Join Us for the 15th Annual Dancing for Our Stars: A Crystal Celebration

Saturday, March 7, 2026 - Westin Long Beach

5:00 p.m. Welcome Reception 
6:30 p.m. Dinner & Dance Competition 
9:00 p.m. Open Dancing

About The Event

MemorialCare Long Beach Foundation’s annual gala, Dancing for Our Stars (DFOS), is one of the region’s premier philanthropic events. Presented by the Don Temple Family Charitable Foundation, the event features several dancers from the community who have a personal connection to our hospitals. Attendees have an opportunity to support their favorite dancer(s) by “voting with their dollars” prior to and during the live event as dancers vie for the coveted DFOS Champion Crystal Award! The proceeds from the event benefit the comprehensive excellence of Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital, as well as the specialties represented by each dancer. 

A Note About The Importance Of Supporting The Comprehensive Excellence Of Both Hospitals

As our dancers share heartfelt stories of the care that has touched their lives, this reflects just a portion of our award‑winning specialties and procedures, inspiring us to ensure that a significant portion of event proceeds support the comprehensive excellence of both hospitals. That funding is critical to programs such as graduate medical education, nursing and clinician education, diagnostic and imaging services, research, social and psychological support, child life, capital and technology enhancements, community outreach and education, and much more activity that bolster all specialties and patients, and uplifts the health of our community. Thank you for your support!

Click here to view our 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

Meet the Dancers

Torin Cunningham, MD and Carol Cunningham, NP

Torin Cunningham, MD & Carol Cunningham, NP

Occupations: Dr. Cunningham is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Medical Director of the Orthopedic Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, and Carol is a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Miller Children's & Women's Hospital.

Janet Dockstader

Janet Dockstader

Occupation: Attorney with Seastrom Tuttle Murphy Dockstader.

Debbie Finklestein

Deborah (Debbie) Finklestein, MD

Occupation: Physician - General and Addiction Psychiatrist.

Katie-Jakemer

Katie Jakemer

Occupation: Restaurant Manager, The Boathouse on the Bay.

Sumer Temple

Sumer Temple

Occupation: Owner/Operator, Don Temple Storage, Long Beach U-Store & Lock.

Thank You to Our Generous Supporters

Title Sponsor

Temple Family Charitable Foundation

Swing Sponsor

Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach Auxiliary

Tango Sponsor

John & Nina Mehigan
Southland Credit Union 
Schulzman-Neri Foundation
Corridor Recycling, Inc.

Salsa Sponsor

Seastrom Tuttle Murphy Dockstader
The Shadden Group
F&M Bank
Spineart

Cha-Cha Sponsor

Bob & Mary Alice Braly
California State University, Long Beach 
Ginny's Getaways
Halbert Hargrove
Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, P.C. 
Port of Long Beach
Laserfiche

Foxtrot Sponsor

Long Beach Memorial Pathology Medical Group
The Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation
Dr. Sharifa Batts
John Fielder & Donita Van Horik
Lynne Pillsbury
VZ Law, LLP
Robert & Noreen Curry

Underwriters

Gary & Dawna DeLong
Joe & Karen Zucchero
John & Patricia Wang - Entertainment
Keesal, Young & Logan – VIP Kickoff Party
Kevin & Jennifer Peterson Foundation - Premium Wine
Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation - Valet Parking
Lisa Chapman - Red Carpet Photography
Mari Hooper - Champagne
Olga Megdal - Bar
Bob & Pam Funari - Dinner

Event Contact

For more information, please contact the Events Office at 562.933.4483 or EventsMMCF@memorialcare.org


View Highlights From Our 2024 Gala

2024 Dancers