Desert Charities News - January / February / March 2020

January/February/March 2020

page 31

DR. CONRADO BĂ RZAGA

JEFF L. GRUBBE page 11

page 12

page 8

www.desertcharities.com

WEBB WEIMAN

www.desertaidsproject.org/scha2020

DESERT

CHARITIES

NEWS

RICHARD OLIPHANT PRESENTS

Men in Philanthropy Industry Leaders and Influencers in the Nonprofit Industry Page 29

Late

AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL MUSEUM & OASIS TRAIL

visionaguacaliente.com www.visionaguacaliente.com

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 4

January/February/March 2020

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

AT-A-GLANCE JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

The Premier News Magazine Dedicated to Philanthropy and Charitable Giving in the Desert Cities.

Advertising

12

MY JUMP! Bucket List Wishes for Seniors

Steve Tolin (760) 346-1822 steve@desertcharities.com

Steve Tolin & Kristin Peterson

Steve Tolin

Editor-Publisher (760) 346-1822 steve@desertcharities.com

Kristin Peterson President

Stephen Boyd Creative Director desertdesign@mac.com Graphic Design M.Kay Design www.mkaydesign.com Ad & Website Design Greg Kain www.creativejuicez.com Chris Calandra www.calandradesign.com Desert Charities Publishing, LLC PO Box 1525 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 346-1822 (760) 346-6109 fax www.desertcharities.com www.dcnnews.com

Contributors Kate Anderson • Pamela Bieri Andrea Carter • Maggie Downs Eve Fromberg-Edelstein Lea Goodsell • Lynn Hawks Jeff Hocker • DeAnn Lubell A.J. Steinberg Madeline Zuckerman

CSUSB PALM DESERT MARDI GRAS

Dianne K. Ker Circulation Manager

Copyright ©2020 by Desert Charities Publishing LLC All rights reserved.

No part of this publication or website may be reproduced , stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

18

OLD TOWN STUDIOS

Published 2X a Year by Desert Charities Publishing LLC October/November/December 2020 Reservation Deadline: August 30, 2020 January/February/March 2021 Reservation Deadline: December 2, 2020

Follow us on Social Media @DesertCharities

13

@DesertCharitiesNews

List Your Event on Our Calendar https://desertcharities.com/listevent/contact

22

MATTHEW MORRISON Stage & Screen Entertainer

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 5

19

CELEBRATE THE LIVING DESERT’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

25

YOUR GALA’S GOLDEN GOOSE

29

MEN IN PHILANTHROPY Industry Leaders and Influencers in the Nonprofit Industry

50

MARILYN MADNESS & ME

59

UCR STUDENTS CHANGING THE WORLD

61

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS 10 YEAR CELEBRATION

Queen Bee Fundraising

Page 6

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

www.thevalleydentist.com

January/February/March 2020

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 7

www.visionaguacaliente.com

HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION LAYS GROUNDWORK FOR INCLUSIVE FUTURE

S Submitted photos

P M The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation offices are located in the bell tower building on the Desert Regional Medical Center campus in Palm Springs.

A national homelessness expert guides more than 50 Coachella Valley and Riverside County leaders in forging “The Path Forward” out of homelessness.

Thirty-four-hundred valley schoolchildren (and counting) plunge into swim lessons, emerging from the pool with a lifetime of water safety skills.

The District and Foundation staff recently conducted community listening forums in the eastern Coachella Valley to get a sense of residents’ health and wellness priorities.

Voters approved annexing the eastern valley into the district in 2018.

What do these two seemingly unrelated accomplishments have in common?

Both are initiatives either started or largely supported and funded by the Desert Healthcare Foundation.

Founded in 1967 to raise funds for the then-nonprofit Desert Hospital, the Foundation changed its focus 30 years later when the hospital was leased by Tenet Health to become Desert Regional Medical Center.

Today, as part of the Desert Healthcare District, the Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit funders in the valley. It primarily functions as a donation and legacy conduit to carry out the work of the District.

“The Foundation is a vital vehicle to support important health causes and achieve collective impact,” said Dr. Conrado Bárzaga, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation CEO. “It is through the work of the Foundation that the District coalesces many nonprofits behind one common good.”

During the past three years, the District and Foundation Board of Directors has established a $3 million collective fund for a Homelessness

These Katherine Finchy Elementary School students pose for a photo after a Ready Set Swim! lesson. Nearly 3,400 Coachella Valley schoolchildren have participated in the Desert Healthcare Foundation’s water safety and swimming program.

V

($

• •

•

• •

S

($

• •

•

• •

A

($

• •

•

• •

T

($

• •

•

Fo or Co

(L

Continued on page 69

W

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Page 9

Stepping Out for

COD

Presents March 28, 2020 Matthew Morrison SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES & BENEFITS

VISIONARY SPONSOR: $100,000 ($96,960 is tax deductible) • • • • •

VIP seating for eight Scholarship in your name for COD students and VIP invitation to Donor/Scholar Reception Invitation for eight to a pre-event reception at Cuistot Invitation for eight to the Founders Room Six complimentary tickets for COD students

SUCCESS SPONSOR: $50,000 ($46,960 is tax deductible) • • • • •

VIP seating for eight Scholarship in your name for COD students and VIP invitation to Donor/Scholar Reception Invitation for eight to a pre-event reception at Cuistot Invitation for eight to the Founders Room Four complimentary tickets for COD students

Join star of stage and screen Matthew Morrison for an unforgettable evening of entertainment at this annual gala supporting College of the Desert students VICTORY SPONSOR (SUITE DEAL): $7,500 ($5,700 is tax deductible) • • • •

Concierge escort to your Private Box Suite with four VIP seats Your name on a star on your suite Champagne service & desserts in your suite Invitation for four to a pre-event reception at Cuistot

ACHIEVEMENT SPONSOR: $25,000

PROGRESS SPONSOR: $5,000

($21,960 is tax deductible)

($3,800 is tax deductible)

• • • • •

VIP seating for eight Scholarship in your name for COD students and VIP invitation to Donor/Scholar Reception Invitation for eight to a pre-event reception at Cuistot Invitation for eight to the Founders Room Two complimentary tickets for COD students

TRIUMPH SPONSOR: $12,500

• •

VIP seating for four Invitation for four to a pre-event reception at Cuistot

BENEFIT SPONSOR: $2,500 ($2,150 is tax deductible) • •

($10,220 is tax deductible)

Premiere seating for two Invitation for two to a pre-event reception at Cuistot

VIP seating for six Invitation for six to a pre-event reception at Cuistot • Invitation for six to the Founders Room

GOAL SPONSOR: $1,000

For sponsorships, please call 760.773.2561 or email foundationevents@collegeofthedesert.edu Co-Chairs: Christine Anderson, Ed.D. & Diane Rubin

Additionally, all sponsors receive:

• •

(Location/details subject to change)

www.codfoundation.org WWW.CODFOUNDATION.ORG

($700 is tax deductible) •

•

Preferred seating for two

Recognition in press releases, on website, Facebook and in the event program

Tickets are available starting January 6 $75 | $100 | $125 | $150 To purchase tickets, please call the McCallum Box Office at 760.340.2787 or visit mccallumtheatre.com

More about

Matthew Morrison Matthew Morrison has been entertaining audiences for more than 20 years with a distinctive career that boasts a long list of accolades. Making audiences laugh, stunning them with his impressive dance skills, and delighting them with his voice, Morrison is known as a versatile artist on-stage and on-screen.

He made his first Broadway debut in Footloose in 1998 and was featured in The Rocky Horror Show in 2000, followed by his principal debut as Link Larkin in the Tony-winning musical Hairspray. His role as Fabrizio earned him his first Tony nomination in the musical The Light in the Piazza, and he starred in the revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center Theater in New York. Beyond his Broadway credits, Morrison is widely recognized for his leading role as the director of the glee club on the Golden Globe award-winning Fox television show Glee, which earned him Golden Globe and Emmy nominations before he returned to Broadway in Finding Neverland. Recently, he has released multiple studio albums and is currently on FX’s American Horror Story: 1984.

As an acclaimed actor, dancer, and singer-songwriter, Morrison has proved to be an exceptional performer in all areas of the performing arts. He is also an advocate for arts education and serves as the Chairman for the California School of the Arts Foundation Board of Counselors.

D O N AT E • VO LU N T E E R • TA K E A C L AS S redcross.org • 1-800-R E D CROSS

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 10

January/February/March 2020

Every eight minutes,

An average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in delivering care and

someone affected by a disaster is

helped by donations to the American Red Cross

CA BOT ’ S P UE BLO M U S EU M 2 0 1 8

ltural Weekends Cultural Weekends CABOT’S PUEBLO MUSEUM 2018

PUE E BLO M US + E UM 018O W + SA LES STRYCA+BOT’S A NC STRY | 2SH ARTISTRY ANCESTRY | SH OW + SALE S

Cultural Weekends A RT I STRY + ANCE STRY | SH O W + SA L ES

SCULPTURE • JEWELRY • TEXTILES • POTTERY • KACHINA

MATA ORTIZ AXACA JAN

FEB

M AR

2020

• 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• SHOW & SALE• • FREE* 8, 2018 ARY 23-25, 2018 • 9 a.m.

– 4 p.m. SHOW & SALE •

•

•

Cultural Weekends

•

FREE*

In another year of devastating wildfires, hurricanes, tragic shootings and other large crises, generous support has enabled the Red Cross disaster workforce – 90 percent volunteers – to help millions of people in the U.S., and hundreds of people right here in the Coachella Valley.

Every day, the Red Cross delivers vital services to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

Whether it’s a warm blanket, a hot meal or a shoulder to lean on, Red Cross volunteers are always ready to provide hope to those in need.

While many know the Red Cross for its large-scale disaster relief efforts, the most common Red Cross response is home fires.

Seven people die in home fires each day. The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign brings together volunteers, community partners and fire departments to install free smoke alarms for those who need them most and help families create fire escape plans. Through Home Fire Campaign and signature Sound the Alarm events in the Coachella Valley/Morongo Basin area, the Red Cross and its partners have installed 3,600 smoke alarms, created 1,197 home escape plans and served over 4,200 residents. Nationwide, 658 lives have been saved thanks to the Home Fire Campaign – including the lives of two Palm Springs residents who received free smoke alarms and fire safety training from the local Red Cross. To join the fight against home fires, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/DTS. Continued on page 67

I KACHINA

LGADO TELLEZ JEWELRY DESIGNS, MARIO CASTELLANOS MATA ORTIZ MASTERARTISTR POTTERS: JR., | S H GALLEGOS, + AN C HECTOR Y GUTIERREZ E STR Y TEXTILES OW + S A L E S MIREZ SCULPTURES, AND PORFIRIO

LAURA BUGARINI, LILA SILVERIA, AND TRINI SILVERIA

OAXACA

•

MATA ORTIZ

January 24–26

February 21–23

HOPI KACHINA March 27–29

with Master Artisans Tour the Pueblo • SHOW • FREE* 9 a.m.Shop–for4a Cause p.m.Engage & SALE •

•

*

urs offered at regular rates and times. Part of your purchase helps fund Cabot’s vision of bringing art, culture, and people together.

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. FREE!*

PI0 •KACHINA CARVERS SHOW: *Tours at regular and times.

Part of your purchase helps Desert Hotoffered Springs, CArates • CabotsMuseum.org www.cabotsmuseum.org CabotsMuseum.org 760-329-7610 to fund Cabot’s vision of bringing art, culture, and people together.

67616MAKWESA, E Desert View Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 DARANCE AND ERIC KAYQUAPTEWA •

*Tours of the Pueblo offered at regular rates.

0.329.7610 • Desert Hot Springs, CA • CabotsMuseum.org

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Page 11

By Pamela Bieri This year, 2020, the Desert Community Foundation (DCF) celebrates 21 years of charitable giving having awarded more than $35 million overall to the Coachella Valley.

In 2019, more than $1 million through DCF’s Donor Advised Funds were given to dozens of community charitable organizations and $1.6 million in scholarships to local students.

many financial parts – with expertise in financial management and grantmaking usually only found in large philanthropic organizations.

Another unique characteristic is that a community foundation can help individuals or families easily start their own foundations to carry out their philanthropic goals.

Dick Oliphant, Chairman of the Desert Community Foundation board, said, “I am proud to say that the foundation’s ongoing philanthropic work includes aid and resources to alleviate hunger, provide housing, and programs that promote the arts, youth and education.”

The scholarship program, established more than a decade ago, is one of the largest scholarship funders in the desert, and generously supported by 18 country clubs.

The late Ronald E. Gother, introduced the innovative community foundation concept to the Coachella Valley in 1999.

The concept was simple and sensible – individuals and community organizations can invest a portion of their charitable funds to create a combined pool with greater power to assist their community.

“I am proud to say that the foundation’s ongoing philanthropic work includes aid and resources to alleviate hunger, provide housing, and programs that promote the arts, youth and education.”

— Dick Oliphant, Chairman of the Desert Community Foundation board

DCF is a nonprofit organization that professionally manages over $100 million in assets to focus and execute donors’ charitable giving. A community foundation functions, in effect, as a philanthropic and grant-making collective. It is a single entity made of

One of the most efficient and costeffective ways to establish a private or family foundation is through Donor Advised Funds, which allows the donor to be actively engaged in the grantmaking process.

Donors can make charitable gifts to specific charities, or, through DCF’s expert guidance and knowledge of Coachella Valley’s needs, can help identify organizations in a donors’ particular field of interest or service.

www.cvgoredluncheon.heart.org

is a proud “Life is Why” sponsor of the American Heart Association.

© Copyright 2018 American Heart Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. All rights reserved. Go Red for Women is a registered trademark of AHA. The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS. Unauthorized use prohibited.

Donor Advised Funds can also create a lasting family legacy by engaging family members in the philanthropy and designating successor advisors to continue the charitable giving.

What began as a dream and a vision two decades ago has become a very strong community foundation that continues to grow and invest millions of dollars locally. It is “community” in the most profound sense of the word: “To encourage and facilitate charitable giving in the Coachella Valley.”

For more information about Donor Advised Funds through the Desert Community Foundation, contact Mary Panesar, executive director, at (760) 674-9080, ext. 2.

www.mydohc.com

www.mydohc.com

Page 12

By Andrea Carter

Fulfilling Bucket List Wishes for Low-Income Seniors

A

local nonprofit has garnered national attention for its unique mission: working with low-income seniors, or those who are in isolation, to make one of their bucket-list dreams a reality.

In joined us for Gras Masquerade Ball. In 2020, saveInthe datesave for...

In2019 2019you you joined usthe forMardi our Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball.

2020

the date for..

Mardi Gras Moonrise Magic Reception

Please join us in celebrating our new Hospitality Management Program.

Witness the sun setting as the full moon rises, from the best view in the Coachella Valley—L’Edge at the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage.

Sunday, March 8th, 5:30—7:30 p.m.

Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage

Heavy hors d’ouvres will be served. Attire is Mardi Gras festive.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please e-mail matthew.durkan@csusb.edu

You may have already heard about My Jump! through CNN Heroes, ABC’s World News Tonight, the PBS NewsHour, The Costco Connection magazine or Forbes. That’s quite a collection of national media stories for a Coachella Valley-based charity.

it has on other seniors,” explains Weiman. “Witnessing someone in their 80s or 90s go skydiving or horseback riding, or soar in a hot air balloon, or drive an 18-wheeler, or take drum lessons – that inspires seniors to take their own leap of faith in fulfilling their dreams. It’s as important for It’s easy to grasp why us to tell the stories of fellow My Jump! is on the rise – seniors doing something they seeing seniors never thought experience “What’s especially they would at a thrill or accomplish beautiful about this point in their life, with something they what we’ve been hopes that it never thought will encourage possible is doing is the ripple others to do the undeniably heartwarming. effect it has on same.”

The publicity What’s more, other seniors,” has become a each recipient’s springboard adventure is explains Weiman. for My Jump! filmed for a to attract new “Jumpisode” supporters who – which is share founder Webb Weiman’s provided to them so they vision of “not forgetting a can relive and remember the generation we owe everything experience. For many seniors to by making their later years that accomplish something some of the best of their lives.” on their bucket list, it goes beyond the exhilaration of “What’s especially beautiful the wish itself. These special about what we’ve been opportunities have helped doing is the ripple effect

Continued on page 67

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 13

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus to host style fundraiser for hospitality management program Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus will host a Mardi Gras themed reception on March 8 to raise funds for scholarships and program support for its hospitality management program, which will launch in fall 2020.

The Mardi Gras Moonrise Magic Reception will take place at the Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage.

The reception will be an intimate, upscale

event where supporters can learn more about the exciting developments with the program, meet the first enrolled students and enjoy an early evening affair full of magic, moonlight and music. There will also be a raffle with luxury items and exotic travel packages. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served and the attire will be Mardi Gras festive.

The Coachella Valley is home to a large number of luxury hotels, timeshares, restaurants, golf

courses and major tourist attractions and events, representing a $6 billion industry. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of qualified applicants for management level positions.

To tackle this issue, in the fall of 2020, the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus will launch a hospitality management program. The program’s director, Joe Tormey, who began his position at PDC in summer 2019, is implementing a plan Continued on page 67

DOWN THE STREET, ACROSS THE COUNTRY, AROUND THE WORLD. Give the gift of comfort and hope with a donation to the American Red Cross.

Whether it’s a wildfire, a call for blood, a call for help after a devastating home fire, or a call from a service member or military family in need, the Red Cross is there— down the street, across the country and around the world.

Disaster Relief Helping families and communities recover from disasters big and small

Lifesaving Blood Delivering the gift of life to patients in need

Training Services Equipping community members with lifesaving skills

Service to the Armed Forces Proudly supporting service members, veterans and their families

International Services Delivering aid and humanitarian programs around the world

Donate todaywww.redcross.org at redcross.org 266101-05 12/19

266101-05 Desert to the Sea Press Register New Year Ad_9-5x6-375 FINAL.indd 1

12/2/19 2:12 PM

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 14

January/February/March 2020

SON A E S E R PREMIE OR F D E T A L S 020 2 , 8 R A M FEB 5 TO arcy irector, D

tive D nd Execu a r d former e d n u Fo ducer an o r p t n e v is an e years of Carozza, h over 25 it w r o t c d former ire under an theater d o f o C e ce th rings Dan e. She is p c S n ie lm r a e P p ex of the ce Director rings Dan p S lm a P Executive ted e to She crea contribut o t n Festival. io s is ity in ith the m commun e c Project w n a d g a thrivin building

award-winning

“BESTS” AWARDED TO

D O W N T OW N PA L M S P R I N G S 760 327-LULU (5858) L U L U PA L M S P R I N G S .C O M

We’re the most reliable and imaginative catering and event company in the desert!

Our highly experienced team offers a comprehensive service for every kind of event: from intimate gatherings, to beautiful weddings and luxurious galas. awarded

best caterer * PALM SPRINGS LIFE 2019 * THE DESERT SUN 2018 * CV INDEPENDENT 2018

lulu catering and events Let our creative multitalented team work for you! lulupscatering.com (760) 76 0 -218-2392 5 37- 0 0 4 8

LULU

caterer breakfast sunday brunch happy hour dinner deal continental dining international dining american dining california cuisine casual dining outdoor dining romantic dinner vegetarian/gluten-free earthy eats late night dining watering hole/bar cocktail menu craft cocktail classic cocktail margarita martini pet friendly dining

breakfast 8 –11 am

am EvEry day

luncH & dinner from

11am

“THE BEST BRUNCH in CALIFORNIA!”

—— T R I P P I N G . C O M

namEd lulu onE of thE

Best 100 restaurants for Brunch in America!

—— F O R B E S , L A T I M E S

sunday bruncH from 99 11am $19 –3pm

per person

Champagne, Mimosa $5.49 w/ refills

award-winning

3-course

5 appEtizErs 13 EntréEs 6 dEssErts!

feast *

$19

EvEry day aftEr 11am

99 per person plus tax

Early Bird spEcial

3pm–5pm 99

$16

five-star 4-course menus

5 superb soups, 8 amazing appetizers and salads, 15 exciting entrées, 8 decadent desserts

$2999 / $3999

the best all-day

Happy Hour 11am –closing

January/February/March 2020

Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, and Southern California.

Palm Springs Dance Project’s monthlong agenda includes scholarship-based intensive dance education for local high school students; community dance performances by students and professionals; and concludes with a stunning evening of dance created by award-winning Artistic Director, Deborah Brockus. THE MAIN EVENT features three acclaimed Los Angeles-based dance companies - ballet, modern and aerial dance by Luminario Ballet; high energy, jazz performance

by BrockusRED; and provocative choreography to the music of Motown

by Lula Washington Dance Theater. The performance is followed by a VIP on-stage reception with the performers.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit our local community through dance.

