Lutheran Social Services of Southern Calif. to Host 2026 Gala & Awards Dinner Themed ‘Hope Starts Here’

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) - a leading provider of social services programs in Southern California - will hold their annual Gala & Awards on Saturday, April 18 at Orange Hill Restaurant. Hosted by The Hon. & Mrs. Damon L. and Felicia Alexander, the fundraiser ‘Hope Starts Here’ will support the nonprofit’s emergency services for families in crisis.

“Emergency services are often the first lifeline for individuals and families facing a crisis - parents struggling to make ends meet, neighbors overwhelmed by an unexpected expense, and individuals experiencing homelessness. For many, these critical services are the first step toward recovery, opening the door to case management, housing stability, and a path forward with hope and dignity,” says LSSSC President and CEO Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith.

The gala will feature live music, silent and live auctions, gourmet dinner and powerful stories of hope and transformation. An evening highlight is the 2026 HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Empowerment) Awards presentation including Sue Kroeger, Lifetime Commitment; Kevin Jones, Volunteer of the Year; KBRITE Radio, Community Partner; Tovey/Schultz Construction, Inc, Corporate Partner; and Jerry Engelhardt, 2026 HOPE Awardee.

The evening begins at 5:00 p.m. and individual gala tickets are $150 while tables of 10 and other sponsorship opportunities are available on a limited basis.Orange Hill Restaurant is located at 6410 E Chapman Ave in the city of Orange.

Major sponsors to date include Tovey/Shultz Construction, Inc., The Hon. Damon Alexander, Rev. Sharon Ruff-Richter, 60 Daisy LLC, Cal Lutheran University, Rock of the Foothills, Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith, KBRITE Radio and The Orange County Register.

For more information about the gala or Lutheran Social Services, visit www.lsssc.org.

About Lutheran Social Services of Southern California

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping the most vulnerable families and individuals in Southern California for over 80 years. LSSSC is a social ministry organization with Lutheran Services of America, one of the largest health and human service networks in America. Partners and funders include the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, U.S. Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services. LSSSC dates back to 1944 when a handful of congregants from Lutheran churches in San Diego began providing services and resources to veterans returning home. This group joined with like-minded congregants in Los Angeles and formed Lutheran Social Services of Southern Calif. in 1946. Today, LSSSC employs close to 200 caring and dedicated staff delivering more than 30 programs across six counties that embrace, equip and empower vulnerable individuals in Southern California.

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