Log Cabin Republicans is the nation's largest organization representing Republican LGBT Americans and allies.  The Spirit of Lincoln Gala was held on November 11, 2023 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Air Force One Pavilion in Simi Valley, California.  The gala is an annual event to honor those who exemplify a commitment to enhancing personal freedom, encouraging individual responsibility, and ensuring equality under the law for all Americans.

Honorees and Presenters 

Peggy Grande, Emcee (Executive Assistant to U.S. President Ronald Reagan)

Frank Ricchiazzi, LCR Director Emeritus

Richard Grenell, Former U.S. Ambassador

Kellyanne Conway, 2023 Spirit of Lincoln Award

Caitlyn Jenner, 2023 Game Changer Award

Alex Walton, LCR National Political Director

Charles Moran, LCR President

His Royal Highness Reza Pahlavi, 2023 Outspoken Award

A highlight of the gala was Kellyanne Conway's speech, encouraging equality, loving parental attachment with gay children, and a welcoming and neighborly spirit in America.

Individuals that are gay report lower levels of parental closeness, elevated rates of parental abuse, abandonment, and societal discrimination.  Surveys thus show increased risk of using drugs, tobacco, vaping, and alcohol. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

National Family Partnership, formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, was established as a grassroots, nonprofit organization in 1980 by a handful of concerned and determined parents who were convinced they should begin to play a leadership role in drug prevention...NFP provides drug awareness by sponsoring the annual National Red Ribbon Campaign™." (Red Ribbon Campaign)

Origins: “Enrique ’Kiki’ Camarena was a special agent who worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration. In 1985, he was kidnapped by drug traffickers in Guadalajara, Mexico. His murder and death brought anger to the community and was a catalyst for the Red Ribbon Campaign. Together in Kiki’s honor, parents and youth in communities nationwide began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness around his killing and the destruction caused by drugs in America.

In 1985, club members presented the ’Camarena Club Proclamation’ to then First Lady Nancy Reagan, bringing it national attention. Later that summer, parent groups in California, Illinois, and Virginia began promoting the wearing of red ribbons nationwide during late October.” (“The History of Red Ribbon Week”)

Visit the NFP website to get resources and activities for students, parents, educators, business leaders, faith based leaders, government representatives, law enforcement, media leaders, and the medical community.

Discover more about living healthy, wellness, drug information, services, and research at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Also, LCROC provides a list of trusted helplines and resources to support members.

1985: “November 16 - Log Cabin Republicans of Orange County signed their first by-laws" (Orange County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Timeline Project).

“The collection consists of newspaper clippings, publications, and ephemera about Orange County, California's gay and lesbian communities.  The materials were collected by multiple individuals as part of the Orange County Historical Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Timeline Project.”

(Orange County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Timeline research files.  MS-R105. Special Collections and Archives, The UC Irvine Libraries, Irvine, California.)

Interactive History: The trailblazers of California were courageous, created, and defended the state and culture.

“Kit” Carson (December 24, 1809–May 23, 1868), a Kentuckian of Scots-Irish descent, was a hard-working farmer, leader in the Union Army during the Civil War, and frontiersman.  His brave trek, through what would later become Orange County, created some of our cultural foundations.

Suppose you were to interview Kit Carson, what would you ask him? 

(Library of Congress)

Interactive History: On December 5, 1775, less than six months after the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolution, a petition was presented to honor Salem Poor.

“Salem had been in Concord, Massachusetts when the British marched to take the stockpiles of munitions there.  Along with other American militia, Salem drove the British back to Boston."

Salem’s efforts were recognized by Colonel William Prescott.  

Who would you honor with a petition for an act of bravery in action?

“African American Service during the Revolution.”  American Battlefield Trust,  www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/african-american-service-during-revolution.

Remembering Rush Limbaugh on his birthday (January 12, 1951-February 17, 2021).