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 15

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPBASED DANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM Awards & Orientation Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 Intensive Dance Training Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 8 & 9, 22 & 23, 29 & Mar. 1, 2020

award-winning cuisine ∙ stunning settings ∙ daily happy hour

DANCIN’ IN THE STREETS FREE ‘Flash-mob Performances” Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020 VillageFest, Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

www.pacificseafoodrestaurant.com

www.laquintacliffhouse.com

COMMUNITY’S FINEST SHOWCASE A Pre-professional Variety Show Friday, March 6, 2020 Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum THE MAIN EVENT Concert Dance in Three Parts Saturday, March 7, 2020 Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum For details and tickets go to www.PSDanceProject.org.

Follow us on FaceBook and Instagram at palmspringsdanceproject.

www.thefixonelpaseo.com

Page 16

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL PLAZA CULTURAL MUSEUM • OASIS TRAIL & GATHERING PLAZA • THE SPA AT SÉC-HE

This Cultural Plaza will allow us to reconnect to our own cultural heritage while sharing it with others.

Tribal Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe Photos courtesy of Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

plans to open its new 5.8-acre Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza celebrating the Tribe’s history, culture, traditions and modern day activities, in the heart of downtown Palm Springs in Fall 2020.

The new Cultural Plaza is located at the corner of N. Indian Canyon Drive and E. Tahquitz Canyon Way and includes the new Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, a new state-of-the-art spa that celebrates the sacred Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, a Gathering Plaza, gardens and an Oasis Trail.

“Our new Cultural Plaza provides an incredible opportunity to share and celebrate our history, culture and traditions with this community and visitors from around the world,” Tribal Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe said. “Each federally recognized tribe throughout this country has a distinct culture that includes traditions, language, historic clothing and housing styles as well as historical food and medicine preparations. We want to share that with others as well as acknowledge the fact that we are alive and well today living in the modern world.”

Inspiration for the Cultural Plaza’s design includes Agua Caliente traditions such as basket weaving and pottery (ollas) and elements found in nature including desert landscapes, Andreas Canyon rock formations, the Andreas Canyon stream and the Washingtonia filifera palm trees – the only native palm tree to the California desert.

JCJ Architecture, of Phoenix, is the project designer. Penta Building Group is the general contractor. JCJ Architecture’s design concept for the cultural center reflects the Tribe’s values and ongoing commitment to the Agua Caliente people. In addition, the center draws upon the rich history of experiencing the healing mineral water. The Cultural Plaza includes numerous outdoor activity spaces, including a Gathering Plaza adjacent to the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, originally known as Séc-he (the sound of boiling water), which serves as a commemorative focal point for the new development. Here, tribal members and visitors can celebrate community, history and pay respect to the life-giving waters that helped shape the Palm Springs region. Visitors can readily access the Gathering Plaza along landscaped terraces and pathways that serve as an extension of the Gathering Plaza. An interpretive green belt, the Oasis Trail, meanders

Page 17

through the property and provides an interactive, cultural learning environment. This trail recreates, on a smaller scale, the distinctive character, geology, flora and beauty of the nearby Indian Canyons, one of the ancestral homes of the Agua Caliente.

The new Museum includes approximately 48,000 square feet and will feature collections in a main gallery, changing gallery and art gallery. The new Museum, a repository for cultural artifacts, stories and history, will also include an education center and garden. The spa includes approximately 40,000 square feet to celebrate the ancient healing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring with treatments rooms, men and women’s bathhouses, a tranquility garden, a salon, fitness center and outdoor mineral pools. The water from the Agua Caliente Hot Springs is carbon dated at 12,000 years, which means it has not seen the earth’s surface since the end of the last ice age and is truly unique as it contains a mineral makeup that has not been found anywhere else in the world. The Tribe has shared the healing water with visitors for more than 120 years, and the hot spring was the first tourist attraction in Palm Springs. This new spa will be the fifth bathhouse or spa at the site, with the first one operating in the late 1880s.

Page 18

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Old Town Artisan Studios Expands Programs & Services

By Andrea Carter

If you’re familiar with Old Town Artisan Studios, you know that it is one of the Coachella Valley’s primary destinations for art programs available to people of all ages, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds. But the nonprofit has grown to be so much more – adding events and outreach efforts that are enriching the lives of many in our local community.

There are a number of ways to explore your creativity at Old Town Artisan Studios – including classes and workshops on fused glass, sculpting, clay, ceramics, pottery wheel, fiber arts and painting in a variety of mediums.

But Old Town Artisan Studios goes far beyond the hands-on art experiences. While the organization began a decade ago, it was in 2017 it purchased the perfect space to transform into its permanent home. Over the last three years, the organization has been under the direction of executive director Thomas Burns.

The 16,000-sq.ft. facility in La Quinta – once the site of The Homestead restaurant – is nestled on a sprawling 3 acres that include an expansive patio adjacent to a pond and water features. It is ideal for events of all sorts, so Old Town Artisan Studios has branched out with new ways to enjoy the grounds. Another new way to enjoy art is at its on-site gallery, where every 2 weeks, a new artist or art group will showcase their work.

www.desertcornerstoneins.com

The introduction of Old Town Artisan Studios’ new line of custom-created serve ware is just one of many reasons to explore their retail shop. A range of full place settings in coordinated colors/ designs including dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, wine glasses, pitchers, serving bowls and platters are for sale. Each piece is signed by the artist who created it. While you’re at the retail shop, browse everything from handmade jewelry, scarves, and pottery to wine holders, glass art, and more. All pieces for sale have been

handmade by affiliated artists and class instructors. Proceeds from sales of the pottery pieces benefit Old Town Artisan Studios and our outreach programs.

Touching and healing lives – and promoting discovery and creative development – has been at the core of Old Town Artisan Studios’ outreach programs. In addition to bringing art to many Coachella Valley schools and providing art experiences for dozens of local nonprofits, Old Town Artisan Studios serves veterans by offering art classes at 50% off. In addition, Old Town Artisan Studios partners with the Alzheimer’s Association of the Coachella Valley on a program for Alzheimer’s patients, allowing them to express themselves artistically.

For as far as it has come in its first 10 years, there is much more on the horizon.

Plans to build 40 artist studios on adjacent land will offer professional artists rental space on a monthly and seasonal basis. A Performing Arts Center including a 140-seat black box theater will provide a forum for the those who have a passion for the performing arts. To help fund future endeavors, the Board of Directors established an Endowment Fund.

For more information on Old Town Artisan Studios, go to www.oldtownartisanstudios.org.

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Page 19

Golden Opportunities Cocktail Reception | 24K Fine Dining | Solid Gold Dance Party & Dessert Black & Gold Cocktail Attire | Complimentary Valet Parking

TICKETS $550 IN HOMAGE TO OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY For tickets, table sponsorships and event underwriting opportunities, please contact Greg Murphy at 760-346-9584 or Gala@LivingDesert.org, orwww.livingdesert.org/gala visit LivingDesert.org/Gala.

Go for the Gold!

Please join us for the party of the half-century in celebration of 50 years of desert conservation as we honor the past and build for our future.

PRESENTING SPONSORS - Harold Matzner and Shellie Reade SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS Suzan and Bill Appel Lu Barnes Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau Sharon and Craig McCollam Karen Miles MEDIA SPONSORS Palm Springs Life The Desert Sun COCKTAIL RECEPTION PATRON Shirley Smith

PLATINUM SPONSOR Edie McCarthy and the Patrick M. McCarthy Foundation GOLD SPONSORS Sharon and Dean Baltzell City of Rancho Mirage Susan and James Gould SILVER SPONSORS Bright Event Rentals Jan Salta BJ and Van Skilling

2020 GALA COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS Patti Grundhofer Dennis Flaig-Moore Karen Alciatore Suzan Appel Mary Barnum Jon-Marc Blalock

Karla & Jeff Elder Erica Espinola Lea Goodsell Christine Gorman Lindsay Grant Jan Harnik Candace Holzgrafe Janet Lanterman

Amy Lipton Jaishri Mehta Davis Meyer Jneil Nelson Nick Raab Dick Shalhoub Mary Lou Solomon Patty Spicer

DANCE PARTY & DESSERT PATRON Candace and Jon Holzgrafe WINE PATRONS Rita Stec and Lance Eldred GIFT BAG PATRONS Patti Grundhofer Dennis Flaig-Moore LIVE AUCTION PATRON Donna MacMillan TABLE CENTERPIECE PATRON Whitewater Rock & Supply Co. “RAISE THE PAW” PADDLE PATRON Aristotle Capital Management, LLC PHOTO PATRON J. Squire Junger Susan Stauber Nancy Stegehuis Susan Stein Carla Sullivan-Dilley Judy Vossler Julie Williamson Sandy Woodson Frank Goldstin Momentous Events

HONORING THE PAST

BUILDING OUR FUTURE

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 20

January/February/March 2020

A

lzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV) announced its newest program to help family caregivers: Breathing Space scholarships for much needed respite care.

“Everyday someone walks in our doors or places a call to ask for help with their loved one who has dementia,” said Dom Calvano, ACV board president.

“Often, it is a family caregiver who temporarily needs time away to care for themselves, whether to visit a doctor, attend an event, or simply to rest and relax.”

“Respite is vital for caregivers,” he continued. “It’s estimated that 70% of dementia family caregivers pass away before their loved ones because of stressrelated health problems.”

Breathing Space provides scholarship dollars that may be used to help off-set costs for care at Vista Cove at Rancho Mirage day program, Eisenhower Memory Care Center, and other memory care communities, or for assisting with in-home care from licensed home care agencies.

Family caregivers of dementia patients are welcome to come to ACV’s office to fill out a Breathing Space scholarship application or call for an appointment, 760-776-3100. The office is located at 42600 Cook Street, Ste. 134, Palm Desert.

SCHOLARSHIPS Provide Respite Care for Family Caregivers

By Pamela Bieri

www.idyllwildarts.org

49TH

ANNIVERSARY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2020 6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM LIVE AND SILENT AUCTION

6:00 PM | Hors D’oeuvres & No-Host Cocktails 7:00 PM | Dinner & Entertainment, Featuring:

FRANK DISALVO & HIS LIVE BAND

Make your reservations on or before Thursday, February 20th

www.cvrm.org/gala www.cvrm.org/gala REGISTER ONLINE: www.cvrm.org/gala

760.347.3512, Ext. 248 | EMAIL: mtrevino@cvrm.org

More About Alzheimers Coachella Valley Alzheimers Coachella Valley is a community based 501 (c ) (3) nonprofit providing support and services for Coachella Valley residents living with cognitive impairment, their families and care partners. All funds raised remain local to fill the need for professional and peer-led programs.

Among ACV’s innovative programs are Traveling the Journey Together, an eight-week education and social series. Next series is Jan. 10-Feb. 28.

Club Journey, a social and interactive time for caregivers and loved ones, meets Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Seven support groups throughout the valley, state-approved certified classes in Dementia Care Training and Meaningful Conversations with the Cognitively Impaired, as well as in-season speaker series at community organizations are part of ACV’s education programs.

All programs are free, supported by community grants, business and individual donors. This past year, ACV was named Desert Health Nonprofit of the year and was awarded the Berger Foundation Spotlight Grant for November, 2019.

To become a donor, please visit www.cvalzheimers.org/donate.

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

L

ifeStream Blood Bank, the exclusive provider of blood products and services to all Coachella Valley and HiDesert hospitals, is proud to announce its centerpiece event, the 37th Annual Gift of Life Tribute/10-Gallon Donor Celebration is set for Sunday, April 19 at the Riverside Convention Center.

An event filled with emotion and inspiration, the luncheon and awards ceremony shines the spotlight on “unsung community heroes;” local, volunteer blood donors who have given a minimum 10 gallons of blood in their lifetimes.

Individual tickets and event sponsorships are available and may be purchased by contacting Angela Ross, LifeStream’s director of marketing and public relations, at 909-386-6870 or aross@LStream.org.

In addition to 10-Galllon Donor Club members, LifeStream also will honor community champions as it premieres its 2020 donor-patient video, and presents Humanitarian of the Year, Medical Honoree and Youth Ambassador of the Year awards.

The Coachella Valley is a vital contributor to LifeStream’s mission.

Fittingly, the region is generally a major player in the organization’s largest event and is expected to have a strong presence again this April.

Page 21

presents

37th Annual Gift of Life Tribute/ 10-Gallon Donor Celebration

LifeStream Desert Charity Ad Final 7821.qxp_LifeStream Desert Charity Ad 12/9/19 6:01 PM Page 1

“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is let people know they are not alone.”

– SHA NNON L . A L DE R

Special guests this year are expected to include previous donor-patient story subjects Mariah Salomon, Coachella; and Adrian Grajeda, Palm Desert and members of their families; prominent community members including representatives of LifeStream’s 2018 Humanitarian of the Year honoree Coachella Valley Economic Partnership; and local leading local blood donors including 100-gallon donor Antonio Tapia, Indio.

The returns of Mariah (2018 donorpatient subject) and Adrian (2016) are especially poignant for LifeStream blood donors, who are reminded firsthand the goodness of their act.

Then 2-year-old Mariah suffered severe facial injuries when attacked by a dog and needed more than 100 units – well over 10 gallons – of blood products for pre- and postoperative treatment. Adrian, then 10, suffered catastrophic injuries resulting in amputation of his right leg when struck by flying debris when a car crashed through a school fence at recess. He, too, needed multiple blood products to survive.

Mariah is now 6 and a cheery, joyful first grader; Adrian, 16, is a junior at Palm Desert High School who continues to excel scholastically and athletically.

W W W. Lwww.lstream.org STREAM.ORG

Page 22

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Committed to providing uncompromised quality, impressive presentaion, and attention to even the smallest details.

SOCIAL - WEDDING - CORPORATE WILLIE RHINE 760.808.1077 www.849events.com 849EVENTS.COM

STAGE AND SCREEN ENTERTAINER

MATTHEW MORRISON

A

TO HEADLINE STEPPING OUT FOR COD IN 2020

cclaimed Broadway actor, singer and dancer Matthew Morrison will dazzle attendees at the 2020 Stepping Out for COD gala – the major fundraiser for student scholarships and services at College of the Desert.

The must-see event, which is sponsored by the College of the Desert Foundation, will be held Saturday, March 28, at 8 p.m., at the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert.

www.lavenderbistro.com www.lavendarbistro.com www.lavendarbistro.com

Morrison is an accomplished entertainer known for his silky voice, impressive dancing, and roles in numerous stage and screen productions, including his portrayal of Link Larkin in “Hairspray” and his role as glee club director Will Schuester on Fox Television’s “Glee.”

He has been nominated multiple times for Tony, Golden Globe and Emmy awards.

On Thanksgiving, Morrison co-hosted “The Wonderful World

of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” on ABC. His McCallum performance will coincide with the release of his latest album, “Disney Dreamin’ With Matthew Morrison,” in partnership with Walt Disney Records.

Numerous tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities with added benefits are available through the College of the Desert Foundation; for information, call 760.773.2561 or visit foundationevents@ collegeofthedesert.edu.

Proceeds from Stepping Out for COD directly support student success by providing students with emergency funds, food, textbook and childcare assistance, veterans support services, and more.

Ticket sales start Jan. 6 and will be $75, $100, $125 and $150.

They may be purchased through the McCallum Box Office by calling 760.340.2787, or by visiting mccallumtheatre.com.

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 23

CHANGING THE DESERT A LIFE AT A TIME

By Curt Pesmen

OVER THE LAST DECADE,

J David “Coach” Miller arguably has impacted more youth than any man in desert history— but he’s always in search of young people in need.

As chairman of Coachella Sports & Entertainment Stadium Authority (CSESA) and founder of the nonprofit SoCal Coyotes leadership organization, Miller calls it “a privilege to wake up and fight for every child— and give them the chances they deserve.”

On the field Miller - an AAA Football Hall of Fame coach - has mentored more than 700 aspiring pro football prospects. All have learned life skills and true value in society under the tutelage of Miller and his elite staff, who have earned the Coyotes six championship rings since 2012.

Off the field Miller, a best-selling author of business and sports biographies, also has authored the Coyotes’ award-winning “Above

“We all have the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life— many people stepped up and made a difference in mine,” relates Miller

Continued on page 68

www.palmdesert.ucr.edu/support-ucr-palm-desert

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 24

January/February/March 2020

The Idyllwild Arts Summer Program is about the joy of making art in a laid-back natural setting that has inspired teaching artists like Ansel Adams, Merce Cunningham, Elizabeth Murray, Lucille Clifton, Meredith Willson (who wrote parts of “The Music Man” while here), and Pete Seeger since the 1950’s.

The Idyllwild Arts campus sprawls across 205 forested acres in Southern California’s stunning San Jacinto Mountains, one refreshing mile above the heat of the desert of Palm Springs. Over 100 immersive workshops for ages 5 to 95 provide hands-on instruction in every imaginable art discipline, including jewelry-making, painting, film and digital media, photography, fashion design, dance, songwriting, choir, theatre, and creative writing.

The Summer Program also includes a Native American Arts program that has featured many notables—including Navajo chef Freddie Bitsoie and the “Sioux Chef,” Sean Sherman, who remind us that eating well is a fine art.

Students benefit from a low pupil-to-teacher ratio that enables the expert teaching artists to give plenty of individual attention to each student. Every class inspires artistic creativity and self-discovery.

The Summer Program also offers a taste of life at Idyllwild Arts Academy, called the #1 High School for the Arts in America by Niche.com.

High-school-age Summer Program students who continue on to

DISCREET SOLAR THINK SOLAR

THINK PURPLE

HOT PURPLE ENERGY

(760) 776-3030 THINK SOLAR

www.hotpurpleenergy.com WWW.HOTPURPLEENERGY.COM

THINK PURPLE

HOT PURPLE ENERGY

Idyllwild Arts Academy study with artists who are of the same high caliber as the Summer Program teachers, while also taking an innovative college-prep academic curriculum. Academy students graduate to elite universities, art schools, and conservatories around the world. The oneof-a-kind dual curriculum educates creative problem-solvers who enjoy careers as artists, but also—like past Academy grads—as environmental scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs, Silicon Valley executives, and surgeons.

To appreciate the kind of arts training the Academy provides, we invite you to experience our upcoming student showcases that are free and open to the public: Rancho Mirage Public Library Rancho Mirage, CA Wed., March 4, 2020 • 7PM Featuring Fashion, Music, Theatre, Dance, Visual Arts, Film, Spoken Word and more Melissa Morgan Gallery Palm Desert, CA Friday, April 17, 2020 • 5PM Featuring Fine Art, Music, and more For more about Idyllwild Arts Academy and Summer Program events and studies, visit www.Idyllwildarts.org or call 951-468-7223.

The Right Honoree is Key to Your Event Success

by A.J. Steinberg of Queen Bee Fundraising

date is fast approaching, and you are scrambling to reach your sponsorship and ticket sales goals.

You scratch your head and wonder why other nonprofits seem to breeze through monetizing their events while you continue to struggle. You wish you knew the secret succeeding with your galas.

Well, the secret is simple — the Golden Goose for your fundraising gala is your honoree! A well-chosen honoree will send event revenue and engagement skyrocketing. But beware, because a poorly chosen honoree means you will continue to slog on with an underperforming event.

What is a Golden Goose?

The dictionary definition of a Golden Goose is a continuing source of wealth or profit”. Your ideal honoree, when cultivated properly, can help with revenue generation before, during, and even after your event. If you treat your honoree like royalty, they will go out of their way to personally introduce you to new sponsor prospects and will encourage their friends to attend the event. Best of all, these are new contacts being brought to your organization from the honoree’s circle of peers. It is easy to see the importance of choosing the perfect honoree.

Who is the Perfect Honoree?

Your perfect honoree should fill the following three criteria:

Treating Honorees Like Royalty

Once you bring your honoree onboard, think of them as the VIP of your event planning team. So often honorees are kept out of the loop during event planning, knowing very little about the gala’s details until they receive the invitation in the mail. It is important for the honoree to feel a part of the process of creating a meaningful and engaging event. Invite them to lunch and go over some of the ideas that the committee has for entertainment and the stage program. Ask their opinions on things that would matter to them, such as the program featured in the Fund a Need.

Encourage the honoree to think of the event as their event, which spikes their personal stake in the gala’s success.

