After almost three years, we finally were able to celebrate our annual Sunset Sip in person!
On a beautiful spring evening on April 23rd at the Hotel Maya, more than 175 guests gathered to honor The Guidance Center and celebrate our Hope Award recipient Tim Sailor. Sponsors and guests helped raise a record-breaking $180,000. Their generous support ensures that we continue to provide vital mental health services to our community’s most disadvantaged children and families.
The theme of this year’s event was “75 Years of Healing & Hope.” What a magical night to celebrate The Guidance Center’s monumental anniversary. During the cocktail reception, guests mingled together while also competing over silent auction items and listening to special remarks from Guidance Center board chair Ana Perez and Sunset Sip event chair Betsy Snare.
Following the reception, guests enjoyed a delectable three-course dinner with wine graciously donated by various wineries. State Senator Lena Gonzalez provided congratulatory remarks and presented The Guidance Center with a proclamation in honor of the Center’s 75 years of service.
A special moment of the night came when CEO Patricia Costales, LCSW, honored board member Tim Sailor with the Hope Award for his 20 years of service. Over the years, Tim has served as Board Chair, chair of several of our committees, and was instrumental in launching Sunset Sip. His generosity, compassion, and dedication are what sets him apart and why he is treasured by so many.
“Tim is everything you’d want in a Board member. He’s intelligent and strategic, a self-made business man. He’s grateful, generous and cares about the children in our community. Most importantly, to be in the same room as Tim is to feel his warmth. We are all better for knowing him,” said Patricia.
Before presenting the award, Patricia surprised Tim with a moving video tribute with remarks from some very special guests including Mayor Robert Garcia, former Mayor Bob Foster and mental health advocate Nancy Foster, former Guidance Center board member Rev. Paul Lance and former Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna. The entire room saluted Tim with a standing ovation.
Click here to watch the full video.
Following the award presentation, guests raised their paddles in a raucous round of friendly competitive bidding during the live auction which included exotic getaways and unique one-of-a-kind experiences.
The highlight of the evening was hearing from 18-year-old former client Lexie. A strong, courageous young woman, Lexie inspired guests with her story of overcoming challenges she faced as a young person. Before coming to The Guidance Center, Lexie struggled with anxiety and depression brought on by trauma she experienced in middle school. With the help of her therapist, Lexie worked hard to build insight, develop coping skills and learn grounding exercises to help her overcome the hardships she endured.
“The Guidance Center really helped with my personal struggles and life during the pandemic and while I was a senior in high school. I got into UC Berkeley with a full ride and have been inspired to work towards a PsyD to further expand in communities like The Guidance Center. I really resonate with the characterization ‘wounded healer’ and I want to help youth overcome stories like my own.”
Thank you to our Sunset Sip Event Committee; Committee Chairwoman Betsy Snare, Guidance Center Board of Directors; and of course, all of you. You have walked beside us during the darkest and most difficult of times. We are forever grateful.
“The Guidance Center will stand tall and continue to be a place of hope for the brave families coming to us for help. We know that treatment works. We will find our way back to fully engaged relationships and those beautiful fleeting moments of pure connection. We know how to do this, and we are so very grateful that you have our backs on this very important journey.”
– Patricia Costales, LCSW, CEO
Make sure to check out our Sunset Sip 2022 Digital Tribute Book for more event highlights, photos, sponsor messages and more! Head on over to our Facebook page to see the full album of photos from event night and don’t forget to like, comment and share!