MENsch Club and the Boys & Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor Event
TBE’s MENsch Club spent an evening in support of the Boys & Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor
This special program on December 4th, 2020 was called “Changing Lives… Saving Lives” and showcased the close association between Temple Beth El and the Boys & Girls Club of the LA Harbor area that has been nourished over many years, especially through the participation and dedication of long-standing Temple member, George Mayer.
Anthony Luna, Vice President of Coastline Equity and former Boys & Girls Club Director, who has been involved with the club since 2nd grade, was chosen in his senior year of high school as the “Youth of the Year,” then after college, became the Director of the Club’s High School Services, and now he serves as the chair of the Club’s Alumni Association.
The special MENsch Club speaker for the evening was Jonathan Villanueva. Jonathan grew up at Temple Beth El and was a recipient of the Boys & Girls Club programming. He shared his meaningful journey with the group.
In 1974, George Mayer founded Coastline Equity as a brokerage specializing in private-party and institutional lending. The company was expanded to include management services through the development of commercial and residential properties throughout the greater Los Angeles Area.The success of Coastline Equity has been particularly rewarding for George because of his experiences early in life. He is a child survivor of the Holocaust from Poland. Out of gratitude for his survival, due to the help from others at great risk to themselves, he understands the importance of giving back to others. He is active in his faith and numerous non-profit organizations, particularly with the Boys and Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor.
Anthony and George met through the Boys & Girls Club. George was a volunteer mentor and Anthony a youth member. Anthony was raised by a single mother and an absent father. Anthony went to the Boys & Girls Clubs as a safe haven, eventually attending California State University, Chico after graduating high school. George went on to hire Anthony at his firm and this relationship has deepened and prospered to the point that now Anthony holds the position of Vice President of Coastline Equity.