1. They have a genuine and strong A True Story of Honoree Success connection with your organization A few years ago, I was hired to produce 2. They have done something truly an inaugural gala for a struggling regional community organization. They faced worthy of recognition several roadblocks to reaching their 250 3. They have generous peers with guest/$100K goal, including disgruntled deep pockets board members and community backlash over an uncompleted facility A perfect honoree has not been which lacked $2 million needed for previously honored by other completion. The organization took time organizations, as this dilutes to identify the perfect honoree, whose the impact and importance strong ties to the community helped sell of your event’s tribute. Avoid out all the sponsorship slots and filled honoring politicians or those 400 seats. The gala turned out perfectly with their own foundations, as and was such a lovefest for the honoree both have been fundraising that it raised over $450,000 that evening. on their own behalf and won’t And to show how the Golden Goose can dip into their donor bases for keep on producing, the honoree was so you. Ideally, it is best to honor just one overwhelmed by the accolades he had person, as being singled out makes received that he personally funded the them more eager to help to make their remaining $2million for the facility which event succeed. now bears his family’s name.

A.J. Steinberg, founder Queen Bee Fundraising info@queenbeefundraising.com www.queenbeefundraising.com

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 26

www.sibon-sogood.com

Fisherman's M&G 4.625 X 6.375 090319.pdf 1 9/3/2019 9:26:09 AM

January/February/March 2020

Join The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens for the party of the halfcentury as the Zoo celebrates 50 years of desert conservation by honoring the past and building for the future. The wonderfully wild evening takes place on Saturday, March 7, 2020 with a Golden Opportunities Cocktail Reception and 24K Fine Dining

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

and Entertainment. All proceeds benefit building the Zoo of the Future and the next phase of our $34 million Pride of the Desert Capital Campaign. This includes the new Crossroads of Conservation lion and rhino habitats, bringing these iconic African species to the Coachella Valley.

The dazzling cocktail reception, underwritten once again by Shirley Smith, will abound with animal encounters along with a Winocerous Wine Pull, opportunity drawings for unique onsite experiences, and entertainment by the Citrus College Blue Note Continued on page 69

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 27

T

he Alzheimer’s Association has been serving the Coachella Valley for over 20 years, with free programs and services, outreach and education, as well as care and support for our desert families living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

In 2019, we held our inaugural “Reason to Hope” event, a wonderful and inspiring luncheon that was attended by over 300 of the Coachella Valley’s most influential residents and philanthropists. In 2020, we are very excited to announce that we will be capitalizing on the success of that memorable event by moving to an upscale, contemporary evening format at the beautiful Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage. On Saturday April 4, 2020 we invite you to experience the “Reason to Hope-An Evening of Inspiration” which will carry the same upbeat and inspiring theme of 2019’s luncheon, with a decidedly elegant evening vibe. Guests will enjoy wonderful entertainment, special auction opportunities and the luxurious and lovely amenities provided by our host site, the Omni Rancho Las Palmas. And most of all, you will come away with an understanding of how you can personally have an impact on the future of Alzheimer’s disease, including empowering your own brain health!

The Alzheimer’s Association offers educational resources, a 24/7 Helpline, support groups throughout the Coachella Valley and social engagement programs, including music and art therapy, that enhance the lives of our residents living with Alzheimer’s.

Special events like our “Reason to Hope-An Evening of Inspiration” are how we are able to keep all of our services completely free of charge to our desert residents.

Join us for this unique and wonderful evening on April 4, 2020. Sponsorships are available, as well as table and ticket sales.

Please visit our website at www.rth2020.givesmart.com for more information or contact Cortney Weir, Regional Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, at 760-996-0006. We’ll see you at the Reason to Hope!

www.centerfornonprofitadvancement.org www.centerfornonprofitadvancement.org

www.playclassicclub.com

Page 28

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Top Benefit Auctioneer Karen Sorbo Couldn’t Be More at Home in the Desert By: Andrea Carter

By Pamela Bieri

Top Gun Fighter Pilot Hoot Gibson is Featured Musical Entertainer at Steinway Society’s Bravo! Children in Music Fundraiser February 9 • 11am The S at Rancho Mirage It’s the perfect match: one of the most philanthropic regions in the country – the Coachella Valley – has been ripe for a revered benefit auctioneer to join this community for a long time. Enter Karen Sorbo, who is recruited internationally to raise money for organizations. It seems only natural she would move to the desert to be closer to the hundreds of fundraising events held here, as well as in Southern California, each year.

Karen has raised over $700 million dollars conducting over 2,800 auctions since graduating from both the Missouri Auctioneer School and World Wide College of Auctioneering – engaging audiences with her effusive energy and precise techniques. We wanted to learn more about her journey in this very specialized field where few women – or men! – have commanded the impressive reputation that Karen has garnered over the past 27 years.

Auctioneering is a unique career, why did you choose this path?

Top Gun fighter pilot, astronaut, airline pilot, and accomplished guitarist, Robert “Hoot” Gibson will be the featured musical entertainer at the Steinway Society of Riverside County (SSRC) Bravo! Children in Music fundraiser. The event is on Sunday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the S at Rancho Mirage.

Cost is $130 per person; $1300 for a table of 10. For tickets and reservations, go to the website, www.steinwayriverside. org or call (760) 341-4130.

“We are thrilled to have Capt. Hoot Gibson perform at Bravo! Children in Music,” said Ruth Moir, founder/ president of SSRC. “His musical background and incredible aeronautical and space accomplishments are a testament to the importance of music education which teaches science, math, language and motor skills, as well as teamwork.”

Since a young girl I wanted to make a difference. As a benefit auctioneer, I can live my life with purpose.

What sets you apart from most auctioneers?

My ability to connect with my audiences and gain their trust. I make a commitment to stay on course as the “charismatic force” in the nonprofit arena.

Has being a woman in a primarily male-dominated industry been a challenge for you?

It took years to be taken seriously. I always believed being a woman was an asset, because my attitude is “I will drive her until the wheels come off!”

What did it take to become one of the leading benefit auctioneers in the business?

Determination, dedication and an unwavering commitment to my nonprofit clients, along with being able to infuse audiences with a renewed sense of purpose.

What is the best part of being an auctioneer?

It’s a thrill to have a gift for talking fast while pulling at the heart strings – living a life spent in service to others.

To learn more about Karen, go to www.karensorbo.com. To inquire about her services and availability, email Karen at karen@karensorbo. com or call (612) 868-4929.

Capt. Gibson will be performing with Steinway musicians and Ukesters (youngsters playing ukuleles, a Steinway in-school program) in addition to giving a brief talk about the scientific importance of music education. “Liberace” impersonator Ken Hopper will entertain prior to the show Continued on page 68

January/February/March 2020

DESERT CHARITIES NE WS PRESENTS

Men in Philanthropy Industry Leaders and Influencers in the Nonprofit Industry

Our community is home to many meaningful charities.

Steve Tolin Editor–Publisher Kristin Peterson President Stephen Boyd Creative Director Greg Kain Print Design

Desert Charities News P.O. Box 1525 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 346-1822 steve@desertcharities.com © Desert Charities Publishing LLC All Rights Reserved

www.desertcharities.com desertcharities.com www.dcnnews.com dcnnews.com

In its 10 years of telling the stories of local nonprofits, Desert Charities News has built the largest database of charities within the region. This allows us to stay current on the individuals who are at the forefront of these organizations – helping them grow and thrive.

This section is dedicated to the men who serve the desert’s philanthropic community through their leadership, vision and benevolent spirit. Learn more about these exceptional men and what inspires the passion in their purpose.

Aside from giving time and treasure to the causes that have touched their hearts, these men are also prominent driving forces in the community – using their influence to benefit others in need.

Get to know the “Men in Philanthropy” who are making an impact in the Coachella Valley. www.desertcharities.com Contact information for all men: desertcharities.com Search: Name of their company

The Premier News Magazine Dedicated to Philanthropy and Charitable Giving in the Desert Cities.

Serving the Nonprofit Market for Ten Years • 2011 - 2020

ONLINE

Published Twice a Year October/November/December • Women in Philanthropy Special Section January/February/March • Men in Philanthropy Special Section

DCN NEWS Your News is Our Story!

NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

Listings for Nonprofits and Suppliers

News and charity events. Calendar with 700+ events featuring benefits, openings, galas and special events.

The leading nonprofit, online resource directory in the Desert Cities.

Includes over 700 nonprofits, 400 suppliers & 150 venues.

dcnnews.com

desertcharities.com

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS PRESENTS

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS PRESENTS

industry leaders and influencers in the nonprofit industry

Industry Leaders and Influencers in the Nonprofit Industry

october/november/december issue

january/february/march issue

NONPROFIT DIRECTORY

• Auction Services • Caterers • Red Carpet • Cause Marketing

• Fundraising • Venues • Donor Recognition • Suppliers

• Event Management • Nonprofits • Events • Calendar

FOLLOW US ON www.facebook.com/DesertCharitiesNews

https://twitter.com/DesertCharities 20,500 Followers

Reach the Influencers and Decision Makers Who Support Philanthropy and Charitable Giving!

For More Information Contact Steve Tolin, Editor-Publisher (760) 346-1822 • steve@desertcharities.com desertcharities.com • dcnnews.com

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Mark Anton

AAP Food Samaritans CEO-Executive Director Personal Mission Statement To extend kindness and tolerance to those not as fortunate as myself and make a constant effort to bring happiness and love along the way.

Success Is enjoying a rewarding job, having an incredible & loving partner, a decent roof over my head, two wonderful golden retrievers and a ton of friends.

Your Life in Four Words Partner, Dogs, Work & Friends.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is a way of both acknowledging and sharing one’s own good fortune.

Living a philanthropic life on a daily basis provides an abundance of rewarding opportunities.

Kristian P. Ardelian, J.D. Al Arguello Eisenhower Health Foundation Senior Director Personal Mission Statement To encourage, engage and equip others to believe in the possibilities.

Success Self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses and fill your life with love and respect from family, friends, and community.

Your Life in Four Words I can do it.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy creates opportunities. Charitable acts of kindness spread quickly and create endless ripple effects in the world.

Bank of America SVP- Market President Inland Empire Personal Mission Statement To make a positive difference with lasting impact in the community where I live and work.

Success Having a close-knit family environment and being a contributing member to the quality of life in my community.

Your Life in Four Words Family, service, relationships, faith.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy addresses unmet needs for projects and initiatives that make our world a better place to live and raise a family.

Childrens Playtime Productions Co-Director

Desert Arc President/CEO

Personal Mission Statement To create opportunities for people to enhance their lives through work, faith and family by using my career background and life experiences.

Success Developing new relationships while strengthening existing ones.

Personal Mission Statement To create a plethora of opportunities for youth desiring to express themselves through performing arts to experience the attendant growth and development.

Success Knowing that you did the best that you can to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Your Life in Four Words Always remember your roots.

Your Life in Four Words Living life’s great play!

Personal Mission Statement Treat all people with dignity, compassion and respect, and always let your actions be governed by honesty and integrity.

Importance of Philanthropy Helping others to improve their situation helps your community grow and prosper.

Jeff L. Grubbe serves as Tribal Chairman for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. With his election in 2006 to the Tribal Council, Chairman Grubbe continues a legacy of service and follows in his grandfather Lawrence Pierce’s footsteps, who also once served on the Tribal Council.

Chairman Grubbe is most inspired by God, family and Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians tribal membership. Under the leadership of Chairman Grubbe and the Tribal Council, the Tribe has given millions of dollars to dozens of charities over the past decade.

In addition, each year, the Tribe presents an annual Charity Golf Tournament that raises nearly $200,000 that is distributed to at least five charities each year.

“We live in a great community with good people,” Chairman Grubbe says. “It’s an honor to give to charities. They are the ones doing the hard work.”

Frederick Axelrod, MD Charles Balgenorth Richard Balocco LifeStream Blood Bank President/CEO

Jeff L. Grubbe

Importance of Philanthropy Experiencing performing arts programs impacts self-confidence, creativity, growth and development. Philanthropy has been essential to us making that difference for well over 100,000 youth.

Success Setting standards of excellence to achieve successful outcomes while providing a vision for the future to ensure continuous success.

Your Life in Four Words Love, Visionary, Family, Romantic.

Importance of Philanthropy Part of living is helping others who are not as blessed as yourself and enhance their quality of life.

Chairman Grubbe is also involved in various organizations across Indian Country including service to the following boards: Nike N7, Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, National Indian Gaming Association and the National Congress of American Indians. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

Chairman Grubbe was recognized with a 40 Under 40 Award from The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.

In addition, he was also recognized by Palm Springs Life Magazine with a 40 Under 40 Award for distinguished young professionals contributing to the success of the Coachella Valley.

Grubbe earned his bachelor degree in Information Systems from the University of Redlands. He also has an associate arts degree from Haskell Indian Nations University.

Jeff L. Grubbe, Chairman Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians 5401 Dinah Shore Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264 % Kate Anderson kanderson@aguacaliente-nsn.gov www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov (760) 699-6925

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Webb Weiman Seinfeld had “Summer of George.” Webb Weiman had “Summer of My Jump!”

It started in Toledo, Ohio, with “The Grandmothers’ Skydiving Club.” Two grannies lit up the sky when they jumped out of an airplane, the top wish on their bucket list. Good Morning America digital picked up the story, and within hours it was tracking well enough online that ABC News bumped it to World News Tonight anchor David Muir’s “America Strong” segment. Weeks later, Weiman and the grannies were the show closer for the PBS NewsHour. Soon thereafter, Weiman got a call from CNN – he had been selected as one of nineteen “CNN Heroes” for 2019.

Weiman is the founder of My Jump!, a nonprofit based in La Quinta that helps low-income seniors fulfill their bucket list wishes. For the CNN Heroes segment, he sailed in a hot air balloon over the beautiful skies of Shreveport, Louisiana, while carrying precious cargo: a 95-yearold WWII Veteran and a 91-year-old Vietnam Veteran.

“This was a little way to give back to those who fought for our freedom,” says Weiman. Along with helping those living in isolation and low-income, My Jump! also focuses on enriching the lives of our veterans. From sailing across the sky in Shreveport to having Bill Griffin from Cathedral City soaring in a BiPlane, Webb will always remember this as the “Summer of My Jump!”

Webb Weiman My Jump!

P.O. Box 119 La Quinta, CA 9224 (760) 851-5186 webb@myjump.org www.myjump.org

Fred Bell

Dirk T. Biermann

Personal Mission Statement It is important to inspire others. Give before you receive. Act with passion and purpose.

Be open to new ideas and opportunities.

Remember to honor your commitments.

Personal Mission Statement Happiness doesn’t just find you.

You must cultivate it.

Palm Springs Air Museum Vice Chairman & Managing Director

Success Success in life is defined happiness with who you are, happiness with what you are doing and learning balance.

Your Life in Four Words Make your dreams happen.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is an important part of society.

Philanthropists do not answer to the government or the public – they are able to freely support endeavors for the betterment of all.

David Brinkman Desert AIDS Project CEO

Personal Mission Statement My mission is to increase the experience of wellness, connectedness and love in everyone I meet and to help humanity improve the future of our planet.

Success I measure my success by Desert AIDS Project’s impact on the health of our community and our ability to enjoy the process Your Life in Four Words It’s better to give (than receive) Importance of Philanthropy Giving back builds the soul of our community. When you help someone in need, it reminds us that we’re all connected.

Loma Linda University Children’s Health Advocate

Success Success is not defined by achievement; success is found in achieving. Give it your best. Learn from your failures and don’t rest on your laurels for too long.

Your Life in Four Words It’s the journey. Really.

Importance of Philanthropy Giving, especially when combined with the gifts of others, is one of the most important investments we can make in our future and the future of generations to come.

Mitch Blumberg

Desert Regional Medical Chairman Governing Board Personal Mission Statement I apply my energies, abilities and skills to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people of all ages, aspirations and needs.

Success Success for me is the tangible accomplishment of a project or program that I have initiated or been assigned brought to successful fruition.

Your Life in Four Words Learning. Teaching. Leading. Helping.

Importance of Philanthropy I subscribe to the biblical maxim: “From those to whom much is given, much is expected.” Our generous community exemplifies this principle.

Thomas Burns

Dominick Calvano

Personal Mission Statement Learn from the past, be excited about the future, but live and love in the moment.

Personal Mission Statement Stay the course, learn from mistakes, then, don’t look back just keep moving forward.

When everyone goes in one direction, find another way.

Old Town Artisan Studios Executive Director

Success When I look at my two children and see what loving, compassionate and caring human beings they have become.

Your Life in Four Words Love. Create. Laugh. Evolve.

Importance of Philanthropy The more you give and share of yourself, the richer life becomes. Philanthropy comes from the heart with an authentic desire to make the world better.

Alzheimers Coachella Valley President, Board of Directors

Success Watching as people benefit from the programs and services initiated by the organization I have had the pleasure of co-founding and leading.

Your Life in Four Words Work, Play, Love, Laugh.

Importance of Philanthropy It’s a bit self-serving, but, helping others just makes me feel good! So, I help myself while helping the community I serve.

Win, win!

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

David Carden Jr.

Don Casper

Ron Celona

Coachella Valley Repertory Founding Artistic Director

Darren Diess

Personal Mission Statement My commitment to helping others is fueled by my passion for building a better community through volunteerism and being mindful of positive acts of kindness.

Personal Mission Statement I’ve reached a point in my career where I can give back. It is rewarding to lend a hand and help my community through Rotary.

Personal Mission Statement To make a positive difference in other people’s lives both in my work and in my personal relationships.

Success Enjoyng the moment, making someone smile each day, living my life with no regrets and surrounding myself with loving friends and family.

Success Setting challenging goals, developing the plan, executing it, and seeing accomplishments with positive changes. Plan Your Work – Work Your Plan.

Success Learning from your mistakes and finding another way to the finish line!

Your Life in Four Words Dedicated to community service.

Your Life in Four Words Rotary’s Service Above Self.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is the backbone of our communities. Whether it is through donations to charity or volunteering generously of your time, it is a love for humankind.

Importance of Philanthropy Youth is our future. Any assistance/guidance we can offer to help them prepare for their place in the world is our debt to society.

Importance of Philanthropy When we as a community GIVE BACK, we make life better, healthier, smarter, and a happier place for ourselves as well as others in our community.

Co Author Amazon Best seller (2019) EVENTOLOLGY E·vent·ol·o·gy- If the suffix “ology” is a Greek word referring to the academic research or study of a particular field, then the word eventology is the science of promoting and executing a successful event or fundraiser. Mentoring readers in this science and art form, are two practiced researchers of the field, Darren Diess, a BAS or Benefit Auctioneer Specialist and Michelle Gilmore, a CFRE or Certified Fundraising Executive- With Gilmore’s added experience as a Development Director of a multinational non-profit organization, she offers a perspective from that of a director, board member, and donor. With Diess’ expertise, the perspective offered is that of a showman and we are reminded that every fundraiser is really a three-ring circus or production.

P.S. Cares Founder/Chair

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Vice President of Marketing

Your Life in Four Words Respect, loyalty, passion, love.

Felice Chiapperini

Michael Childers

Bill Chunowitz

Personal Mission Statement Striving to always be a positive influence through work, community involvement, and building personal relationships.

Success Accepting and overcoming challenges and measuring your success not against others, but by your own personal goals.

Personal Mission Statement Luckily, I was taught by my partner to always give back to the community as I have been very fortunate in life.

Personal Mission Statement Provide financial aid and opportunities for college students in need and enable them to fulfill their dream of obtaining a college education and a degree.

Success My biggest success was being a co-founder of the Ronald McDonald’s House Program and helping spread the concept throughout the country.

Desert Oasis Healthcare Marketing Coordinator

Your Life in Four Words Always believe in yourself.

Importance of Philanthropy Empathy make us human. Giving back to others in need is a reflection of that humanity.

Michael Childers Photography President

Success Starting with Project Angel Food in LA, I have continued in San Francisco and Palm Springs, raising millions for AIDS organizations and Performing Arts causes.

Your Life in Four Words Adventurous, Grateful, Engaged, Exciting!

Importance of Philanthropy Always try to make it better for those less fortunate.

College of the Desert President

Your Life in Four Words Generous, Supportive, Productive, Caring.

Importance of Philanthropy Helping financially and giving of one’s time to make our community and the world a better place.

Both Gilmore and Diess claim that despite their different perspectives, they are in complete agreement that “fundraising is a marathon and not a sprint.” Their book provides a roadmap of how to create and execute a flawless, successful event. As equally important, they emphasize the importance of the long-term donor relationship and how it will build sustainability for your cause.

