Annual Giving Tree

This year we are honoring the legacies of Steve Kuykendall and Paul Kennard, two gentlemen who were amongst the first residents of West Ocean.  Their dedication to our community helped build the West Ocean Association we have today.

Steve Kuykendall was the West Ocean Board Treasurer for 10 ½ years.  As a proud veteran, Steve was a founding board member of Fisher House Southern California Inc. which provides free, temporary lodging for veterans and their military families while a loved one is in the hospital.  Under Steve’s leadership and determination the Fisher House VA-Long Beach was built.  Like other Fisher House locations this house is a “home away from home”.

To help make this house truly a “home away from home” we are asking for donations of $25 gift cards.  These gift cards will help Fisher House VA-Long Beach buy things they need and provide opportunities for their guests to get out and take a break.

Paul Kennard was a co-founder of our West Ocean Book Club which started in 2010. His love for books and reading was palpable and he shared it beyond our community.   As a Long Beach Rotary Club member Paul was a major force in the Reading by Nine program which provides funding and children’s books to Long Beach area schools, libraries, childcare centers, nonprofits, and other literary organizations that promote reading and literacy.  While wearing his Dr. Seuss hat, Paul loved reading his favorite book, “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” by Dr. Seuss, to kids.

What was your favorite book to read when you were in elementary school, or what book do you like to read to young kids?  Help us honor Paul’s legacy by donating that book.

On the Giving Trees in each lobby you will find ornaments that indicate the types of $25 gift cards we need and ornaments that just say “K-5 Book”.  Next to each tree are flyers with more information.  Please take an ornament that indicates the item you would like to donate and grab an information sheet.

If you have any questions please let the front desk know and they will connect you with the Giving Tree organizer.