The trailblazers of California were courageous and created the state and culture.  Jedediah Smith (January 6, 1799—May 27, 1831) was born in New York of English Puritan descent.  Smith was a hard-working trapper, trader, and frontiersman.  His brave trek over the Continental Divide to California created some of our cultural foundations.

Suppose you were to interview Jedediah Smith, what would you ask him?

From left to right: Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, LCROC Treasurer John Merrill, LCROC Vice-president Anthony Johnson, and LCROC President Jesse Bluma

Attendees at the LCROC Christmas Party and Annual Meeting

Top row: LCROC President Jesse Bluma

Bottom row: D.A. Todd Spitzer

O.C.D.A. Todd Spitzer presented with a donation on behalf of the LCRCA PAC by LCROC President Jesse Bluma.

Matt Gunderson, candidate for the 49th congressional district 

Attendees

Thank you to our membership, guests, and local officials for attending our Christmas Party and Annual Meeting on December 3, 2023.  We had a wonderful dinner with members, friends, and guests at Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach, California.  A time to give thanks, recognize our shared accomplishments, report on the year, and swear in officers to the board.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer was our keynote speaker.  He is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our county and has served as an Orange County Supervisor, Assembly Member, and now as the Orange County District Attorney.  The District Attorney is also a former high school teacher.  Additionally, he is a father to two children and his wife is Judge Jamie Spitzer.

We appreciate his dedication and problem-solving to help maintain a good quality of life in Orange County.  Visit his website to discover more information.

Also, we thank the District Attorney for administering the oath of office for our board. 

Thank you to Kevin Gillhooley, LCR California PAC Chairman, for attending our Christmas party.  Kevin is a former president of LCROC and this year raised contributions from members to donate to campaigns.  D.A. Todd Spitzer was presented with a donation on behalf of the LCRCA PAC for his hard work and dedication.

Additionally, Matt Gunderson spoke at our Christmas party.  He is a candidate for the 49th congressional district (Northern San Diego, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano).  We appreciate Matt Gunderson's support and events with him.  Please visit his website to learn more about his campaign.

Thank you again to our sponsor, Luxman Nathan, for helping to make the event possible.  

Much appreciation for the toy donations from attendees for the Spark of Love campaign.  The Spark of Love campaign provides toys for youth in need across Southern California. 

Wishing you all the best and a prosperous New Year, with good health and peace to all.

P.C.: K. Gillhooley, A. Hom, A. Johnson, D. Largo, and A. Lieu. 

Our organization has a long tradition of volunteerism and community work.  Volunteering For Families of Active Military was another opportunity for us to be community leaders and make a powerful contribution. 

On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, members of LCROC prepared dining tables for a Thanksgiving feast honoring troops from Fort Irwin.  The Army personnel from Fort Irwin train Armored Brigade Combat Teams.  This was our opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation.  We washed the cookware, set up tables and chairs, prepared tables to serve the appetizers, a buffet, desserts, draped linens, and dressed the tables with flatware, napkins, and glasses.

Thank you to LCROC Vice-president Anthony Johnson for coordinating the event with For Families of Active Military. 

"For Families of Active Military endeavors to offer stability, strength and support to our active military and their families on an emergency and proactive basis, whether it be physical, emotional or financial on an as needed basis."

Afterward, we went to The Blind Pig in Yorba Linda for a bite to eat and socializing.

From left to right: Brendon M., Anthony J., and Jesse B.

Congratulations to LCROC Vice-president Anthony Johnson on his campaign for Yorba Linda City Council.  "Anthony Johnson is a public affairs professional, who brings several years of experience in community engagement, politics, and public affairs."  Learn more about Anthony Johnson here. 

On November 13, 2023, Anthony Johnson held a campaign reception at All American Brew Works in Anaheim, California. 

Jesse B., president of LCROC, and Brendon M., interim-secretary of LCROC, attended the event. 

Attendees brought canned and shelf stable food and hygiene products to help the Food For Families Pantry in Yorba Linda. 

This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.