This comprehensive resource guide offers thematic chapters exploring how traditional ways of fundraising need to be revitalized by new ways of thinking, how fears get in our way, the importance of a clear vision and message, how people and collaboration are our best resources, and the importance of technology in promoting our vision and event.

Darren Diess Fundraising Coach - Benefit Auctioneer Public Speaker, Co Author - Eventology: The Science Behind Nonprofit Fundraising (619) 990-8871 darren@fundraisingadvisors.org www.darrendiess.com www.fundraisingadvisors.org

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Allen Monroe Allen Monroe, President and CEO of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, began his professional career as a research scientist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services where he studied the effects of climate change on endangered species. Then he put his passion and training to work in conservation biology with several nationally known zoos and aquariums before coming to The Living Desert in 2014.

“I come to the Zoo every day inspired by the work we do in education, conservation, habitat revitalization, and animal breeding,” he explains. “We are making an impact locally by inspiring people to care about the world’s deserts and globally by collaborating to save endangered species from extinction. The Living Desert is first and foremost a conservation organization, on the frontlines of species survival and habitat preservation.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020, the Zoo welcomes over a half million visitors annually and has embarked on a $34 million, three-phase capital improvement project. This project will strengthen the organization’s ability to teach future generations to conserve and share our planet’s precious resources with all living creatures.

Mr. Monroe holds a BS in Wildlife Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Texas.

Allen Monroe, President and CEO The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens 47900 Portola Avenue Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-346-5694 amonroe@livingdesert.org www.LivingDesert.org

Walter Clark

Walter Clark Legal Group Attorney Personal Mission Statement Level the playing field for my clients to get justice for them and, do the best I can do to get the same for my community.

Success Happiness achieved ethically, while sharing.

Your Life in Four Words Lucky. Grateful...Not Finished!

Importance of Philanthropy It’s good for donor and donee, but for only the fortunate to “Give Back” is not enough while institutional inequities persist.

Paul Clowers

The Joslyn Center Director of Development and Marketing Personal Mission Statement Bring integrity honesty and enthusiasm to the agencies I support and to do my very best everyday for myself, my partner, family and the community.

Success Having great love, happiness, friends and family.

Your Life in Four Words Never Doubt Your Instincts.

Importance of Philanthropy Helping our fellow humans is imperative to making our community a better place for all.

Brian Daly

American Red Cross Regional Philanthropy Officer Personal Mission Statement I strive to be open to possibility, to share my unique talents to benefit my family and my community.

Success Opportunities show up in life to those who know when to look and listen for them.

Your Life in Four Words Open heart, open mind.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is an act of generosity for those less fortunate. By improving the situation of others, we benefit our community and ourselves.

Barry Dayton

James R. Deforge

Ron deHarte

Personal Mission Statement Be patient in dealing with others and never assume you know anything about the hardships they may have endured.

Personal Mission Statement My life’s mission has been working for the conservation of bighorn sheep without compromising my ethics.

Success Success is living a fulfilled life because you’ve chosen a profession of passion aligned with your life’s mission.

Personal Mission Statement Transform obstacles into opportunities and don’t say it, do it.

Success Success is being in a position to support organizations that are meaningful to me and the community every single day.

Desert Oasis Healthcare Director of Marketing

Success Living every day doing my best to be authentic, kind, and giving.

Your Life in Four Words Value others as yourself.

Importance of Philanthropy Life can be unfair, so that those of us who can … should. We should each be generous with our time, talent, and treasure.

Bighorn Institute Executive Director

Your Life in Four Words A wild adventurous ride.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is vital because nonprofits do some of the most important work in the world and as humans, we must give and not just take.

Greater Palm Springs Pride President & CEO

Your Life in Four Words Family, Service, Winning, Fun. Importance of Philanthropy When we live to give, the challenges in life become smaller, more manageable.

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Richard De Haven

Richard DeSantis

Personal Mission Statement To create miracles in other’s lives through outrageous creative thinking and appreciation that leads them to push limits and think outside the box.

Success Being open to unimagined possibilities and willing to take risks to see where they lead.

Personal Mission Statement Partner with a charitable organization to define their social image, to reinforce their brand identity, and to build inclusiveness and support.

Childrens Playtime Productions Co-Director

Your Life in Four Words It’ll all work out!

Importance of Philanthropy It gives those without the means on their own the opportunity to thrive and, ideally, to pay it forward directly or indirectly.

Event Management Productions President and CEO

Success To know you’ve helped benefit the community and provided expertise to make a meaningful difference.

Your Life in Four Words Heart and Soul.

Importance of Philanthropy Young people need opportunities to have different visions of the world than what they see on mobile phone screens.

Photo: Michael Childers

Frank Dickerson, PhD Narrative Funding Raising High Touch Communications The Written Voice President Personal Mission Statement It doesn’t matter what’s inside if the envelope doesn’t get opened. It doesn’t matter that the envelope gets opened if what’s inside doesn’t get read.

Success We helped American Heart increase response 346% and our Claremont Graduate University doctoral research shows how fundraisers can write better.

Your Life in Four Words Raising money for nonprofits.

Importance of Philanthropy Don’t store treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal: For where your treasure is, there your heart is.

Tom Snyder Tom Snyder’s tenure with Animal Samaritans began in 2008. He was promoted to Chief Operations Officer (COO) for Animal Samaritans in June 2014 and became the organization’s CEO in November 2015. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from U.C. Irvine and a Master’s Degree from U.C. Riverside.

Additionally, Tom is a graduate of Leadership Coachella Valley and the Executive Training for Non-Profits Program at CompassPoint.

Prior to joining Animal Samaritans, Tom created “The Desert Cities 25 Best Mom’s Essay Contest” and earned a coveted Telly Award for his Public Service Announcement “Brothers in Arms,” which benefited the U.S. Marines Scholarship Foundation. For his work with area non-profits and education, Tom was featured as one of the Desert’s “40 Under 40 Movers and Shakers”

by Palm Springs Life Magazine.

Early on, Tom worked to brand Animal Samaritans as a lead animal welfare organization in the community by creating a new logo, messaging, collateral and a viable website, and successfully promoted the organization’s first full-service veterinary clinic.

Darren Diess

Ron Di Grandi

Matt Durkan

Personal Mission Statement Live life completely, chase the dreams with a healthy dose of realism mixed in with some crazy imagination, all things are possible if one sets their mind to finding a way. Go big!

Personal Mission Statement To encourage all youth that you can be the one to make a difference through leadership and actions. Be Skillful, Intentional. On Purpose and Driven.

Success Being part of an organization that impacts the lives of over 50,000 Coachella Valley youth annually.

Personal Mission Statement In my personal and professional life, I am committed to helping others in need, focusing on the positive, and making the world a better place.

Strategic Fundraising Advisors CEO

Success Ideas are the most vulnerable in their infancy - I believe everyone has an amazing $1,000,000 idea within them. Don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing it.

Your Life in Four Words Do Better, DO MORE !

Importance of Philanthropy Imagine the impact in our society if we could teach our youth more about philanthropy. Not the traditional giving of money, more about giving of themselves.

SoCal Coyotes Senior Vice President

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Director of Development

Success Success is measured by the happiness you create, not by the money you make.

Your Life in Four Words Above-the-Line.

Your Life in Four Words Love, honor, compassion, hope.

Importance of Philanthropy It’s the core ingredient to creating a solid foundation for your community and life overall. It is more blessed to give more than to receive. Acts:20:35.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is the most important deed.

We have nothing material to gain if we do it, but others have everything to lose if we don’t.

For eight years, Tom moonlighted as a professor at Mount San Jacinto College and College of the Desert, teaching students composition writing, rhetoric, critical thinking, and literary analysis. Prior to joining Animal Samaritans, Tom brought more than 20 years of experience in Marketing and Public Relations to the organization.

He is an avid practitioner of Yoga and Meditation, is extremely proud of his son, and also plays dad to four loving dogs.

Tom Snyder Animal Samaritans CEO 72120 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (760) 835-6465 tsnyder@animalsamaritans.org www.animalsamaritans.org

Men In Philanthropy

Desert Charities News

Armando Ehrenzweig Steven T. Erickson

Patrick Evans

Tim Evans

Personal Mission Statement Love, Care and Enjoy Family while setting the example to serve others around the world.

Success Success will bring joy to your life.

Peace let you enjoy EVERYTHING.

Personal Mission Statement Leave the world a better place than I found it... Definitely a platitude, but one I embrace and try to adhere to.

Success Setting proper goals and achieving them.

I think more important measure is being someone my kids can look up to.

Your Life in Four Words Family, Wife, Work, Fun.

Personal Mission Statement My life purpose in each area, including The Unforgettables, is thankfulness to God, family, this country, friends, volunteers, and donors for blessings, encouragement, learning and love.

Success Living life in ways that were learned from what I’ve been given – heavenly and earthly – so to share good gratefully.

Get in Motion Entrepreneurs Executive Director

Your Life in Four Words Failure, Failure, Adjust, Done.

Maryanov Madsen Gordon & Campbell CPAs Managing Partner

Personal Mission Statement Be a good person…enjoy life… make life better for others along the way. Also, to keep swimming in the New Year for Angel View!!!

Success Success is measured in happiness and smiles … personally, professionally, and philanthropically!

CBS Local 2 Chief Meteorologist Host, Eye on the Desert

The Unforgettables Foundation President/CEO

Your Life in Four Words Laughter, learning, all-in, loving.

Importance of Philanthropy Givers and Servers get together by Philanthropy. Philanthropy is a powerful culture to shape our future.

Your Life in Four Words Be a good person!

Frank V. Furino

Marc Glassman

Frank Goldstin

Michael C. Green

Personal Mission Statement Strive to do my small part to help make the world a better place in which to live.

Personal Mission Statement Grateful to be a part of this Desert community for forty years. My family has left a strong legacy here and I hope to do the same.

Personal Mission Statement I use my passion and expertise in my business of planning events to inspire, elevate, create joy and, for many, impact the bottom line.

Personal Mission Statement Be a positive force within the community. Do good, be kind and encourage others to do the same.

Success Living a life full of health and happiness.

My children are my most important priority.

Your Life in Four Words Live fully each day.

Importance of Philanthropy There are so many generous philanthropists in the Coachella Valley.

Their efforts help so many people. It’s a pleasure for me to help in any way I can.

Success Having the great honor and pleasure to do what I love each and every day.

FVF Productions President

Success Anticipating each new day with a sense of accomplishment. And sharing my success with loved ones and friends.

Your Life in Four Words Always doing my best.

Importance of Philanthropy In today’s world where the gap between the haves and the have nots seems ever widening, philanthropy from the heart builds a strong, necessary bridge.

Importance of Philanthropy Helping others, who cannot help themselves, that is what it is all about. Proud to be a small part of such a wonderfully philanthropic community.

Marc Glassman Photography Owner

Importance of Philanthropy My parents told me that giving back wasn’t optional, it was mandatory, no matter your station in life. I try to follow their example

MOMENTOUS Event Producer

Your Life in Four Words Love. Work. Family. Friends.

Importance of Philanthropy It’s the fabric of our community. To be able to give back and be a part of that is incredibly rewarding.

Importance of Philanthropy The love of humankind was promoted by my devout British immigrant parents who were compassionate and generous to us boys as a “disinterested benevolence” lifestyle.

Palm Springs Cultural Center Executive Director/ Board Secretary

Success At the end of the day, to see the programs and events I have taken part in create positive change, and demonstrate the real transformative power of creative dialogue.

Your Life in Four Words Do good. Be kind.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is at the very core of civilization and community. The ability to look outside oneself and give to others is part of what makes us human.

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Pete Greeson

Jeff L. Grubbe

Dimitri Halkidis Boo2Bullying President & Founder

Richard DeSantis

Personal Mission Statement To live with integrity and be a good person.

Personal Mission Statement As Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, my focus is exercising and protecting our sovereign rights.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” — Sir Winston Churchill

Success My proudest achievement is being a good husband and father. I also work hard to inspire our tribal youth.

Personal Mission Statement To instill empathy into this generation. To eradicate bullying by leading with love and breaking the silence which is taking our youth’s lives.

Success There are a lot of talented people, but being able to communicate and lead by example is a true success.

Your Life in Four Words Dedicated, loyal and a gentle giant.

Your Life in Four Words Passion, Empathy, Family, Love.

Importance of Philanthropy Our ancestors knew what it meant to struggle. We are honored today to give so much to the people and organizations in Coachella Valley.

Importance of Philanthropy Everything that I’ve put into motion has been for our youth, to eradicate bullying.

It’s my promise to never stop fighting for equality and simply kindness.

AVSU President & CEO

Success Peasce of mind in knowing you gave it your very best each and every day and your customers were HAPPY. Your Life in Four Words Live, Love, Respect, Forgive.

Importance of Philanthropy People often think they don’t have anything to give, but they are the gift.

Offer an opportunity and it snowballs.

Tribal Chairman Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Moving from Washington DC to Palm Desert was a life-changing experience.

When my wife was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis it was a life-changing experience. When she passed away from the cumulative effects of multiple sclerosis it was a life- changing experience. Each one of these inflections in my life taught me that giving whatever you could but making sure that you gave all that you could is the most important achievement in life. Through all of these episodes of change the biggest change was changing my business model to one that focused on nonprofit charitable organizations. For 32 years I have been fortunate enough to make a living while helping others. It’s surprising how well we can do by doing good.

My business model is simple. I work with charities whose missions I can believe in.

Gary Hall

Wells Fargo Advisors Senior Vice President Personal Mission Statement Contribute to the quality of life in my community, focusing in the arts and how they can transform lives and communities with creativity, discovery, and innovation.

Success Success is not success without honesty, integrity, and empathy.

Your Life in Four Words Live, love, give, share!

Importance of Philanthropy Creating philanthropic examples for others to learn from, transforms communities and connects loving humans.

Tim Harper

David R. Hatcher

Personal Mission Statement Empowering children to succeed in life. We help students develop a strong foundation of good character and positive behavior, to be respectful, caring and responsible citizens.

Success Success takes effort, don’t worry what others might have or might say, when trying your best, success comes your way.

Personal Mission Statement To use the skills, experience, and opportunities given to me to help others and build a better, more enriched and happier community and world.

Success My success is measured by my continuing personal growth, the happiness of my family and the well-being of my community.

Harper For Kids Executive Director

Your Life in Four Words Love what you do.

Importance of Philanthropy Everyday is an opportunity to help someone and giveback. Happiness comes from giving without expecting anything in return.

The Artists Council Chair, Board of Directors

Your Life in Four Words Family, Friends, Community, Humanity.

Importance of Philanthropy Looking outside one’s self and contributing in a philanthropic way uplifts those receiving as well as those giving, thus improving the state of the world.

My services are fee-based. I never mark up the cost of anything and provide all of my clients with copies of my original invoices.

This ensures that the maximum amount of money can go to the charity. This business model has allowed me to be a part of helping raise untold millions over the last three decades that Event Management Productions has been in business.

Richard DeSantis President & CEO Event Management Productions 73647 Sun Lane • Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-340-6003 evntprodcr@gmail.com www.eventproducer.com

Photo: Michael Childers

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Conrado Bárzaga Conrado Bárzaga, MD, is Chief Executive Officer at the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation. He is an internationally recognized public health leader with over 20 years of experience tackling public health challenges.

Prior to his healthcare district appointment, he served for over seven years as president and CEO at the Center for Oral Health, where he raised over $20 million. He also served in top leadership positions for the LA County Commission on Children and Families, Planned Parenthood, and Sacred Heart University.

Dr. Bárzaga has directed the development of public health programs in the U.S. and abroad. He is a fellow of the Global Child Dental Fund at King’s College in London, England, and a health leadership fellow of Coro, a leading nonpartisan public policy institution. His extensive experience in philanthropy and international public health systems includes developing the community health infrastructure with the Bolivian Ministry of Health and Doctors Without Borders.

A native of Cuba, he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Havana in 1994.

Conrado Bárzaga, MD Desert Healthcare District and Foundation 1140 N. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 323-6113 cbarzaga@dhcd.org www.dhcd.org

Thomas M. Head McCallum Theatre Director of Gift Planning

Personal Mission Statement I strive daily to live life enthusiastically and to better someone else’s life because we all have something unique to give.

Success Have honest open dialogues. Never take yourself too seriously and learn from your mistakes. Smile, have fun, and make a difference daily.

Your Life in Four Words Be humble and kind.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy provides opportunity, a way to stimulate definitive change or solve a problem. Passionate Philanthropists inspire change.

Steven Henke

Desert AIDS Project Director of Community Development Personal Mission Statement I like what Jane Fonda says: “We are not meant to be perfect; we are meant to be whole.” And I would add compassionate.

Success I view success as being your most authentic self and finding the courage to use your story to lift others up. The rest will take care of itself.

Your Life in Four Words Replace fear with curiosity.

Importance of Philanthropy Great philanthropy aligns dollars and personal time with issues you care about most deeply. Doing the work changes your life and the community in which you do the work. Philanthropy creates hope. Everyone needs hope.

Robert Hendrix, CPA, CFE David Hirsch Osborne Rincon CPAs Audit Manager

Personal Mission Statement To spend my time with people and projects that match my passion for helping others succeed.

Success Success comes in seeing my efforts making others lives better.

Your Life in Four Words Family. Listen. Patience. Act. Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is the backbone that makes our community stronger, makes our lives whole and brings positive change and prosperity.

Jeff Hocker

Hocker Productions Executive Producer Personal Mission Statement Live life to the fullest. Each and every day spread kindness and joy and think of ways to enrich the lives of people around you.

Success Balance in your life is the key. Take time to eat healthy, exercise, practice your spirituality and each day will be a success.

Tools For Tomorrow Program Director Personal Mission Statement To contribute to my community and country through education and the arts, helping young people reach their potential and overcome challenges.

Success Success means using your abilities to their fullest extent to create a better future for everyone.

Your Life in Four Words When needed I’m there.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is crucial, both for the impact on the lives of those needing help, but also for the benefit to the giver’s heart and soul.

Brian Neil Hoff

Palm Springs Intl.

Animation Festival Founder & Festival Director Personal Mission Statement My mission is to encourage young and old to discover and express their passion for living through animation as Art-In-Motion.

Success Success is based on your contributions to the world and not what you take from it.

Your Life in Four Words Embrace your higher power!

Your Life in Four Words Create, Inspire, Enable, and Celebrate.

Importance of Philanthropy Do selfless things for others. Give money, time or items that may have no value to you, but may mean the world to someone in need.

Importance of Philanthropy Sharing our wealth and talent in order to improve the lives of others contributes to one’s personal enrichment.

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

John Hussar

Timothy Jochen, M.D. Jerry Keller

Personal Mission Statement After losing my wife June of 38 years to lung cancer, I channeled grief into action to help others by volunteering with the American Cancer Society, and ACS Cancer Action Network and as Board Member of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.

Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center Medical Director/Founder

LULU California Bistro Keller Int’l Publishing Owner/President

Personal Mission Statement To cure skin diseases and help people look and feel beautiful through evidence-based medicine and creativity to make the world a better place.

Personal Mission Statement To add value and enjoyment to family, friends and customers and to give those less fortunate a leg up.

Success Success is the feeling of accomplishment when adding value to daily endeavors, whether related to business, charity or family.

Your Life in Four Words Fashioning solutions to complications.

PRNewWorks President

Success Everyone can do something to help others; doing small things with great love is the lesson I learned from Mother Teresa.

Your Life in Four Words God. Family. Love. Compassion.

Importance of Philanthropy My faith teaches me to give generously to lift others up with my time, talent or treasure.

Steven Keylon

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation Vice-President Personal Mission Statement To educate about the importance of our past, so that we may preserve those sites that tell the story of our culture.

Success Being able to work in my chosen field with intelligent and committed colleagues.

Your Life in Four Words I live to learn.

Importance of Philanthropy The best parts of the kind of life we know would not exist without philanthropy.

Success Loving what I do and making a difference in my patients’ lives - better health and greater self-confidence.

Your Life in Four Words Blessed. Grateful. Inspired. Excited.

Importance of Philanthropy I believe in the flow of giving. The more you give, the more you receive because there’s satisfaction and joy in giving.

Garry Kief

Stiletto Entertainment President/CEO Personal Mission Statement To find opportunities for creative solutions.

Success Laughter. Kindness. Opening doors.

Offering a hand up.

Your Life in Four Words Life is a rollercoaster.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is the heart and soul of America.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is an invaluable assistance in solving social problems, contributing resources to educational programs, boosting cultural happenings and institutions, and reducing poverty. It’s an essential component to every community.

