There are heroes among us, and in Manhattan Beach they are the first responders who keep the community safe: The Manhattan Beach Police Department, the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, and the Los Angeles County Lifeguards.

On Wednesday, October 17, the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce will honor those heroes at its inaugural "Heroes of Manhattan Beach" luncheon. The event will take place at Verandas Beach House from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person or $450 per table of eight.

Honorees include Manhattan Beach resident Charlotte Lesser receiving the Community Champion Award; MBPD Chief Derrick Abell receiving the Community Leader Award; and LA County Lifeguard at Manhattan Beach Mario Rodriguez receiving the Community Hero Award.

Former Manhattan Beach Mayor Amy Howorth will be the emcee. She will be joined by KTLA news reporter and anchor Mary Beth McDade as the celebrity auctioneer.

Among the auction items are:

• A catered lunch/dinner with the MBFD 
• A ride-along with the MBPD 
• One night at ShadeMB plus dinner for two at Zinc 
• One night at Terranea with a pre-paid activity 
• A Fleming's gift card
  
• One night at the Westdrift with dinner for two and a round of golf
• Lunch with the mayor

The event will also feature a three-course plated lunch, as well as live music by Jeremy Buck and Moe Z.

All proceeds will benefit the Burn Foundation and the Police Explorers Club. 

Lead sponsors include Chevron, Athens Services, Continental Development Corporation, MBS Media Campus, The Copy Shop, Waste Management, Manhattan Beach Toyota, Torrance Memorial, On Location Marketing, and the City of Manhattan Beach.