Port of Long Beach named honoree for Rancho Foundation’s Amistad Gala

DOWNEY – The Rancho Foundation has announced the Port of Long Beach as an organizational honoree for its upcoming 40th Annual Amistad Gala, recognizing the port’s longstanding partnership and support of programs that benefit patients at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.

The annual gala, a major fundraising event for the foundation, will take place Friday, May 8 at The Grand in Long Beach. Proceeds from the event support quality-of-life programs and services for Rancho patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes and other neurological conditions.

Foundation officials said the Port of Long Beach has been a longtime partner, helping the organization expand programs that serve individuals undergoing rehabilitation at Rancho Los Amigos. Through philanthropic support, the foundation funds services and treatments that may not be covered by insurance or may otherwise be out of reach for patients and their families.

Dr. Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, is scheduled to attend the gala and speak about the port’s ongoing relationship with Rancho and its vision for the future.

Since its founding in 1983, the Rancho Foundation has played a key role in advancing the mission of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center by raising funds for innovative programs and services designed to improve patient outcomes and independence. The foundation now supports initiatives that serve more than 3,500 patients each year.

The Amistad Gala is one of the foundation’s signature fundraising events, bringing together community leaders, supporters and healthcare advocates to celebrate partnerships that help improve the lives of people with disabilities.

The 40th annual event begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at The Grand, located at 4101 E. Willow St. in Long Beach.