Brett Klein

Eisenhower Health Clinics Marketing Specialist Personal Mission Statement To Live Your Own Story, day-by-day through collaboration, team building, and partnerships to strengthen your personal mission, and success.

Success Success comes from within, and in seeing the many programs, organizations, and volunteer groups I’m involved with achieving their success.

Your Life in Four Words Live Your Own Story.

Importance of Philanthropy Through community engagement, anyone can fully Live Their Own Great Story just by being present, listening, being of service, and contributing to those around you.

Dr. Les Zendle, MD, FACP After retiring from a 31-year career at Kaiser Permanente in 2010, Dr. Les Zendle decided to use his skills as a physician and healthcare leader to volunteer in the Coachella Valley.

He started in early 2011 as a volunteer physician at the Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine (CVVIM), the only no-charge clinic for medically underserved adults in the valley. Service on CVVIM’s board of directors and as its volunteer medical director followed.

Dr. Zendle was elected to the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board in 2016. (He continues to see patients at CVVIM twice monthly.)

During Dr. Zendle’s three years (1 1/2 as president) on the board, the healthcare district has successfully expanded east of Cook Street to include the entire valley. And it has made significant investments in addressing valley homelessness and behavioral health care.

Dr. Zendle brings to his philanthropy the motivation and philosophy of his late uncle, who was a role model and physician: “Patients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Les Zendle, MD, FACP (Fellow of the American College of Physicians) Desert Healthcare District and Foundation 1140 N. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 323-6113 lzendle@dhcd.org www.dhcd.org

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Matt Durkan After moving to Los Angeles some time ago, I worked in administration at UCLA. I enjoyed the campus atmosphere and came to form an appreciation for the value of higher education. Later, I began volunteering for a charity, delivering meals to homebound AIDS patients. This powerful experience made me realize the critical importance of nonprofits. Soon thereafter, I began my development career, fundraising for nonprofit organizations that were leading the way on issues that I was passionate about – healthcare, advocacy, and higher education. Some of the organizations I was fortunate to serve include GLAAD, Betty Ford Center, and UCLA School of Nursing.

Today, I am proud to be working at Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus.

The value that CSUSB brings to the Coachella Valley cannot be overstated. The campus provides a four-year university experience for students seeking a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, as well as a meaningful career. Most of our students are first generation college-goers, relying heavily on scholarships to pay their tuition. The economic benefit our graduates bring to the region is immeasurable. As the director of development, my role in securing philanthropic donations is critical to ensuring their academic success. Fortunately, I love what I do and I love living in the desert.

At CSUSB, we define the future – and I’m honored to be a part of that future.

Matt Durkan California State University San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus 37-500 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 341-2883 x78116 Matthew.Durkan@csusb.edu https://pdc.csusb.edu/

Clay Klein

Read With Me Volunteer Programs Co-Founder, Secretary Personal Mission Statement To identify, prioritize, articulate and support activities and causes I most value, while asking others to participate, consistent with their resources.

Success Is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal; a journey, not a destination. The root of the word wealth is “well-being.”

Your Life in Four Words I’m here to help.

Craig Korthase

Bruce C. Landgarten

Personal Mission Statement To be supportive to my family, involved in organizations that matter to the community, and to walk a life of commitment to things eternal.

Personal Mission Statement Maintaining balance and influencing positive growth and change to the individuals and overall world around me, or more basically stated….caring for the vulnerable.

Success Helping change lives through personal contact and fundraising efforts.

Success Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. I love what I do and that makes me successful.

Palm Springs Crusin’ Assoc.

Vice President

Your Life in Four Words Serving others with integrity.

Jewish Federation of the Desert Chief Executive Officer

Your Life in Four Words I tried my best.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is not about money, it’s about feeling the pain of others and caring enough about their needs to help.

Importance of Philanthropy Caring and sharing, with God’s guidance is contagious. It is a manifestation of our love for each other.

Importance of Philanthropy Civilizations depend on those who have much to help those who suffer much. That help comes in many forms. Money should be the last resort.

Jim Lewis, CFRE

James Lindquist

Matthew List

Personal Mission Statement To make a positive impact in all that I do with integrity, kindness, and an openheart; to support, motivate, and inspire others in the community.

Success Success to me is measured by authenticity and being true to one’s self and with others. Being my best self.

Personal Mission Statement My goal is to live my life serving others in my community. Leave a path for my children and family to follow.

Your Life in Four Words Love, Laughter, Grateful, Passionate .

Your Life in Four Words Grateful heart - grateful life.

Importance of Philanthropy When you give of yourself you show others how to give from the heart and to be the best version of oneself – heart, body, and mind.

Importance of Philanthropy My parents taught me to serve others - my heart is to show my children to give and serve; hoping to leave this world a better place.

Charis Nonprofit Consulting President Personal Mission Statement Successfully balancing of, and appropriately using, my time, treasure and talents in order to fully realize proper Kingdom Stewardship.

Success Hearing the Lord say, “What you did for the least, you did for me; well done, good and faithful steward.”

Your Life in Four Words Dysfunctions Transformed Into Strengths.

Importance of Philanthropy There’s nothing more important than assisting others discover the best investments that realize an impactful, meaningful and life-changing legacy.

Desert AIDS Project Director of Development Individual Giving

Desert Cornerstone Insurance Service, Inc President

Success My success in my life is living out my purpose and calling daily. Never allowing anything to distract me from this.

Men In Philanthropy

Desert Charities News

Javier H. Lopez

Ricardo Loretta

Jeff Mich

Personal Mission Statement Constantly looking to find the good in others. Always have a vision to better everyone’s lives.

Success Always being grateful, enjoying life and constantly working for a better tomorrow.

Personal Mission Statement To offer my experience and access to resources related to the field of education to as many young people as possible, so that they may realize their dreams of a happy, prosperous future.

Success Goals achievement is facilitated exponentially by applying Rotary’s FOUR WAY TEST and Don Miguel Ruiz’s FOUR AGREEMENTS.

Personal Mission Statement Whether working on either personal or professional goals, a focus on the details only matters when it’s part of larger vision.

Success Applying the lessons of family, academia, service, commerce, fraternity and charity to enable personal reinvention.

Coachella Valley Housing Coalition Director of Community Relations

Your Life in Four Words God, family, friends, community.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy allows us to connect with each other to better protect this planet we all share. Let’s love more!

Dr. Carreón Foundation Executive Director

Your Life in Four Words Be true to me.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is important because it provides opportunities which otherwise might not exist to those in need.

Glenn A. Miller

Peter Mindnich

Personal Mission Statement My word is my bond, so always do the right thing. Work hard, thank God for each day and give back to my community.

Personal Mission Statement In both personal and professional relationships, be a force for good and bring light, wisdom, excellence, integrity and empathy to every situation.

Success Creating high quality relationships that help individuals and organizations achieve their key goals.

City of Indio Mayor

Success Never having to say you worked a day in your life because you love what you do.

Your Life in Four Words Family, Faith, Friends, Service.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is important because it provides opportunities.

Opportunities become dreams and dreams become reality. “Service before Self.”

Braille Institute President

Your Life in Four Words Faith, Family, Work, Fun. Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is a vital building block of America’s culture. Private philanthropy created Braille Institute and will sustain our mission for a second century.

Bob Hope USO Desert Area Manager

Your Life in Four Words Learning, Serving, Earning, Sharing.

Importance of Philanthropy Our society has agreed to provide only so much through government. To further elevate those in need for the collective benefit of all, philanthropy helps fill that gap.

Allen Monroe

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens President and CEO Personal Mission Statement Sharing my passion for protecting endangered species and reconnecting Park guests with the natural world. I love seeing kids have their first encounter with nature.

Success Success is leading a team, promoting the conservation of the world’s desert plants and animals, and connecting audiences with nature.

J. David Miller

Coachella Sports & Entertainment Stadium Authority Chairman Personal Mission Statement We are healed to help others. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are saved to serve.

In God’s garden of grace, even broken trees bear fruit.

Success Our most successful moments are those when we say yes to God. Staying relevant is to focus on what’s eternal.

Your Life in Four Words God First. Family Second.

Importance of Philanthropy There’s the stewardship of influence, as well as the stewardship of affluence.

We’re to use whatever God gives us not for our own benefit, but to help people who have no benefit. And LOVE is a four-letter word spelled T-I-M-E.

Greg Murphy

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Corporate Giving & Special Events Gift Officer Personal Mission Statement Just do it right, within one’s capacity and the resources at hand.

Success Success is working with talented people and bringing out the best in each other toward collaborative goals.

Your Life in Four Words Life’s Short, Don’t Waste.

Your Life in Four Words Work, Nyla, Rocco, home.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy maximizes our impact by engaging others in supporting the cause. We all want to leave the world better than we found it.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy makes the desert go round.

Blessed be the Coachella Valley and the quality of life we have therefore.

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Robert Hendrix Bobby grew up in the Palm Springs area.

Both he, and his wife Kari, were raised here and attended Palm Springs High School. “This community helped raise me to the person I am today, and it is my obligation to pay it back.”

As the Audit Manager of Osborne Rincon CPAs, he can use his skills to help educate the nonprofit world in financial literacy and for them to achieve their goals. “There are so many incredible organizations in the desert that fulfill so many voids in our community. Without a well-structured financial house, they may not be able to receive or manage the money they need to meet that purpose.” Whether the organization is large or small, Bobby can help create procedures to stay compliant and to take that next step.

Jack Newby

Michael O’Donahue

Richard Oliphant

Personal Mission Statement Strive for Excellence.

Personal Mission Statement Hands down and without any exceptions: above all else to be the best partner, father, brother, son, and friend possible.

Personal Mission Statement My mission is to be a visionary in helping nonprofits to succeed. I try to drive the economic, social, educational and cultural benefits.

Success Helped found Desert Community Foundation, CSUSB Palm Desert, IW Tennis Gardens, Greater Palm Springs CVB, CVAG, Children’s Discovery Museum.

The Joslyn Center Executive Director Success Helping make a difference in the lives of individuals I have the privilege to serve.

Your Life in Four Words Caring, Integrity, Love, Quiet.

Importance of Philanthropy Giving where your heart leads you makes a profound impact on your community and will change you forever. Philanthropy changes the world.

Desert Recreation District Fund Development Officer

Success Borrowed from Benjamin Franklin: Well done is better than well said.

Your Life in Four Words Work smart AND hard.

Desert Community Foundation Chairman

Your Life in Four Words Happy, Busy, Rewarding, Interesting.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is the glue that helps hold us all together making life better and more tolerable for one another.

Importance of Philanthropy Absolutely necessary to build and maintain a community,

Eric Ornelas

James Parks

Personal Mission Statement To boldly navigate life’s challenges, gain as much knowledge and wisdom as possible, be kind, share freely, serve often, and have fun along the way.

Personal Mission Statement To live a life pleasing to God, loving my family, and joyously using my gifts and talents in His service to others.

Success Success is found in the ability to live your calling and its measured by the impact you’ve had in improving the lives of others for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

Bobby helped lead the Palm Springs High School Indians as their Quarterback and later, the University of Redlands Bulldogs to championship. Bobby helps Quarterback his client’s financial lives now and navigate the complicated tax and revenue field with sophisticated plays.

Robert’s unique skill set includes both an MBA and a CPA license coupled with a Certified Fraud Examiner’s eye. These specialties give him the understanding to help both the operational and financial sides of non-profits. “Although they might be characterized as non-profit, the entities need to run their organization like a business to succeed. “ Robert is also able to give back as Board Member of the Habitat for Humanity Coachella Valley. Being able to help provide permanent homes to those in need and to rehabilitate neighborhoods who are no longer up to standard is what drives him. “Having three little girls of my own, it is unfathomable that there are children living in substandard conditions in a valley so rich in resources”.

Robert has also served on the American Cancer Society annual gala committee, COD’s Community Advisory Board for Accounting, and Hospitality Finance and Technology Professionals.

Robert Hendrix CPA, CFE, MBA Audit Manager Osborne Rincon CPAs 79-245 Corporate Centre Drive La Quinta, CA 92203 760-777-9805 rhendrix@osbornerincon.com www.osbornerincon.com

Paul Olson

OneFuture Coachella Valley Director of Development Personal Mission Statement Working towards making the world a better place through justice, compassion, and openness to the needs of others.

Success Success is living my life authentically to help inspire others to do better for themselves, and finding joy in my personal and professional life.

The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands Communications & Public Affairs Coordinator

Success I see success as being happy, helpful, and loved.

The Salvation Army Davis Community Center Captain

Your Life in Four Words Creative, passionate, fun, blessed.

Your Life in Four Words Fall down. Get up.

Your Life in Four Words Love God, Family, Others.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy fulfills two goals: Making a difference for people in need, and feeling pride and satisfaction as a giver.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy not only supports worthwhile projects; it also creates goodwill, fosters a sense of community, and enhances our humanity.

Importance of Philanthropy The greatest commandment is to “love God and love others.” Philanthropy is love for humanity. Additionally, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone in need.

Desert CharItIes news

Men In PhIlanthroPy

SPOTLIGHT

David P. Parry

Eisenhower Foundation Senior Director Personal Mission Statement Anything worth doing, is worth doing well.

Success Be not so focused building a powerful career, that you miss the chance to build a purposeful life.

Your Life in Four Words Diverse experience; deep gratitude.

Importance of Philanthropy Investing one’s time, talent and treasure for the benefit of others is the surest path to enduring personal and professional fulfillment.

David Perry

Michael Phipps-Russell Loving All Animals Executive Director

Josh Zahid

Personal Mission Statement Creating dialogue fearlessly and making connections joyously.

Success Enjoying work and knowing that our team has helped a good cause do more good in the world.

Personal Mission Statement To help the underdog. It is important to remember that we have all benefited from someone else’s caring.

Success Success is based on the quality of relationships you hold throughout your life with all living things.

Josh Zahid is a familiar face, not only in the Inland Empire but also in the Coachella Valley. His tenure with Loma Linda University Health began in 1998 when he started as a volunteer and soon moved to a full-time position at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center. There, he dedicated his young professional career to serving adolescents and their families who struggled with mental health and substance abuse. Josh joined Children’s Hospital Foundation in August of 2013 to support and manage four independent volunteer groups with more than 450 annual members. He leads more than forty-eight events over the course of nine months.

David Perry & Associates, Inc. Founder / CEO

Your Life in Four Words Alfredo. Family. Travel. Curiosity.

Importance of Philanthropy “Philanthropy” comes from the Greek – “philanthropia” “kindliness and love to mankind.” Raising money is only part. True philanthropy is about building and fostering community: something in which Palm Springs and the Desert excels.

Your Life in Four Words Blessed. Loved. Give. Purpose.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is what can make the impossible possible. It is the foundation for enabling dreams to come true.

Josh is recognized for his leadership, excellence and kindness as implementing best practices for signature events, retention rate with volunteers and patient diversionary activities. Josh was an instrumental factor with the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital – Health, Jill and Barry Golden Pavilion that opened in March 2011 to provide a medical home for the children of the Coachella Valley.

Ivan Price, CNP

Ivan Price & Associates Owner / President Personal Mission Statement Learning and Living to Serve with personal devotion to my families, clients, friends and neighbors. Extending to all a high degree of personal service.

Success SUCCESS is doing what you LOVE… and SUCCESS is LOVING what you do. I am proud to have success and very thankful to all served.

Your Life in Four Words Dedication - Integrity - Service - Perseverance.

Importance of Philanthropy Service to others is the watchword of Philanthropy. Early on as a “kid” and still having that desire to serve with Philanthropy “bug” going forth.

Greg Purdy

David A. Renker

Personal Mission Statement Inspiration may be singular, but execution is ALWAYS a team effort. And motivating a team is the true art of leadership. It starts with Example.

Success If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. That said, it’s also important to recognize the point of diminishing returns.

Personal Mission Statement True success comes from making a difference in peoples lives and helping others to lead a happier life. Success is not final and failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.

Success The success of each of us benefits all of us and the success of all of us benefits each of us. Happiness with success is Gratitude doubled.

Your Life in Four Words Let Thankfulness Guide your heart.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs

Your Life in Four Words Managing my sleep deficit!

Importance of Philanthropy My mother joined the Army at 18, the Peace Corps at 65, AmeriCorps Vista at 70 and the Peace Corps again at 75. She’s my example.

Eisenhower Health Director Ambulatory Services and Special Programs

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy extends beyond traditional financial donations. The spreading of kindness no matter how small is never wasted. Every charitable act is a stepping stone towards improving the world.

Josh also served a two-year term as Vice President of Education & Programs for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Desert Communities Chapter and will start his upcoming role as the Diversity and Inclusion Chair in January 2020.

Josh N. Zahid Guilds Manager and Special Initiatives, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation 11175 Mountain View Avenue, Suite B Loma Linda, California 92354 (909) 226-1085 cell/text jnzahid@llu.edu www.lluch.org

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

David Perry David Perry is the founder/CEO of David Perry & Associates, Inc. a full service Marketing/PR, Government Affairs & Business Development firm with international reach. Clients include: George Lucas’ Skywalker Properties, Kilroy Realty, US Sailing, Alliance for Smiles, The Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, Dezart Performs, AsiaSF/Palm Springs, The Cathedral City Senior Center (pro bono) SF Travel, The Rainbow World Fund, The Rainbow Honor Walk (pro bono) & the San Francisco Mayor’s Office among others. Through his firm, Perry regularly offers seminars and private trainings in social media, crisis communications, press training and spokesperson prep. Perry is the host/creator of “10 Percent”, the longest running LGBT TV show in California history and a recipient of an “Outstanding Business Award” from the SF Business Arts Council. Perry is a member of the San Francisco / Cork, Ireland Sister City Committee, the Golden Gate Business Association and the Desert Business Association. Perry is the co-founder and past president of the non-profit / all volunteer Rainbow Honor Walk (www.rainbowhonorwalk.org). Perry is a member of the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce where he serves on the Executive Committee and is Co-Chair of the Small Business Committee.

Specialties: Hospitality / Tourism, Senior Living, Nonprofits, China / Ireland / Spain / Italy to SF business / government connections (inbound/outbound) crisis communications, event production/coordination, branding, naming/identity development, Internet strategies, web & graphic design, marketing & PR, audio/ video production including FAA-certified aerial quadcopter operations.

His business tagline: Creative Communications & International Connections His rule for work: “Work with people smarter than you: they make you look good.”

Goal: Creating dialogue fearlessly. news@davidperry.com www.davidperry.com Facebook: dpainc Twitter: DPNA Instagram: davidperrysf www.youtube.com/davidperryassociates (760) 308-8431

Willie Rhine

Scott Robinson

Michael Rosenkrantz

Personal Mission Statement To always be the best example I can be.

Integrity, compassion, understanding, kindness and love are the key principles I practice on a daily basis. Simply put I strive to BE NICE every day.

Personal Mission Statement To help everyone find their gift to share with the world!

Success Being blessed & surrounded by amazing people, with love in their hearts, all striving to make the world a better place!

Personal Mission Statement Use my skills and life experience to serve others.

Success Seeing the smiles, participation and sense of accomplishment and feelings of pride of the athletes whom I am working with.

Success Sleeping well at night knowing you have done your best. Loving what you do.

Your Life in Four Words Blessed, Blessed, Blessed, & Blessed!

Your Life in Four Words Joy, Love, Peace, Understanding.

Importance of Philanthropy Some people are born with less hope and opportunities than others. Your Philanthropy gives many the ladder to climb out of such adversity... to success!

Importance of Philanthropy In order to ensure opportunities to participate and societal inclusion for those with a physical disability, philanthropy is vital.

Scott Schroeder

Christopher Seidel

Mike Singer

Personal Mission Statement Always keep learning and be enthusiastic and compassionate in sharing my time, talents and resources with others in the community.

Personal Mission Statement To use whatever time, talent and treasure I may have for the furtherance of my community, my family and my friends.

Success To have made a difference.

Personal Mission Statement Live a balanced life, not take things too seriously, do my best and take nothing for granted.

EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge Co-Owner

Your Life in Four Words Happy Joyous and Free.

Importance of Philanthropy There is no greater feeling than helping someone in need. Through Philanthropy, there are many different ways to practicing being nice and help your fellow man.

AFP, Boo 2 Bullying, First Tee Volunteer

Success Successful philanthropic organizations have a compelling institutional mission, inspired leadership, sound planning and administration, and clear consistent communications.

Your Life in Four Words Family. Work. Give back.

