By Heather Posey, Staff Writer
Elizabeth Minor was honored at the Rick Rackers Annual Woman of the Year luncheon on Oct. 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach. After past Women of the Year were introduced and escorted into the ballroom by current Rick Rackers members and seated at an elevated table, trumpets sounded as Minor was presented to more than 150 guests.
Since 1953, Rick Rackers, an auxiliary of Assistance League of Long Beach, has honored one outstanding woman in the community each year with its award. And, in keeping with tradition, the Woman of the Year’s identity remained a secret until after the luncheon began, creating an excited buzz among Rick Rackers supporters.
“Liz gives her time to such a variety of organizations and with such an unassuming nature,” said Michele Ward, Public Relations Chairman for Rick Rackers. “She supports the arts, children of all abilities and needs, the elderly and local charities. She is a very touching woman and this award could not have gone to a more deserving volunteer.”
Minor has been volunteering for nearly 60 years to support local philanthropic projects including the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach Guild of Ability First, and Sea Breeze Manor Housing Corporation. She is also currently serving on the Steel Magnolias Stramski Support Group, Miller Children’s Hospital Advisory Board, and is a past member of the Jonathan Jacques Children Cancer Center Advisory Board and the Ebell Club of Long Beach.
According to Minor’s nomination letter, “Liz makes a difference in the life of our city and is a model of volunteerism. She is humble, practical and an inspiration to others. Her impact will be evident for generations to come.”
Rick Rackers is a nonprofit organization whose purpose, according to Ward, is to carry on a program of philanthropic work to improve the lives of children in the community. They provide over 4000 school uniforms to Long Beach Unified School District elementary students annually and have a goal of clothing 10,000 children annually by 2010.
