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Annual Parade of Trees Gala
A Night of Celebration, Community, and Transformative Impact
On November 14, Toberman Neighborhood Center welcomed more than 200 supporters, partners, and community leaders to our Parade of Trees Gala. The evening was a remarkable success that reflected the unity, generosity, and resilience of the Harbor Area.
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Guests filled the room with excitement and purpose. Every silent auction item sold, every live auction item exceeded expectations, and the dance floor stayed full as our community came together to celebrate the work that strengthens families and uplifts neighborhoods. The spirit in the room spoke to the deep commitment shared by everyone who believes in the mission of Toberman.
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This year, we were proud to honor Assemblymember Mike Gipson for his leadership and unwavering dedication to the families of the Harbor Area. His advocacy and service continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth and communities, and it was our privilege to recognize him during this special evening.
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We also premiered two powerful videos that capture the heart of our mission. These stories highlight the real impact of our programs focused on food security, housing stability, community safety, and youth development. They honor the strength of the families we serve and the dedication of the Toberman team that walks alongside them every day.
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We invite you to experience the stories that moved the room.
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The success of this year’s Gala represents more than an extraordinary event. It represents a community standing together to build safer, healthier, and more vibrant futures.
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We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, supported, donated, and celebrated with us. Your partnership fuels this mission and keeps hope alive for thousands of families across the Harbor Area.
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Together, we rise.
Honoring: Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson
Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson is a veteran public servant representing California’s 65th Assembly District, which includes Watts, Willowbrook, Compton, Carson, North Long Beach, Harbor Gateway, Harbor City, Wilmington, and San Pedro. A former Carson City Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem, he was first elected to the State Assembly in 2014. Born and raised in Watts, he brings a lifelong commitment to service and equity to his work in Sacramento.
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Gipson helps shape policy that directly affects families and working communities. He chairs the Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement and also serves on the Select Committees on Youth Mental Health & Treatment Accessibility, as well as the Nonprofit Sector, reflecting a focus on economic mobility, public health, and the community institutions that keep neighborhoods strong.
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His legislative portfolio advances opportunity and stability, including measures to expand teacher residency apprenticeships (AB 694) and to create a multistate Cosmetology Licensure Compact (AB 1328) that improves professional mobility for licensed workers.
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We are honored to recognize Assemblymember Gipson for steadfast leadership that aligns with Toberman’s mission, helping families stay housed, supporting youth safety and success, and strengthening the Harbor community we all call home.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
Thank you for standing with Toberman Neighborhood Center. Your sponsorship is more than an event contribution; it is a lifeline that keeps doors open, lights on, and critical help within reach for our neighbors all year long.
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Because of you, families stay housed and stable when a crisis hits. Because of you, pantry shelves are stocked, emergency assistance is available, and youth receive the counseling, prevention, and intervention that help them choose safety and hope. Because of you, our community moves from fear to resilience and from resilience to possibility.
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You are not just sponsors. You are partners in safety, stability, and dignity for the Harbor community. From all of us at Toberman, thank you for turning generosity into impact, today and throughout the year.