Importance of Philanthropy After a 40-year career as a fundraising professional, it is a privilege to be able to continue advancing philanthropy as a full-time volunteer in this remarkable valley.

Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City Chief Executive Officer

Palm Springs Concert Association President

Desert Ability Center Program Director

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Public Affairs/ Communication Specialist

Your Life in Four Words Blessed.

Success Going to sleep each night knowing that I’ve somehow made a difference that day.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy enables us to make the world a better place.

Your Life in Four Words Work, play, sleep, repeat.

Importance of Philanthropy I believe that everyone should give back in some way. Philanthropy is powerful, changes lives and provides opportunities for those who need them.

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Tom Snyder

Animal Samaritans CEO Personal Mission Statement Do no harm. Look fear in the face and it will cease to trouble you.

Success How much we accomplish and acquire pales in comparison to how well we treat our fellow man and animals.

Your Life in Four Words Woof! Woof! Meow! Meow!

Importance of Philanthropy To have a meaningful life we must have meaningful activity; all work has meaning if our intentions are honorable.

Joe S. Staley

Inland Empire Community Foundation Regional Charitable Giving Officer Personal Mission Statement Be kind, don’t judge, do what, in your heart, you believe to be right and leave the world a better place.

Success Seek a healthy balance between your personal and professional life and be blessed with a partner that loves you back.

Your Life in Four Words Family Friends Fitness Philanthropy.

Aaron Thomas

California Indian Nations College Development Associate Personal Mission Statement To positively make impact whenever I can.

Success Any increased positive outcome .

Your Life in Four Words Give, Gratitude. Goals. Go! Importance of Philanthropy Without giving, we become a lonely species.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy enriches lives through the arts, and it enables us to protect animals, the less fortunate and the environment.

Frank Goldstin Event producer Frank Goldstin, and his company MOMENTOUS, is behind some of the valley’s most notable annual galas and fundraising events.

DCN caught up with Frank for an exclusive chat on what it takes to make today’s events successful, impactful, and most certainly–Momentous.

DCN: Frank, heading into the 2020 event season, and from the looks of the events calendar, it sure seems to be a busy one for you!

FG: It’s a super exciting season ahead filled with many events for such great organizations.

I feel very honored to have the incredible opportunity to serve our valley and philanthropic community in this way.

DCN: What’s your approach when it comes to delivering these types of high-profile events for your clients?

FG: For me, my go-to is to always start with the strategy behind the event and to clearly identify, both from financial and reputational standpoints, what my client is looking to achieve.

The business side of what I do as an event producer is even more important than the traditional elements one would expect my firm to deliver. At the end of the day, I suppose that’s my added value.

John E. Thoresen

Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Executive Officer Personal Mission Statement Surround yourself with people smarter than you. Be loyal to a fault. Over deliver.

Make a difference.

Success Realizing that our goals may yet to be fully achieved. But are within reach.

Your Life in Four Words Directed, Fullfilled. Challenged, Blessed.

Importance of Philanthropy Sharing one’s wealth creates wealth in the community, in others less fortunate, and in the hearts and souls of others who may also wish to give.

Darrell L. Tucci, CFRE David Vogel Desert AIDS Project Chief Development Officer

Personal Mission Statement To leverage my skills, knowledge and passion for social justice and humanity to improve the community and world we all share.

Success Supporting others in connecting their passions to activism and philanthropy to realize those passions in our society.

DIGICOM Learning Co-founder, Chairman & CEO Personal Mission Statement To encourage learning, promote individual growth and wellbeing, and foster community connections that improve lives.

Success Translating my Hollywood experience into a thriving nonprofit that trains teachers and students in digital storytelling for the 21st Century.

Your Life in Four Words Philanthropy. Humanity. Activism. Travel.

Your Life in Four Words Tell stories. Change lives.

Importance of Philanthropy “Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Importance of Philanthropy As a community, we can accomplish so much more working together than we can individually. Philanthropy is key to harnessing that collective power.

DCN: So, let’s go back to the 2020 event season. What do you have in store for us?

FG: I’m really looking forward to this season of events. Each and every one will be exciting, unique and different, and truly signature to its organization. Highlights include The Waring Gala, the 15th Anniversary Opening Night for Modernism Week, Mizell’s Stars Among Us 15th Anniversary Gala, the 50th Anniversary Gala for The Living Desert, The Palm Springs Air Museum Gala, and the 30th Anniversary Gala for United Way of the Desert, to name just a few.

I enjoy talking with many organizations about their events and I’m always happy to discuss new opportunities and partnerships.

Frank Goldstin, President Momentous 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Suite 200 Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 273-5050 Frank@goMomentous.com www.Gomomentous.com

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Kristian P. Ardelian, J.D. Kristian began his fundraising career three years ago and, now, as Senior Director of Eisenhower Health Foundation, attributes his success to the relationships built by growing up in the Coachella Valley. As a first-generation American, Kristian moved to the desert in 1986 and was able to take advantage of the great educational system the desert has to offer.

Philanthropy built the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, allowing Kristian to obtain his Business degree before earning his Juris Doctorate from Cal Southern Law School.

Helping others, improving our community and giving a voice to people who don’t have one are his passions. His work as an estate planning attorney and now leading the Planned Giving department allows him to create an impact and fulfill his passion while helping others implement their most desirable wishes.

Kristian provides donors and advisors with tax-beneficial avenues for much larger and impactful gifts than ever thought possible.

Planned giving allows all donors to support Eisenhower’s future while leaving a meaningful legacy.

Kristian P. Ardelian, J.D. Senior Director Eisenhower Health Foundation 39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 773-1253 KArdelian@EisenhowerHealth.org

John W. Wadas, CFRE Robert Walker Wadas & Associates President & CEO

Personal Mission Statement My priorities are my family, my health and using my skills and experience to Help community nonprofits flourish.

Success As an athlete & coach success is winning.

A fundraisers success is developing and executing a plan to achieve established goals.

Your Life in Four Words Family, Dogs and Health.

Importance of Philanthropy Where would we be without philanthropy?

Museums, visual & performing arts, Schools, churches, youth sports, hospitals, etc. Philanthropy provides for a Healthy and vibrant community.

Frank H. & Eva Buck Foundation Buck Scholar Association Executive Director Personal Mission Statement To support and encourage our younger generation to succeed in their endeavors to make a difference in the world.

Success Being able to see the impact that arts and education have made on our future generation of leaders.

Your Life in Four Words Facilitating arts and education.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is important since it enables an individual or organization to improve human welfare. Anyone can be a philanthropist.

Webb Weiman

Greg Wetmore

Personal Mission Statement We help low-income seniors and those living in isolation fulfill something on their bucket list.

Personal Mission Statement The rewards are countless when you give back and provide for others.

Success Success is in the smiles and joy we see in the children and families we serve.

My Jump!

Founder

Success Knowing that you’ve not only touched a life, but changed it forever, for the better.

Your Life in Four Words Reaching for the Stars!

Importance of Philanthropy Being able to help others who don’t have the means to help themselves. This has been the ultimate passion project.

UCPIE President & CEO

Your Life in Four Words Others first before self.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is critical in order to make the world a better place for all.

Bradley K. Ward

The Mission Coach, LLC Owner, Principal Coach and Consultant Personal Mission Statement To leave the world a better place than I found it – one person and organization at a time, supporting people to thrive.

Success Success is contentment in my accomplishments, confidence in my abilities, and ambition to pursue mastery of work and life.

Your Life in Four Words Listen. Empower. Build. Celebrate!

Importance of Philanthropy I think the rewards of living in any community are in the contributions we make to it.

Separately, we give; together, we rise.

Wes Winter

Mizell Senior Center of Palm Springs Executive Director Personal Mission Statement To support, encourage and inspire those around me.

Success Knowing that I have made a positive impact on the lives of those who I interact with each and every day.

Your Life in Four Words Keep Moving Forward!

Importance of Philanthropy I wholeheartedly believe that we all have a sacred connection to one another and that it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone we touch has the opportunity to live their very best life.

Men In PhIlanthroPy

Desert CharItIes news

SPOTLIGHT

Scott Wolf

Coachella Valley Resue Mission Development Director Personal Mission Statement The kindness, mercy and grace from others saved my life. Payback is impossible, but helping pay it forward to others is now my reward.

Success Every client we serve that is fed, clothed, housed, employed and restored is a blessing. To be a part of that is success beyond measure.

Your Life in Four Words Want less. Be more.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is vital because it provides opportunities and supports projects from the private sector, allowing the choice to freely choose people and projects to support.

Kevin Wong

Rob Woronoff

Sanctuary Palm Springs Executive Director/CEO

Matthew List

Personal Mission Statement Don’t be afraid to dream “big dreams” Success My success is found by surrounding myself with intelligent and curious people who help me to create and recreate my life and careers.

Personal Mission Statement I believe that all children have worth and have dedicated my life to ensuring they receive the love, support, and resources they need and deserve.

Success Leading the Child Welfare League of America’s national efforts to ensure the safety, permanency, and wellbeing of LGBTQ foster youth.

As President of Desert Cornerstone Insurance, Matt began his insurance career over 30 years ago, and after several years in the industry, he went on to open Desert Cornerstone Insurance Service, Inc. located in Indio, CA. He graduated from University of Redlands with a Business Management degree.

Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park Director

Your Life in Four Words Always Keep Educating Myself.

Importance of Philanthropy We can all discover aspects of our lives to be grateful for. Let’s turn gratitude to generosity, because everyone has the capacity to give.

Your Life in Four Words Life is a banquet.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy and programs serving vulnerable people are co-equal partners toward building a more just world. Without these programs wealth is just money in the bank.

Currently, Matt serves on the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission board, is Co-Chair of Health to Hope which provides medical care to the vulnerable population in the Coachella Valley, and serves on the board for the Coachella Valley Community Trust which serves the East Valley youth.

Matt’s firm has grown to become the agency for local non-profits in the Coachella Valley and across California. His knowledge of understanding of the challenges and guidelines non-profits must comply and adhere to, in order to protect their entity from possible lawsuits and damages is key for his clients.

Desert Cornerstone Insurance writes Directors and Officers Coverage, General Liability, Workers Compensation, Employment Practices Liability, Bonds, Commercial Auto, and Property Insurance just to name a few.

He and his wife Gloria have been married for 30 years and have lived in the Coachella Valley since 2003.

Dr. Jonathan Lorenzo Yorba

Josh N. Zahid

The Living Desert Planned Giving & Grants Officer

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Guilds Manager & Special Initiatives

Personal Mission Statement To use my skills, experience, and knowledge in service to humanity. Be kind to animals, people, and the universe. To exhibit grace and gratitude. L’Chaim!

Success Success comes from hard work and support from friends and family. Also, luck and chutzpah play a role! Carpe diem!

Personal Mission Statement Make an impact by treating everyone with respect and kindness. Remember a SMILE can make a difference! Together we can change many lives!

Success Success is determined by the number of lives you have touched and the impact you have made on others.

Your Life in Four Words Puppy…Home…Food…Art.

Your Life in Four Words Belief. Compassion. Determination. Excellence.

Importance of Philanthropy As a philanthropist, I value true kindness and true talent. There are tremendous needs here locally, nationally and globally. It feels wonderful to give selflessly.

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy is the essence of generosity and the ultimate opportunity to put others first. Philanthropy is the language of loving and caring for your neighbor.

Jake Zhu

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Dean Personal Mission Statement To inspire people to achieve their goals, and through education, become the best they can be.

Success Success should not always be measured by how much you put in, but also by how much can be achieved by those you have influenced.

Your Life in Four Words To engage and inspire!

Importance of Philanthropy Philanthropy improves quality of life and provides tools for people to achieve success.

Matt’s passion for non-profits started out as a young child during the time his father was a Pastor of a local church. His parents had imparted to the family to serve those in need and was often demonstrated during the many hours they served together within the community and local outreaches.

Matt often recalls his father’s compassion for others while serving and recollects his father’s words, “You never know son, when you may need help one day.”

As a cancer survivor, Matt understands that time is a gift and each day is valued when sharing life with other’s within his community and aboard.

Matthew J. List President Desert Cornerstone Insurance Service, Inc. 81-713 Highway 111 Suite E Indio, CA 92201 (760) 347-7723 matt@desertcornerstoneins.com www.desertcornerstoneins.com

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 48

Life’s persistent and most urgent question is “What are you doing for others?”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

January/February/March 2020

The nonprofit and charitable groups of the Coachella Valley have answered that question.

Every day, they give back to the community and to the world at large: doing well, by doing good.

At David Perry & Associates, Inc. our job is helping them do theirs.

Serving Nonprofits / Business / Governmental Clients: Publicity & Promotion Press & Social Media Strategic Introductions Graphic Design Video

David Perry

Alfredo Casuso

www.news@davidperry.com news@davidperry.com

January/February/March 2020

A

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 49

woman who has spread her love of opera music and philanthropy is set to be honored at a Gala on March 18, hosted by the Palm Springs Opera Guild, the organization behind the annual OPERA in the PARK concert that draws thousands of music fans to Palm Springs.

The free spring concert celebrates operas prominent place in the music and theatre world with an afternoon of regional and national singers taking stage downtown at Sunrise Park (on Sunday, April 5). But two weeks prior, the Palm Springs Opera Guild holds a Gala to bring opera aficionados closer to this unique and beautiful music genre we call opera at a smaller and more intimate event.

In addition to serving as a fundraiser, the Gala “allows us to live out our mission, which is to bring the art of Opera to the Coachella Valley through educational outreach, live performances, and financial support for artists” said Laurie Baldwin, Palm Springs Opera Guild’s Executive Director.

The Guild’s “Singing the Praises Gala” will be held from 6 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on March 18 at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort, with live music by America’s Got Talent artists, VOX and Emanne Beasha.

The event will shine a spotlight on Jean C. Carrus who has played an integral part in shaping and helping to spread Palm Springs Opera Guild’s Opera mission with her volunteerism and philanthropy for more than 20 years. And by shining a spotlight on Jean and her work, the Guild is working to introduce attendees to the world of opera on a smaller platform.

“With this Gala, we have the opportunity to celebrate the philanthropic work of a person who has done so much for opera and for other causes in the Coachella Valley,” said Jeffrey Roberts, President of the Guild’s board.

PRESENTS

Paris At Midnight An Evening of Music & Ooh La La!

This year’s Gala will celebrate Jean C. Carrus not only as a longtime supporter, volunteer, board Parliamentarian, and lover of opera but to celebrate her 90th Birthday.

Opera “is the music that influenced many genres of music and has a history that has touched people all over the world,” Baldwin said. “Opera is alive and well, and we are excited to celebrate this beautiful music and this beautiful woman.”

Reservations for the annual OPERA in the PARK and tickets for Singing the Praises Gala are and available at palmspringsoperaguild.org. More information can be found at www.palmspringsoperaguild.org or by calling 760.325.6107

HONORING

Jan and Brian Harnik SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020 WESTIN MISSION HILLS, RANCHO MIRAGE

TICKET PRICES: $300 AND $500 VIP SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR EARLY RESERVATIONS Contact Executive Director Ann Greer - 760-773-2575 - ann@vwipc.org

www.vwipc.org For more information, visit vwipc.org The VWIPC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The tax ID number is 33-0025613. vwipc.org

Page 50

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Coming to Rancho Mirage

MARCH 5 & 6, 2020

“Marilyn, Madness & Me”, the stage play that premiered to sold out audiences and rave reviews in Los Angeles, will be presented at the Community Room Theater at the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory on behalf of SafeHouse of the Desert this coming March 5th & 6th it was announced

by Library & Observatory Director, Aaron Espinosa.

to direct, I was thrilled! And we have been blessed with two, great, Los Angeles stage actors! That combination, combined with the mystique and legend of Marilyn’s life, created a marvelous hit play. We’re all delighted!

In an interesting combination of events, the premise behind the play was conceived by Palm Desert restauranteur Didier Bloch, owner of Café de Beaux Arts on El Paseo in PalmDesert. It was written by former Hollywood writer/producer and current Rancho Mirage resident, Frank Furino and directed by international stage director, and Palm Desert resident, Joe Leonardo.

“The producers were kind enough to bring the play to the Box Theater in Riverside on our behalf last spring and it was a sold out hit, raising much-appreciated funds for us,” said McAdara. I know audiences in Rancho Mirage will love it just as much.”

“I knew I wanted to write the play the instant Didier mentioned his idea to me over dinner at his restaurant one evening,” said Furino. His premise was fascinating, and when a director of Joe Leonardo’s stature agreed

Kathy McAdara, the Executive Director of SafeHouse, which is headquartered in Riverside, and provides Emergency Shelter, Intervention & Outreach Services to Youth in Crisis, is delighted at the prospect of the play coming to Rancho Mirage.

The play will star the original Hollywood cast of Alison Janes as Marilyn, and Adam Meyer as her limousine driver and possessor of Marilyn’s legendary diary. Said one critic of the play, “The show is a poignant, compelling, and shocking tale of unrequited love, centered around the last months of Marilyn Monroe’s life. It is a great and provocative show that will

Please Join Us THE 2020 INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Marilyn...

MADNESS

& Me

M

Come see the live production with the original Hollywood cast!

March 5th & 6th At the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory Community Theater

Benefitting the Youth and Programs of The First Tee of the Coachella Valley To register for the 2020 Golf Invitational, make an online donation, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.thefirstteecoachellavalley.org TheFirstTeeCoachellaValley.org

(760) 779-1877

The untold story of how Marilyn Monroe left our world!

BENEFITING SAFEHOUSE OF THE DESERT and THE RANCHO MIRAGE LIBRARY AND OBSERVATORY

For tickets and play times visit safehouseofthedesert.org

have the “what ifs” lingering in your mind for a long time.”

Tickets to the March 5th evening performance & March 6th matinee are available on line at www.SafeHouseoftheDesert.org.

The un Marilyn M

BENEFITING and THE RANCHO M

For tick safeh

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 51

The Catwalk Celebrity Fashion Show Luncheon Added to the Line-up of Local Events Raising Funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

You are invited to attend an event on Saturday, February 8 at 6pm, when the Palm Valley School hosts their Annual Gala, celebrating their students, families and the community.

Carrie St. Louis This event directly benefits the students and faculty, supporting the funded efforts for more experiential learning opportunities outside of the traditional academic classroom setting, and may include internships, field trips, field research, and service-learning projects.

Palm Valley School has a magical evening planned for families and community members. The theme this year is ‘Secret Garden’, inspired by the elements of nature and beauty in the Desert. Working with local landscaping and design gurus, Leon’s Landscaping, they have plans to transform the Continued on page 69

Luncheon is part of the Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament, which has raised more than $12 million for St. Jude since inception a decade ago

Now in its 10th year, the Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament – which hosts a series of events over 4 days in early March each year benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® – announced today the addition of a new event, The Catwalk Celebrity Fashion Show Luncheon to be held on Friday, January 24, 2020, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other lifethreatening diseases.

The luncheon will feature fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue in Palm Desert, modeled by actor Patrick Warburton and his celebrity friends. Cost per ticket is $200.

“We have so many supporters here in the desert that keep looking for new ways to get involved, and this luncheon offers that opportunity in a fun afternoon of fashion, celebrities and a premier lunch at the chic Toscana Continued on page 69

www.avsu.com

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 52

January/February/March 2020

Desert Teen Pens 50-Day Devotional As Tribute to Peers

www.jrussellthesalon.com

Eavan Gilhuly, an

18-year-old recent graduate of Desert Christian Academy in Bermuda Dunes, has written an inspirational and heartfelt devotional, a publication that provides a specific spiritual reading for each calendar day. Gilhuly says the book, entitled Recognize, was written as a tribute to her graduating class of 2019, and she presented it to them at a retreat last spring.

“It all started in April of my junior year, when my pastor told us to turn to a passage in the Bible, and I suddenly realized I had highlighted much of that exact passage and had also written some commentary on it,” explains Gilhuly, who graduated in May. “As I further scrolled through my Bible, I realized there were more pages like that, with arrows connecting passages and themes. I thought, well this isn’t an accident, so I’m going to dig down deeper into what this might mean. That’s what inspired the name Recognize.”

www.koberanchomirage.com

The book is structured so that each devotional day begins with a Bible verse, followed by Gilhuly’s thoughts and feelings about that verse and then a subsequent journal prompt. She says it was her pastor who suggested the format, with an emphasis on “God,” then “you,” and then “them.” While she enjoyed writing each of the fifty entries, Gilhuly says her favorite Continued on page 68

January/February/March 2020

T

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 53

The Champions Volunteer Foundation Raises Funds for Desert Community Causes

he Champions Volunteer Foundation is a one-of-a-kind organization, comprised of a unique group of people who have come together to donate their time to raise funds for charitable *Ask about our new bath and brush service causes in the desert community. As the primary beneficiary of the BNP Paribas Open, the largest sporting event in the Coachella Valley, We make it easy and affordable to vaccinate & the organization embodies how sports has the unique ability to bring THOUSAND PALMS CLINIC microchip your pets without an expensive exam fee. people together and be a powerful philanthropic force for good.

