While working full-time to support immigrant families, Gaby Hernandez believes it’s still important to have fun.
That’s why for the second year in a row, the ÓRALE Executive Director is using her birthday as an opportunity to do both. This Friday, the Jordan High School auditorium will host a gathering of laughter, music and joy with the Stand Up for Immigrant Justice birthday comedy show and fundraiser.
“It really came from the need to have some laughter amid the chaos,” Hernandez said. “The way I see it is laughter is a way of resisting and resiliency in our community, so in such dark times we’re like, ‘What can we do to bring some laughter into people’s lives?’”
All proceeds will go towards supporting Long Beach’s immigrant families through the organization’s Solidarity Fund. This fund, which started in June 2025, is separate from the City of Long Beach’s Belonging and Resiliency Fund. They have provided donations of $499 to over 300 families and are in the process of distributing the same amount to another 200 families.
As of March 18, tickets for the event have raised $4,700.
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Hernandez expressed her gratitude to the many organizations and local businesses that have been hosting their own fundraisers and donating proceeds to the Solidarity Fund. She said her birthday fundraiser has become one of ÓRALE’s “signature events.”
“We have to laugh and have joy, they can’t take that away from us,” Hernandez said.
The fundraiser will feature five comedians who Hernandez said understand “the immigrant experience.” Aida Rodriguez, a Puerto Rican and Dominican-American comedian, actress, producer and writer will be headlining the comedy portion of the evening. Additional comedy sets will come from Jesus Sepulveda, Martin Urbano, Jesus Trejo and John Luna. The content will be more geared towards adults, Hernandez said.
Attendees will also be serenaded by Los Angeles-based band The Killing Floors, a Chicano rock and roll group with heavy influences from the ‘60s and ‘70s. While last year’s birthday fundraiser took place at Fourth Street’s Art Theatre, Hernandez said they were excited to host the event in the northside this year.
Another way attendees can support the Solidarity Fund is through the event’s silent auction. Items up for grabs will include hand-crafted accessories from residents such as jewelry and candles, as well as experiences at local businesses, like massages, facials, a photo shoot, candle-making and jewelry-making.
Those who cannot attend the birthday fundraiser can donate to the Solidarity Fund online.
The Stand Up For Immigrant Justice birthday comedy show and fundraiser will take place on Friday, March 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Jordan High School auditorium (6500 Atlantic Ave.). Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online or at the door.
