Thursday, October 1, 2026
Lola’s Café will hold a fundraiser for the Long Beach Waterfront Warriors organization on May 2, at 6 p.m., in order to raise money to bring a group of wounded, ill and injured soldiers and their families to Long Beach this summer.
The LBWW is a group of local volunteers who formed in 2009 with the purpose of giving soldiers and their families a much-deserved vacation in Long Beach. Since then, over 65 families have experienced our beaches, dining at local restaurants and the warm welcome of those who live in our community.
“From the beginning, Marko and Rich of Lola’s have generously donated their restaurant and its staff,” said LBWW co-chairman John McLaughlin, “and we’re thankful to them for hosting another fundraiser this year.” $50 at the door will provide guests with an open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Lola’s is the first 2011 fundraiser to be held in Long Beach, with another scheduled to take place at the Inn on June 25.
Proceeds will support the costs for transportation, entertainment and accommodations for the third annual family-visit. In addition, part of the proceeds will go toward shipping packages to soldiers overseas during the holidays; to transport parents of wounded soldiers recuperating at Water Reed Medical Center; and for funding emergency medical help and other services to support the soldiers’ needs.
Activities during the July 23-29 visit will include a 5K race on the boardwalk on Saturday, July 23 and a welcome parade on Sunday, July 24. During the week, boat rides, biking on the boardwalk, relaxing at the beach, swimming, surfing lessons, volleyball and attending the City’s free summer concert series are among events being planned.
“These young men and women have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe,” said co-chair Jerry Snell, “and inviting them to Long Beach is one way we can show them that we appreciate what they do for us, and that we are not going to forget them.”
The Long Beach Waterfront Warriors organization welcomes your support and invites all to join them in making this year’s visit even more memorable than last year. Please log onto www.lbwaterfrontwarriors.org or write to info@lbwaterfrontwarriors.org for further information about this rewarding experience.