Keep Them Healthy and Safe

72-120 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms

Walk-in pet vaccinations & microchipping • Monday – Saturday

The organization’s specific and (only 15 minutes from Palm Springs) primary purpose is to raise funds INDIO VETERINARY CLINIC for the local community through 42-150 B - Jackson Street, Indio other non-profits that support (near The Home Depot) THOUSAND PALMS INDIO VETERINARY but are not limited to youth, CLINIC CLINIC 760-343-3477 recreational, educational and well72-120 Pet Land Place care programs. Since its founding Thousand Palms No-Kill Animal(only Shelter and in 2002, The Champions Volunteer 15 minutes from Palm Springs) Adoption Center Foundation has donated a total of more than $2 million to nearly 50 72-307 Ramon Road Call today. We speak cat and dog. different local non-profits per year through a grant application process. Thousand Palms

Animalsamaritans.org www.animalsamaritians.org

760-601-3918

Since the organization’s inception, The Champions Volunteer Foundation has steadily increased the number of grants awarded to keep up with the growing demand from the local community for financial assistance. The Foundation focuses on non-profits throughout the Coachella Valley who support the most vulnerable among us – including youth, elderly and marginalized. As the organization has grown and its local impact become more recognizable, The Foundation has expanded upon its mission to give back to those who need it most and support organizations that might otherwise be turned away.

760-343-3477 Animalsamaritans.org

TAX & ACCOUNTING

Professional Personal Proven

During its most recent completed grant application period in 2018, funds raised by The Champions Volunteer Foundation contributed to numerous nonprofits throughout the Coachella Valley that directly impact members of the local community.

Organizations such as The Desert Cancer Foundation, ABC Recovery Continued on page 69

MBA | EA

Accounting - Bookkeeping - Tax Preparation Quickbooks - Business Consulting

We have over 30 years of Experience in Accounting and Taxation for Individuals and Businesses of all sizes, entity types and industries

(760) 625-5549

email: pam@pwTaxandAccounting.com www.pwtaxandaccounting.com www.pwtaxandaccounting.com www.pwTaxandAccounting.com Member of: National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), National Associations of Tax Professionals (NATP) BNI Success Professionals, CA Society of Enrolled Agents (CSEA), Desert Business Association (DBA), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Rancho Mirage Chamber, Palm Desert Chamber

Page 54

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

SPOT LIGHT

Paris atMidnight AN EVENING OF OOH LA LA! The Annual Black and White Gala benefiting The Waring International Piano Competition honors Jan and Brian Harnik on Saturday night, February 29, at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. The Harniks are both dedicated to education and the arts. He is an attorney in Indian Wells, and she serves on the Palm Desert City Council.

www.backstreet-bistro.com

www.supermuttsofelpaseo.com

Event Chair is Rancho Mirage resident JoAnn Wellner. She has planned an elegant Frenchthemed evening of spectacular entertainment, music, and delicious cuisine. Evening includes hosted cocktails and appetizers, two music extravaganzas, and dinner. Highlights of the evening include a short French Show with 7 performers before dinner, and special appearances after dinner by 2019 solo 2nd place Junior winner 12 year old Hudson Ragins, piano duo Vieness featuring 2007 Intermediate 2nd place winner Vijay Venkatesh and Eva Schaumkell, and the Palm Desert High School Chamber Singers.

Cocktail or Parisian Chic attire, 5:30 PM, $300 per person or $500 for preferred seating, 760-773-2575, www.vwipc.org. Event is produced by MOMENTOUS EVENTS. Gala sponsors as of today are El Paseo Jewelers, Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Patti and Jack Grundhofer, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The Waring Int’l Piano Competition is a springboard for the rising stars of the solo and concerto piano repertoire. The annual gala is its major source of fundraising.

Senior pianists from around the world ages 18 to 30 will converge in the Desert in the spring of 2021. Funds raised at the gala support the competition and the outreach programs provided free to senior centers, youth centers and local schools.

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 55

Y BU S ET CK TI R Y U DA YO TO

Wolfgang Puck

Photo by Vanessa Stump

HONORING NEIL DIAMOND Photo by Denise Truscello

Masaharu Morimoto

THE 2020 POWER OF LOVE GALA ®

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2020 | LAS VEGAS, NV

Presenting Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson with the Community Leadership Award

Cuisine by Chef Wolfgang Puck and Chef Masaharu Morimoto Power of Love® is a one-of-a-kind food, wine and spirits, and entertainment experience that raises funds and awareness for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Alzheimer’s ♥ Huntington’s ♥ Parkinson’s ♥ Multiple System Atrophy ♥ Multiple Sclerosis www.keepmemoryalive.org/pol For more information, go to keepmemoryalive.org/pol or call 702.263.9797

Page 56

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

CELEBRATES ITS 20TH YEAR IN FEBRUARY

Enzo's Bistro & Bar invites you to

JOIN US!

Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner & All Day Wine Down Wednesdays (Half price bottles all day)

www.enzosbistroandbarranchomirage.comwww.enzosbistroandbar.com

Show & Sale will offer Important 20th and 21st Century Furniture and Art Objects and Design Expo will Offer Cutting-edge Modern Design and Technology at the Most Well Attended event of Modernism Week Palm Springs, CA (November 1, 2019) – The 20th annual Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale will take place at the Palm Springs Convention Center February 14-17, 2020. Held in conjunction with Modernism Week, the highly regarded Modernism Show & Sale will feature more than 90 premier national and international decorative and fine arts dealers with items representing all design movements of the 20th Century and select 21st century items. The Show & Sale will be once again joined by the Palm Springs Modern Design Expo, a showcase of 40 dealers featuring contemporary cutting-edge home design products and technology.

Weekend admission is $20 for both shows and includes return entry all weekend and a catalog. Show hours are Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Monday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance at palmspringsmodernism. com. Tickets are also available at the door. The Palm Springs Convention Center is located at 277 N. Avenida Caballeros in Palm Springs.

This year, an innovative and sleek pod-style prefab luxury shipping container unit from Buhaus Built will be on display outside the Palm Springs Convention Center. Designed by cofounders Nate Garnero and Douglas Burdge, AIA, the prefab is a 160 square foot dwelling unit made up of high-end finishes from Dornbracht to Corian. This multipurpose space is designed to be used as a backyard office, guest house, airbnb, and even as hotel rooms.

It will be available for tours throughout the run of the Show & Sale.

At the 20th Anniversary show, a free exhibition will be available to Modernism Week attendees in the Convention Center lobby outside the doors of the Show & Sale and Modern Design Expo. The Museum of California Design returns to the Show & Sale for the seventh year with the exhibition “Eat, Sit & Be Merry: California Designs for Children.”

The post-World War II mid-century modern period was a particularly good time for children’s design in California. Eat, Sit & Be Merry: California Designs for Children will continue the Museum’s exploration of the state’s well-earned reputation as a source of innovative design, in this case through dishware, furniture, textiles and toys on a childappropriate scale. The exhibition will feature modernist designs created

by Evelyn Ackerman, Harry Bertoia, Don Chadwick, Charles and Ray Eames, Gere Kavanaugh, LaGardo Tackett and others.

Page 58

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Workshop 1:

CREATING SUCCESSFUL EVENTS 3 hours • 8:30am - 11:30am

Session Topics:

SNEAK PEAK: Free Nonprofit Event Planning

Workshop

Free workshop on How to Create Successful Events by A.J. Steinberg, CFRE of Queen Bee Fundraising (see her article on page 25).

This two-part workshop focuses on strategies necessary to maximize profits and turn event guests into donors. Included in the two sessions are: • Starting Out Right to Reach Your Goals • Superstar Event Committees & Golden Goose Honorees • How to Make Event Guests Fall in Love with You • Sponsorship Cultivation and Outreach • How to Create Irresistible Sponsorship Materials • Keeping the Love Flowing After the Event is Over

for more details and to reserve your spot email AJ@QueenBeeFundraising.com

STARTING OUT RIGHT An overview of elements common to all successful events.

Here we do goal casting and discuss strategies for building fundraising events that bring in sponsors, sell tickets and connect guests with your organization’s mission.

SUPERSTAR EVENT COMMITTEES & GOLDEN GOOSE HONOREES Effective committees & honorees are key to succeeding with your event as they help solicit donations, sell sponsorships and boost ticket sales. Learn the strategies necessary to identify and recruit amazing committee members and honorees and pick up the leadership skills you need keep them happy and engaged.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION You’ve spent months of hard work and countless resources putting together your fundraising event, and now its Showtime!

Here you will learn the secrets to crafting engaging and meaningful stage programs that create guest bonds which can lead the way to post-event new donor cultivation.

KEEPING THE LOVE FLOWING They fell in love with your organization during the event, now is the time to turn attendees into supporters with a clearly defined post-event cultivation plan. This session details effective paths for long-term engagement and cultivation for event guests.

Workshop 2:

SPONSORSHIP ROUNDUP 3 hours • 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Session Topics: THE MYTH OF SPONSORSHIP DOLLARS Do you know where sponsorship dollars come from? This session reveals the business side of event sponsorships, how businesses make the sponsorship purchasing decisions, and how to craft proposals that grab their attention.

CHOOSING SPONSOR LEVELS & PERKS Look beyond the same old Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsorship levels! Discover the secrets to choosing sponsor pricing levels and creating packages of perks that appeal to businesses.

CREATING IRRESISTIBLE SPONSORSHIP DECK All nonprofit organizations are chasing the same sponsorship dollars. Learn how to stand out from the crowd with attentiongrabbing, professional-quality sponsor materials that your organization can create with simple online tools.

PROSPECTING AND OUTREACH From hot prospects to cold calls, you need to identify potential sponsors in order to give them your sponsorship sales pitch.

This session discusses methods of ranking sponsor prospects and best practices on how to contact them to make the pitch for your event.

www.cvalzheimers.org

SPONSOR CULTIVATION Engagement and follow-through are key to creating longterm relationships with sponsoring businesses. This session outlines strategies that will make sponsors happy they signed on this year and help bring them on board to sponsor your organization’s events in the future.

UCR Palm Desert MFA students are creatively changing the world

By Maggie Downs

T

he students of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts program at the University of California, Riverside-Palm Desert have long been encouraged to change the world. But now, more than ever before, they’re doing it.

“What we’re teaching is not just creative writing but also advocacy,” said Tod Goldberg, MFA program director. “At times like these, there’s one thing writers can’t be: Silent.”

When the political landscape becomes too conflicted or troubled, it’s up to creatives to navigate that ambiguous territory and carve out a clear path toward the future; to wield their words with an eye toward social justice and a sense of responsibility to speak out against oppression; to amplify others’ stories and give voice to those who might not otherwise be heard.

Students in the MFA program specialize in a main genre of emphasis, like fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, or poetry, but take cross-genre classes in other disciplines as well. And writers in every genre can use these skills to make

sense of the world, whether it’s in a poem, a play, a short story, or an essay.

“My students are such smart, interesting, empathetic people. And you know, we don’t all share the same political beliefs by a long shot, but what’s heartening to me is that these writers speak to each other about issues they disagree on in really productive, nuanced ways,” Goldberg said. “What makes me so happy is that they can articulate their emotions, their feelings, their morality, their stance on issues in the same way they attack their creative work, which is by first recognizing that conflict is an ongoing conversation.”

The MFA program is lowresidency, which makes it the only one of its kind in the UC system. It’s divided into seven quarters of online study and five 10-day residencies over a two-year period.

Students come from all over the country, a diverse cohort of already-published writers as well as those just getting started. Recent alumni include lawyer Jay Paul Deratany, who was the writer and producer of the

“At times like these, there’s one thing writers can’t be: Silent.”

Tod Goldberg, MFA Program Director

film “Foster Boy,” with Matthew Modine and Lou Gossett Jr., based on Deratany’s experience litigating child welfare cases; and Natashia Deón, author of “Grace,” a New York Times best book of the year and NAACP Image Award nominee.

Deón, a practicing criminal attorney and law professor, is the creator of Redeemed, a criminal justice project that pairs volunteer professional writers and lawyers with applicants in order to clear criminal records and gain freedom.

Another alum is Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), who has been particularly outspoken about injustice.

“So many of our students follow Congressman Takano pretty closely because they feel a connection to him – plus, he represents the district UC Riverside falls in – and they see the power of words at work. That words have meaning and that what they’re saying matters, on either side of the political fence,” Goldberg said.

The instructors are top writers in their fields, including Jill Alexander Essbaum, writer of the New York Times bestseller, “Hausfrau,” Mark Continued on page 68

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 60

January/February/March 2020

5 Pet Owner Resolutions for 2020 Written by Veterinary Staff at Animal Samaritans

1

I will have my pet microchipped. This is a safe and affordable way to ensure your animal is returned to you should she get lost. About the size of a grain of rice, microchips are painlessly inserted beneath the upper layer of your pet’s epidermis.

2

I will update my pet’s vaccinations. Protect your cats and dogs from deadly diseases such as parvo, feline leukemia and rabies. Pet vaccinations are essential for indoor-outdoor cats, and dogs that frequent animal parks, or get walked and simply stop and smell the roses, the bushes, the lamppost, etc.

3

I will not overfeed my pets. Pets get diabetes too. In fact, diabetes in America’s pets has been on the rise for years. You can protect your pets from developing the disease by feeding them one meal in the morning and one in the evening, instead of leaving food out in their dish all day.

4

I will give my pets the exercise they need. Dogs, especially large dog, need their exercise. Your pet will be more loving and obedient if she gets the playtime she needs. Just like proper diet, proper exercise is key to raising a happy, healthy pet.

5

I will get my pet’s teeth cleaned. Good oral hygiene is vital to your pet’s overall health, and can add years to her life. It can also help with bad pet breathe, and ensure she retains all her teeth into old age.

Animal Samaritans’ veterinary clinics in Thousand Palms and Indio are open Monday through Saturday. They also operate a small no-kill shelter animal shelter on Ramon Road in Thousand Palms and have plans to build a new Pet Village and Adoption Center! AnimalSamaritans.org 760.343.3477

welcome to March 9-22, 2020 Indian Wells, CA

VOLUNTEERS BECOME A V O L U N T E E R T O D AY ! www.bnpparibasopen.com/volunteers bnpparibasopen.com/volunteers

THE PREMIER NEWS MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO PHILANTHROPY AND CHARITABLE GIVING IN THE DESERT CITIES SERVING THE NONPROFIT MARKET FOR TEN YEARS 2011 - 2020

For the past decade, Desert Charities News has supported nonprofits serving the charitable needs of the Coachella Valley and the surrounding region.

DCN tells their stories, promotes their philanthropic events and recognizes outstanding leaders who are giving back to the community with their service and passion to helping others.

Coming in 2020 Los Angeles and Orange County Editions

KUDOS FOR DESERT CHARITIES NEWS “All of us at CVRep are so incredibly grateful for your help and support.”

Louise B. Ross, Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre

“I am excited to see Desert Charities News in the Coachella Valley.”

Tim Esser, Tour de Palm Springs

“I think it’s amazing! Genius for these Women and Men in Philanthropy sections!”

Pam Bieri, Pam Bieri Marketing & Media Relations

“Thanks to Desert Charities News for helping connect important missions of nonprofit organizations to the donors, volunteers and other supporters.”

Barry Dayton, Desert Oasis Healthcare

“Gorgeous edition, beautiful from front to back.”

Darla Burkett, Coachella Valley Rescue Mission “Wow, just when I think I’ve seen the best issue, you keep raising the bar!”

Andrea Carter, Andrea Carter & Associates “The entire magazine is just spectacular! Better and better each issue!”

Alison Elsner, San Bernardino County Medical Society “Cannot thank you enough. I am so grateful. Our advertisement is working.”

Karen Sorbo, Karen Sorbo Auctioneer “Beautiful publication – this one knocked it out of the park!”

Kathleen Bennett, Resort Marketing “Your publication is a major asset to our valley.”

Frank Furino, FVF Productions “Thank you for the wonderful job promoting the worthwhile charities here in the Desert.”

Terri Ketover “Thanks for doing this for the community.”

Jackie Autry

“A great asset to all of our charity and performing arts events.”

Jeff Hocker, Hocker Productions “You manage to cover everything happening in the world of philanthropy and nonprofit organizations in the Desert.”

Scott Schroeder “WOW. Thank you for taking on this worthy project – truly a monumental task...”

Judy Vossler “I and so many others stand in awe of the significant contribution that you and your staff are offering.”

Elena Jameson Chvany, One Voice of Peace “What a beautiful publication” Shari Kelley, Shari Kelley Events “Thank you for putting Charity/Philanthropy in the News!”

Richard “Kip” Serafin, Richard Allen Associates

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF BEING A VOICE FOR NONPROFITS

REACHING THE INFLUENCERS AND DECISION MAKERS WHO SUPPORT PHILANTHROPY AND CHARITABLE GIVING!

facebook.com/DesertCharitiesNews twitter.com/DesertCharities 20,500 Followers

For More Information Contact Steve Tolin, Editor-Publisher (760) 346-1822 Steve@desertcharities.com desertcharities.com dcnnews.com

S:10”

Page 64

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

S:14”

Join American Airlines and Stand Up To Cancer in our mission to help make everyone diagnosed with cancer a long-term survivor. Donate $25 or more and you’ll receive 10 American Airlines AAdvantage® Miles for every dollar you give.

www.standuptocancer.org/americanairlines Visit StandUpToCancer.org/AmericanAirlines to learn more.

Stand Up To Cancer is a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3)charitable organization.

American Airlines, the Flight Symbol logo and the Tail Design are marks of American Airlines, Inc. ©2019 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

T:14.5”

Pictured: American Airlines team members surviving and co-surviving cancer with SU2C ambassador, Tim McGraw

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire Announces New President and CEO

Gloria Jetter Crockett

S:14”

T:14.5”

Former Chief Development Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank will take over as CEO effective September 4, 2019.

September 4, 2019 – Make-AWish® Orange County and the Inland Empire today announced that the Board of Directors has selected Gloria Jetter Crockett as its new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective September 4, 2019 Crockett is an accomplished leader with more than 25 years of non-profit experience.

She most recently served as the Chief Development Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

“Gloria is very much dedicated to the Make-AWish mission of creating lifechanging wishes for children with critical illnesses and we are excited to see her leading the organization forward,” said Janine Lombardi, chairwoman of the Make-A-Wish Board of Directors. “She brings decades of experience in strategic planning, fundraising and program development, and we feel she is exactly the right person to lead us into the next chapter.”

Prior to her role at Second Harvest Food Bank, Crockett spent time at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine where she was responsible for $10 million in fundraising annually.

Crockett also spent 17 years with the American Cancer Society in Maryland where she drove fundraising efforts and led the organization’s community and volunteerism efforts.

“This once in a lifetime opportunity to lead Make-A-Wish

by advancing the vision, overall strategic initiatives and priorities in partnership with a passionate staff, Board of Directors, volunteers and other key stakeholders by granting wishes that provide joy and hope to children is quite humbling,” stated Crockett.

As previously announced this year, Stephanie McCormick, President and CEO of Make-AWish Orange County and the Inland Empire, will depart the organization after a successful 8-year career helping drive the organization’s overall strategy and vision.

She will depart September 12, 2019.

About MakeA-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire Make-A-Wish® creates lifechanging wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 60 chapters in the United States and its territories.

With the help of generous donors and nearly 40,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish every 34 minutes and has granted more than 315,000 wishes in the United States and its territories since its inception. For more information about Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, visit www. ocie.wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.

Find Make-A-Wish on Facebook at Facebook.com/MakeAWishOCIE or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @MakeAWishOCIE.

www.dcnnews.com

Page 65

Page 66

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Coachella Valley Nonprofits Win $64,500 in Cash Grants From

On November 20, 2019, the Regional Access Project Foundation, through its Center For Nonprofit Advancement, presented the Desert Fast Pitch at UCR Palm Desert.

