Thursday, October 1, 2026
A benefit for Kate Rose Eichin, a 37-year-old mother of two who was killed when she was struck by a car outside her Long Beach home on June 11, is being held at The Inn on Aug. 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., an event meant to both celebrate her life and support her family, who are still reeling from a devastating loss.
The benefit has generated a tremendous amount of support by more than 300 businesses, organizations and individuals alike, organizers said.
"It has really taken on a life of its own, and it's wonderful to see so much love and support coming from so many people," said Clare Hollywood, a friend of Kate who, along with seven committee members and many volunteers, co-organized the benefit. “Kate would be so touched by how much people care and the outpouring of generosity towards her family.”
Friends said Eichin left an indelible impression on those who knew her, and explained that the strong show of support illustrates the impact that she had on people’s lives. Eichin left behind a loving husband, Eric, a New York City firefighter and former Long Beach lifeguard, and her 2-year-old son, Shea, and newborn daughter Charlotte, just five-weeks-old at the time.
As the posters and fliers that have dotted numerous Long Beach businesses and establishments in the past month explain, the family, devastated from the tragic and sudden loss, will be faced with many challenges going forward -— emotional and financial — as Eric raises his children without the love and assistance of their mother. The benefit is aimed at helping to relieve the financial burden and stress on the family and start funds for Kate's two children.
All of the proceeds of the event will be donated, and many supporters not only donated raffle prizes, but offered to help in other ways.
“I can't tell you how amazing it is — people have just rallied for this cause and everyone wanted to do something to help. It just warms your heart,” Hollywood said.
The owner of The Inn has donated the venue. The band, DJ's and staff of The Inn have also donated their services. Swingbelly's is donating the food, while Minnesota's, Caffe Laguna, Nick's Tuscan Grill and Grillfire are donating product and services.
The benefit at The Inn will include tons of amazing raffle/live auction prizes, including: Six nights at Palmas del Mar in Puerto Rico with airfare, seven nights at Polynesian Isles Resort in Kissimee, FL, three nights in Aruba with airfare; three nights in Rincon Puerto Rico with airfare and a professional photo shoot, diamond and white gold necklace and earrings, four field box seats to the Yankees vs. Tampa Bay, which includes passes to Audi Club, a tour of Howard Stern s studio and invite to sit in on the Wrap up Show with a Sirius XM radio and one year of service, surfboards and surf lessons; a 42" Flat Screen HD-TV, New York Islander/Ranger tickets, U.S. Open tickets, fishing trips and fishing poles, bicycles, $1,000 worth of veterinary care, watches, gift certificates and much more. The event will include a live auction plus premium Chinese raffle tickets ($10 a piece, five for $40 or 15 for $100); and a standard Chinese raffle (tickets at $5 a piece or five for $20).
Tickets for the 50/50 raffle can be purchased in advance at: Ooh La La, 134 East Park Ave, Long Beach. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.kateroseeichinmemorial.com.
