response strengthens outcomes for individuals seeking safety.

 

What the Leading with Love Gala Supports in Long Beach

 

Funds raised during the evening sustain WomenShelter of Long Beach’s core services, including confidential emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy. Prevention education programs also remain a key focus, addressing violence before it escalates.

 

The gala becomes the moment each year when that work steps into public view. Behind every statistic is someone searching for stability, and behind every service is a coordinated system built to respond quickly and confidentially.

 

As demand for safe housing and trauma informed counseling continues across Los Angeles County, sustained community funding remains essential.

 

A Look Back at Previous Long Beach Love Galas

 

Past Leading with Love galas have drawn strong attendance from across the region. The 2025 event at Hotel Maya honored respected civic leaders, including the late Jerry Miller, former Long Beach City Manager, for longstanding support of the organization’s mission.

 

Evenings typically include a cocktail reception, formal dinner program, live and silent auctions, and award presentations. The Catalyst Award recognizes individuals or organizations whose leadership inspires broader community giving.

 

Those gatherings have consistently demonstrated that survivor support is not the responsibility of one sector alone. It is a shared civic commitment.

 

Why the Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026 Matters Now

 

Domestic violence remains a significant issue across California. State data reports more than 160,000 domestic violence related calls for assistance annually, with Los Angeles County accounting for tens of thousands of incidents. Long Beach public safety reporting reflects continued demand for coordinated crisis response.

 

Events like the Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026 keep the issue visible while generating the resources necessary to maintain emergency shelter beds, legal advocacy services, and 24 hour crisis support.

 

The evening is not only about fundraising. It is about reinforcing a citywide network committed to ensuring survivors have somewhere to turn.

 

Event Details

 

WomenShelter of Long Beach Leading with Love Gala 2026
• Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
• Time: Evening program, typically 6 PM to 10 PM
• Location: Ovation Square, 350 Pine Avenue, Long Beach
• Website: https://www.womenshelterlb.org/
• Email: development@womenshelterlb.org
• Phone: 562 437 7233

 

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