Annual Cottonwood Luncheon at Rancho Los Alamitos to Recognize Local Pioneers
Rancho Los Alamitos, a historic site in Long Beach, California, will host the 13th Annual Cottonwood Award Luncheon on March 12, 2025. This year, the prestigious Cottonwood Award for Leadership will be presented to Dr. Geraldine Knatz in recognition of her outstanding contributions.
Dr. Knatz's leadership has made a significant impact, although the specific details of her accomplishments remain undisclosed. Roxanne Patmor, the President of the Long Beach Playhouse and a member of the Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation Board of Directors, has spent nearly 20 years working with historians, actors, and non-profits in Long Beach, CA.
The event brings together civic leaders, philanthropists, and supporters of Rancho Los Alamitos to honour Dr. Knatz and another community member for their exceptional leadership and contributions to the historic site.
The project for which Dr. Knatz is being honoured aims to collect, preserve, and share the stories of women who have contributed to Rancho Los Alamitos' history. This initiative will involve oral histories, interviews, and artifacts related to the women's experiences at the ranch.
The pandemic has challenged Rancho Los Alamitos to become more creative and resilient. Despite these challenges, the organisation is now stronger and more agile than ever. The event proceeds will support Rancho Los Alamitos' educational programs, conservation efforts, and public outreach initiatives.
In addition to the Cottonwood Award, Rancho Los Alamitos has received a $5,000 grant from California Humanities for its project entitled Women's Stories from the Gathering Place. This grant is part of the Humanities for All Quick Grant, a competitive grant program that supports locally initiated public projects.
Event details and ticket information can be found at www.Rancholosalamitos.org. Rancho Los Alamitos has also expanded its garden access with a one-way pathway that includes the Cactus Garden, Jacaranda Walk, Tennis Court, and Geranium Walk.
Rancho Los Alamitos would like to express its gratitude to its volunteers, members, board leaders, steadfast supporters, and valued partners for their contributions. The organisation looks forward to celebrating Dr. Geraldine Knatz's achievements and the Women's Stories from the Gathering Place project at the Cottonwood Award Luncheon.
- The Cottonwood Award Luncheon, an event that brings together community members, will honor Dr. Geraldine Knatz for her exceptional contributions to Rancho Los Alamitos, a historic site known for its education, home-and-garden, and environment-focused programs.
- Roxanne Patmor, a community leader active in education, events, and community news, has spent decades collaborating with historians, actors, and non-profits, enhancing the lifestyle of Long Beach, CA.
- The Women's Stories from the Gathering Place project, which is part of Rancho Los Alamitos' educational programs, aims to collect and share oral histories, interviews, and artifacts related to the experiences of women who have contributed to the site's history, enriching the community with their stories.
