Partners of Parks

We raise funds to address unmet budget needs for our city's parks, recreation, and marine programs. While we have the benefit of Measure A funds to make much-needed capital improvements to parks and community centers, the first thing to get cut from the city budgeting process is Park programming. Municipal Band Concerts, Movies in the Park, and community park programs are what add value to a community experience. We raise funds to support these programs which make our community a more enjoyable place to live. Park programs and classes provide human interaction and experiences in a safe environment that builds confidence and self-discovery. We invest in parks and programs that benefit the entire community in order to address park inequity in Long Beach. In an effort to be more equitable the Donna Helsley Senior Food Fund was established. Two and a half years ago, in the middle of the pandemic, a Parks and Recreation employee named Donna Helsley donated her stimulus check to benefit those in need. Donna was the inspiration behind what is known today as the Donna Helsley Senior Food Fund. Her support helped Partners of Parks partner with the Long Beach Gray Panthers Foundation by helping address the issue of food insecurity in older adults. Partners of Parks was able to match Donna's funds to form a program in May 2020 to annually raise money for the cause. Since then, Partners of Parks has raised more than forty-eight thousand dollars, and reached more than seven hundred and thirty five seniors who would have gone hungry at the end of the month. Along with the amount of money raised and seniors that were supported, this foundation has distributed over one hundred grocery gift cards to African Americans, seventy seven Cambodians, one hundred and ninety hispanics, thirty seven individual homeless, and thirty two veterans to date. Food insecurity among older adults is a rising issue and continues today, which is why Partners of Parks has made this program permanent.

Testimonials

Joseph - The donation of a food card enabled my wife and I to have a nice Christmas dinner - Thank you so much!

Flora - Thank you for the Denny's food card donation. I was able to take myself and my son to Thanksgiving dinner and we had a very enjoyable holiday.