Our Inaugural Gala
It's a FUNdraiser!
WHEN: March 18, 2023 at 7:00pm
(VIP Reception at 6:00pm)
WHERE: The Grand
4101 Willow Street
Long Beach, California
WHAT: A Black Tie Casino Night
WHY: A Fundraiser
HOW: With YOUR Help
How can you help us reach our goal?
To reach our attainable goal, we are reaching out to local businesses and individuals such as yourself.
Your contribution(s) will go a long way toward our mission to provide complete and comprehensive care and services to the Veteran community.
We humbly ask that you review the attached donor ship recommendation sheet to help determine your level of support. Your donation will be recognized (unless you wish to remain anonymous) in all printed material, social media and on our website.
The Heroes 1st team is confident we can count on you to support our efforts all while enjoying an unforgettable evening of amazing prizes. (1st prize is a trip to Hawaii for two including air and hotel).
You will also enjoy award winning cuisine, exciting entertainment, and a plain ole fashioned good time. Please feel free to contact Parry Abraham, Executive Director, at (234)-437-6371 or via email parry@heroesfirst.org
Keynote Speaker
Coach Anthony Lynn
Anthony Lynn is completing his first season as the NFL San Francisco 49ers’ assistant head coach/running backs coach. He joined the 49ers after spending the 2021 season as the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. Lynn joined the Lions following four seasons (2017-20) as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Master of Ceremony
Reverend Dwight Jones
Known for his gift of gab and side-splitting humor, Reverend Dwight Jones is a full-time minister at the Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church. He is a retired educator that dedicated his career to children with special needs. Dwight came to California via the United States Army in 1992 and retired after twenty years plus of service.
Prizes
Grand Prize: Hawaiian Island
Grand Prize: Up to 8 day/7-night stay* at Hilton Property on your choice of Hawaiian Islands, plus 2 roundtrip coach airline tickets.
*Package includes 8,800 Hilton Grand Vacation Club points to be used to cover the length of stay and type of accommodations.
Second Prize: Las V egas
Second Prize: 4 day/3 night stay in Las Vegas*
*Sunday-Thursday
Other Prizes: Dinner for 2
Dinner for 2 at Angelina’s Pizzaria (Irvine CA) $250 value
Entertainment
Millennial Saxophonist J. Boykin
Millennial Saxophonist J. Boykin, affectionately known as the "Sax Sensation” has played with and opened for Frankie Beverly & Maze and Ledisi, John Legend, Boney James, Gerald Albright, Take 6, Koinonia, Kirk Whalum, Doc Powell & Brian Culbertson. J. has appeared on Fox Televisions “Glee” and J.'s "Happy" video was spotlighted when Oprah interviewed Pharrell on Oprah Prime.
J. has wowed audiences since childhood and can be seen at some of the hottest spots around Southern California.
J-Red
“J-Red”, is an entertainer with a destiny, a purpose and a plan. Native of Oakland, California and son of parent pastors, he is largely recognized for his witty comedic stylings being donned the “King of Clean Comedy”. J-Red’s entertainment endeavors spans over two decades and includes an impressive acting career on screen as well as starring in and even producing live theatre stage plays, hosting events, headlining and producing comedy shows, talk shows and radio. He is humbled and honored to have shared the stage with the likes of many great singers, actors and entertainers and is the reoccurring MC for “L.A.’s Taste Of Soul” hosted by McDonalds in Los Angeles, California. While simultaneously touring with American Gospel Singer Pastor John P. Kee as the comedic feature,
J-Red continues to tour nationally with his Clean Comedy J-Red “Hood’ish & Holy” National Tour. J-Red can be heard on-air Sundays on Los Angeles #1 Radio Station 102.3 KJLH! J-Red is aware of his gift and is driven by his calling. He truly believes that laughter is good for the soul!
Sponsorship
Ticket sales and sponsorships will go so far in helping Heroes 1st reach veterans on all levels. Whether it's finding immediate housing, employment readiness, mental health and wellness counseling or anything in between, we're here to help because of your generosity. We humbly ask that you review the attached donorship recommendation sheet to help determine your level of support. Your donation will be recognized (unless you wish to remain anonymous) in all printed material, social media and on our website.