Thursday, October 1, 2026
“It’s such a paradox,” said Carol O’Neill, founder of the Michelle O’Neill Foundation. “We’re giving to others, but we’re getting such love and it makes us feel so good.” The nonprofit was created in 1997, one year after Long Beach native Michelle O’Neill died from cancer at age 24. The foundation, organized by her family, memorializes O’Neill by raising funds for families of children with cancer and children with developmental disabilities.
On Sept. 12, 80 nets were set up from National Boulevard Beach to Riverside Boulevard Beach, with more than 500 teams spending the morning and afternoon in tournament-style play. Oceanside resident Bernie Diaz, 26, was participating for the first time and noted the large community turnout. “It’s a great atmosphere,” Diaz said. “I looked at all the tents and said, ‘Yeah, it’s going to be a good time.’”