The annual event is a Shark Tank-style, high-energy, quick-fire presentation in which nonprofits powerfully communicate their story and make a 3-minute pitch for funding. Seven nonprofits made it to the finals and competed for cash grants of $64,500.00 awarded by the Regional Access Project Foundation (RAP). They delivered their pitches to a panel of judges and an audience of approximately 275 philanthropic, business, civic, and nonprofit leaders. This year’s finalists were Dimitri Halkidis for

this annual event. The finalists engage in a 6-month training and mentoring program that includes marketing, branding, and speaking training so that the nonprofits can effectively raise the funding they need to be self-sustaining. The program culminates in the live, Fast Pitch competition.

Past Desert Fast Pitch participants have described the program as invaluable. Stephanie Minor, former Executive Vice President of Martha’s Village and Kitchen and the winner of the 2018 Best Pitch

Boo 2 Bullying, Cathy Teal for FAIR Foundation, Connie Golds for Desert Best Friend’s Closet, Irene Rodriguez for Cabot’s Museum, Colin Barrows for Friends of the Desert Mountains, Debra Ann Mumm for CREATE Center For The Arts, and Pamela Grogan for Coachella Valley Housing.

The Best Pitch Award went to Desert Best Friend’s Closet for $20,000.00. Boo 2 Bullying received the award for Most Innovative Pitch, for $15,000.00, and Friends of the Desert Mountains was awarded $10,000.00 for Audience Choice. The Center For Nonprofit Advancement (CNA), a program of the RAP Foundation, runs

and the $20,000.00 prize from RAP Foundation, said, “Going through the Fast Pitch program was very useful. It helped me gain more confidence and increased my effectiveness when presenting. It increased exposure for Martha’s Village and Kitchen, and helped our organization gain new supporters.”

This year’s judges included Palm Desert Mayor Susan Marie Weber, Bryan Gallo of NBC Palm Springs, Shaun Clark of the 4 Shay J Foundation, Judi Olivas President of AFP, Aurora Wilson Board Trustee for College of the Desert, and Van Tanner RAP Board member. The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Michele Borba.

7TH ANNUAL

LUNCHEON BENEFITTING

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW for the LUNCHEON and VIP RECEPTION. A LIMITED NUMBER include the VIP DINNER with SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS! Email janlupia@themamashouse.org Call Jan Lupia 844-232-8622 ext 1 Individual Luncheon TICKETS $125 Call 844.232.8622 ext 700

Continued on page 69

January/February/March 2020

n AMERICAN RED CROSS

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 67

Continued from page 10

Compassion in action. It’s what the Red Cross does, and it goes beyond disaster relief. Every day the Red Cross provides vital blood products to hospital patients in need. Through Service to the Armed Forces, the Red Cross proudly provides programs and 24/7 emergency communications to service members, veterans and their families.

Thousands of people each year are equipped with lifesaving skills, like Red Cross CPR and AED training. As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, Red Cross Red Crescent teams provide relief and hope in nearly every corner of the globe.

The Red Cross empowers ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts in emergency situations, connecting donors and volunteers to those in urgent need of help. Whether it’s a wildfire or a heart attack, a call for blood, a call for help after a devastating home fire, or a call from a service member or military family in need, the Red Cross is there.

Support the American Red Cross by volunteering, making a donation, or taking steps to prepare your family for disasters. Visit redcross.org for more information. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers, the Red Cross will continue to be there to lend a helping hand – down the street, across the country and around the world. n MYJUMP!

Continued from page 12

www.trilussarestaurant.com www.trilussarestaurant.com

some overcome depression and have a completely new outlook on the twilight years of their life.

So what’s next for My Jump!? Weiman has a core group of supporters, but welcomes others here in the local philanthropic community who are touched by the organization’s mission to get involved. For now, My Jump! grants 10-15 bucket list wishes each year – estimated at $3,500-$5,500 each. Considerations include the health of the requestor, the cost of the adventure and the story behind the application.

Another unique aspect of this nonprofit is its annual fundraiser – the Pie in the Sky Auction, coming up on National Pi Day, March 14, 2020. Pastry chefs bake two pies – one for sampling and the other for auctioning. The event begins at 2:30 p.m. and guests are greeted with hors d’oeuvres, wine and pies samples, of course. The live auction starts at around 3:30 p.m. Pies sell for anywhere between $600-$2,500 each. Anyone who feels their pie is pretty spectacular and wishes to enter them into the auction, please contact Webb Weiman at (760) 851-5186. Tickets are $75 per person ($55 for pastry chefs).

For more information on My Jump!, go to www.myjump.org. n CSUSB PALM DESERT CAMPUS

Continued from page 13

to transform it into a world-class program that attracts the best students from the Coachella Valley, California and beyond. Tormey has extensive experience, spanning 40 years in the hospitality industry, both as a senior administrator and as a faculty member.

For tickets or sponsorship information, contact Matthew Durkan, CSUSB Palm Desert Campus director of development, at Matthew.Durkan@csusb. edu.

The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a doctorate in educational leadership, and teaching credentials and certificates. With more than 1,400 students, it is the Coachella Valley’s four-year public university and plays a vital role in educating and training the region’s growing population.

For more information about the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Mike Singer in the Office of Strategic Communication at msinger@csusb. edu or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the campus website at pdc. csusb.edu.

www.sammygsrestaurant.com www.sammygsrestaurant.com

Page 68

n J DAVID MILLER

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Continued from page 23

the Line” leadership program now utilized in 51 public schools, impacting 50,000 youth annually. That statistic—50,000 youth!— may mean more to “Coach” than his six championships, a point his players won’t argue: Most of them have volunteered in elementary, junior high and high schools to meet with and mentor thousands of students themselves. These are life-lessons other football players (no matter the league) have never had the chance to experience, or savor.

What’s more, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office now rely on Miller’s organization and team for camps, clinics, and symposia for their at-risk youth. Since 2013, the Coyotes non-profit has deployed more than $1,000,000 throughout the Coachella Valley to support young people in various areas of need.

Beyond Sports: Impacting and Saving Lives NOW MILLER, CSESA and his leadership nonprofit have partnered with the renowned H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation to build faithbased sports, medical and opportunity campuses in both Palm Desert and the East Valley. Their shared goal is to ensure healthy choices are not unattainable luxuries—and that parks and programs are available to guide all youth through life’s oftentimes significant hurdles.

“Daily I pray: ‘How does God want to use me to impact our desert’?” says the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga product, who grew up in Florida and moved to the desert in 2011.

“The short answer is there’s no greater gift than the life of a child. God didn’t put a single child here by accident.”

Miller is the visionary behind The Shield at 1 Coyote Way, a 125-acre sports and medical campus on I-10 frontage that soon will change the landscape in Palm Desert (architectural and development plans have, earlier in 2019, been submitted to multiple eager partners).

Simultaneously, he plans to deliver long-overdue relief to the East Valley with a similar campus called The Shield at Mecca.

“We all have the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life—many people stepped up and made a difference in mine,” relates Miller, the son of an Italian immigrant mother, who grew up without his dad.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have, or what others think you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better, and what you’ve given back.”

And now Miller, not surprisingly, is reaching out to give more.

Discover more: www.thesocalcoyotes.com. www.csestadiumauthority.com n DESERT TEEN PENS 50-DAY DEVOTIONAL

Continued from page 52

devotional is Day #3: Lamentations 3:22-23.

“That particular passage is all about God’s faithfulness, and mercies, and promise, which I placed early in the book so it hooks the readers,” she explains. “More importantly, this devotional is also the most compact in everything that God is all about. I wanted people to know that throughout their struggles, and life’s trials and errors that we all face, there will always be those things for them.”

Those closest to Gilhuly are not surprised that the spirited teen is adding author to her growing list of accomplishments.

“Eavan’s heart is poured out onto every page of this devotional and it is evident that she has a heart for the Lord, her peers, her family, and the mission field,” says mentor Denise Guy of Desert Christian Academy. “This book will challenge you with questions that really make you dig deep and inspire you through her personal stories, and through those you will gain a trust in God that you have never had before.”

Gilhuly says she has received incredibly positive feedback thus far from those who have read Recognize. In fact, she recently finalized an agreement with Harper Collins who is publishing the book for national and online distribution. Harper Collins released the book on October 11, 2019.

“The response from family, friends, and classmates has been amazing, and I have loved every minute of this process. As soon as we got into a room at retreat, I poured my heart out to my classmates, and it could not have been a better feeling,” she says. A lifelong desert resident, Gilhuly is a freshman studying psychology at Northwest University, a top-ranked Christian college near Seattle. She does not rule out a follow up to Recognize, but acknowledges the next book would likely be a different type of devotional.

“I would like to keep doing this sort of thing on some level in the future, but ultimately I think I will be living out my mission wherever that takes me,” she explains. “No matter what lies ahead, I will do my best to love fully, give selflessly, and dream endlessly.”

To learn more about Eavan Gilhuly and her devotional Recognize, visit www.eavannolimits.com.

n STEINWAY SOCIETY

January/February/March 2020

Continued from page 28

and SSRC’s Piano Festival Competition winners will also perform.

Steinway board member Dorothy Hamilton is chair of Bravo!

Children in Music. The event honors Ron Celona, founder of CVRep Theatre with Master of Ceremonies Leo Milmet.

About Capt. Hoot Gibson

Captain Robert “Hoot” Gibson, USN Retired, graduated from California Polytechnic University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He served as a Navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut, flying five missions aboard the Space Shuttles Challenger, Columbia, Atlantis and Endeavor, once as mission pilot and four times as the mission commander.

He was awarded numerous decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, the Air Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2003, the Long Island Air and Space Hall of Fame in 2011, the Space Camp Hall of Fame in 2012, and was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2013.

Also an accomplished musician, Gibson is lead guitarist for NASA’s all astronaut rock band, “MAX Q” which still performs together.

About Steinway Society of Riverside County

Celebrating 19 years of bringing music to children with a number of special events designed to showcase young musical talent as well as raise funds to continue its mission.

With a full calendar this season, other events include SSRC’s Annual Festival Piano Competition on March 8 and March 15, held at Xavier School, 34200 Cook Street, Palm Desert, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

High Tea at The Classic Club, March 22, 3 to 6 p.m. is in cosponsorship with Opera Arts. Tickets are $130 per person.

Opera Under The Stars, April 19, 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa, this year honors SSRC’s Ruth Moir. Cost is $150 per person.

The Festival Winners Concert on May 13, 7 p.m. at the Rancho Mirage Library, features the top junior and senior level winners of SSRC’s Annual Festival Piano Competition.

During the school year, SSRC brings musical programs into schools with 12 ukulele and 12 piano labs in elementary schools; and classic concerts with age-appropriate music performances for children K-12th grade. Fourth and fifth graders learn the basics of the orchestra in interactive, audio-visual presentations; and through Mr. McSymphony, children are introduced to classic, opera and jazz by specially trained volunteers.

Serving Coachella Valley’s senior population, Music is Wellness brings various artists to Eisenhower Memory Care Center and other venues.

For information and full calendar of events, visit www.steinwayriverside.org.

n UCR

Continued from page 59

Haskell Smith, author of several novels, nonfiction books, and screenplays, including the 2017 Antonio Banderas film, “Gun Shy,” and Stephen Graham Jones, a prolific, genre-defying writer of 23 books and more than 250 short stories. Jones, a Blackfeet Indian, is also the author of the forthcoming book, “The Only Good Indian,” a horror story of revenge on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

“Our goal in the MFA program is simple: We will read and critique your work honestly and professionally with an eye, always, towards improving you and your work,” Goldberg said. “But I’m also seeing many of my students becoming activists and advocates, writing things that speak for those who have neither the platform nor the will.

“They respond to political tumult by looking it in the eye, asking why, how, what to do next to make the world a better place.”

Are you ready to create the next great book, essay collection, or screenplay? We’re ready for you. Applications for the spring class are due Feb. 1. Join us or make a donation to our scholarship fund at palmdesertmfa.ucr.edu.

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Continued from page 8

n DESERT HEALTHCARE

Initiative and a $2 million collective fund for a Behavioral Health Initiative. To date, the latter funded a behavioral health needs assessment of the Coachella Valley. And the Homelessness Initiative allowed the District to hire national homelessness expert Barbara Poppe in fall 2018. The principles Poppe helped to establish were applied in summer 2019 when multiple agencies (including the Foundation) collaborated to open emergency cooling centers for the homeless in three desert cities.

These efforts were part of an early stage of addressing two important health and wellness issues. More work is needed across the District, including in the newly annexed eastern valley. With voters’ overwhelming approval in November 2018, the District more than doubled its constituents. However, expansion did not come with additional county tax revenue. The Board committed $300,000 per year for 20 years to the eastern valley, instead. Additional funds are required.

The District’s overall objective is to “create lasting solutions to social problems on a large-scale, which requires structured collaboration, a multitude of social actors, and coordination of their efforts around a clearly defined goal,” Dr. Bárzaga said. “The Desert Healthcare Foundation aims at serving as the backbone organization for collective impact in the Coachella Valley, combining public funds and private donations, including donor-advised funds.”

The Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) that accepts taxdeductible gifts and donations. To learn more about the Foundation and opportunities to give, please contact Dr. Bárzaga at cbarzaga@ dhcd.org.

Continued from page 26

n LIVING DESERT Orchestra and DJ Baz. Guests will then be dazzled by 24K Fine Dining and Entertainment in tented opulence where “paws” will be raised to support lions and rhinos. The celebration will be capped off with a special, surprise performance.

The Golden Anniversary Celebration’s honorary chairs are Harold Matzner and Shellie Reade, along with event chairs Patti Grundhofer and Dennis Flaig-Moore. Presenting Sponsors Harold Matzner and Shellie Reade, are joined

by Platinum Sponsor Edie McCarthy and the Patrick M. McCarthy Foundation; Gold Sponsors Sharon and Dean Baltzell, the City of Rancho Mirage, Susan and James Gould; Silver Sponsors Jan Salta, BJ and Van Skilling; and Bronze Sponsors Suzan and Bill Appel, Lu Barnes, Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau,

Sharon and Craig McCollam, and Karen Miles.

Golden Anniversary Gala tickets are $550. Table sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are also available.

Supporters may also consider a Tribute Ad in the Gala Program to commemorate the 50th Anniversary or to honor those who have generously contributed to our growth over the years.

Go for the Gold and learn more about event support and marketing opportunities by contacting Greg Murphy at 760-346-9584 / gala@livingdesert.org or visiting www.livingdesert.org/gala.

Page 69

n THE CHAMPIONS VOLUNTEER FOUNDATION Continued from page 53

Center, The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Armed Services YMCA and numerous others benefitted from The Champions Volunteer Foundation grants.

Due to its affiliation with the BNP Paribas Open and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the organization also provides unique volunteer opportunities for a variety of local sporting events held at the worldclass sports and entertainment facility. Each March, The Champions Volunteer Foundation recruits more than 1,200 volunteers to support the BNP Paribas Open – one of the largest tennis events in the world. The organization also offers the ability to volunteer at the Oracle Challenger Series, USA Pickleball National Championships and more. n PALM VALLEY SCHOOL GALA

Continued from page 51

ballroom at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa into a whimsical and romantic space, using live plants. To kick off the night, enjoy a signature cocktail - a Hendricks Gin Martini with a cucumber - as you browse the many silent auction items (many you can find online weeks before the event). Keep the evening going with a culinary experience from the Westin Resort, an Open Bar and performance by former Palm Valley student and Broadway singer Carrie St. Louis. Carrie made her Broadway debut as Sherrie in Rock of Ages in 2014, followed by a major role as Glinda in the national tour of Wicked. In 2016, Carrie returned to Broadway, starring as Glinda at the Gershwin Theater, for which she was nominated for a Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for Best Female Replacement in a long running show. Carrie is excited to perform in her hometown once again and assist with creating a night to remember.

Attending this gala is a great way to learn more about local education option in our Valley and connect with other families. Palm Valley School is an independent, non-profit, private school located in the heart of Rancho Mirage. They are proud members of NAIS and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).

Their mission and values reflect inclusion and leadership within their student body. Palm Valley enrolls students from 6 weeks old to 12th grade! Come learn more about Palm Valley School by booking a campus tour or attending their Secret Garden Gala on February 8. Buy your tickets and tables today or support the school by purchasing an ad for your business in the event program. Learn more at www.pvs.org or email Abigail Sturgeon, Director of Admissions and Marketing at www.asturgeon@pvs.org! n WARBURTON CELEBRITY GOLF

Continued from page 51

Country Club,” said Clarke Rheney, chairman of the Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament. “We’re working on a list of celebrities coming in from L.A. that will not disappoint!”

Sponsors for The Catwalk Celebrity Fashion Show Luncheon include The Auen Foundation, KESQ News Channel 3, Leeds and Son, Saks Fifth Avenue and Palm Springs Life.

To purchase tickets or tables of 10, visit www.StJude.org/warburton. For more information on all the events associated with the Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament, go to www.TheWarburton.com. Learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® at www.StJude.org.

About the Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament

As the highest grossing golf tournament for St. Jude nationwide, the Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament has raised more than $12 million since its inception in 2011. More than 75 celebrities and hundreds of attendees travel from around the country to attend 4 sold-out events that make up The Warburton – which include Songwriters Night, the Rheneypalooza Jam, the Soiree and the 2-day golf tournament. Rock and country legends, Nashville songwriters, actors, and sports figures gather to be part of the music events as well as golf held at both the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa and Classic Club. The 2020 Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held March 5-8, 2020.

n THE RAP FOUNDATION

Continued from page 66

About Center For Nonprofit Advancement The Center for Nonprofit Advancement (CNA) is a program of the RAP Foundation that provides capacity building services for nonprofit organizations in Riverside County.

CNA provides education and training, consulting services, informational forums, and nonprofit conferences for nonprofit professionals.

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 70

January/February/March 2020

IndiGO Auto Group’s Drive 4 Kids Raises $22,000 for Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center

T

he indiGO Auto Group’s 4th Annual Drive 4 Kids was held at the BMW Performance Center West at the Thermal Club on December 7, 2019. Over 35 drivers participated in the event that raised over $22,000 to help the children served by the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.

John Thoresen of the Sinatra Center said: “We were so very pleased that Todd Blue and Kelly Wolf from indiGO again selected our organization to benefit from this great experience. Everybody that participated once again had the thrill of a life time.”

Money raised at this year’s Drive 4 Kids is being used to help construct and supply a new art studio at the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.

Art therapy is a leading tool to help children that have suffered the devastation of abuse.

This marks the 4th year that indiGO has sponsored the event at the private Thermal Club and the BMW Performance Center. The day starts with about 45 minutes of instruction and then it is off to the various driving elements. The drivers break into groups and take part in a one on one drag race, competition on a slip track, a time trial, and then they get behind the wheel of a high performance BMW M4 for a spin around the big track at well over 100 mph. A great lunch is served and many drivers brought friends and relatives to watch the action.

Drive4Kids was founded in 2012 when Founder and CEO of indiGO Auto Group, Todd Blue sought to make an impact in his community by hosting an event that combines excitement for performance vehicles and compassion for helping children in need. In the first three years, from 2012 to 2014, the Drive4Kids event was held at indiGO Auto Group headquarters in Houston, Texas and raised money for the Texas Children’s Hospital. As indiGO Auto Group expanded with dealerships across the county, so did the Drive4Kids event.

In 2016, indiGO Auto Group hosted the first Drive4Kids in California at the BMW Performance Center at Thermal, raising money for the Bianca Rae Foundation’s Rae of Hope retreat. In 2017 and 2018, Drive4Kids was held at the same location in California and benefited the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center both years.

Since the inception, Drive4Kids has raised a total of $240,000 for these charities, and will continue to support organizations in the communities indiGO Auto Group dealerships serve.

About the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center:

Kelly Wolf, President of indiGO Auto Group speaking to BSCC donors, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Olsen.

Founded in 1986 by Barbara and Frank Sinatra, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center is dedicated to ensuring every child’s right to a normal, healthy and secure childhood. Since its creation, about 23,000 children have received outpatient mental health and counseling services at the center. The Center provides individual, group and family therapy along with special programs that address issues associated with children suffering the effects of child abuse and neglect. An estimated 700 children are counseled annually on an outpatient basis, and no child is ever turned away because of a family’s inability to pay. For more information, visit: www.BarbaraSinatraChildrensCenter.org.

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

150 Circle of Giving Launches in the Coachella Valley to Encourage Collaborative Giving for Greater Impact Jack Alotto, a resident of Rancho Mirage, has announced the creation of the 150 Circle of Giving benefiting nonprofit organizations in the Coachella Valley. The 150 Circle of Giving is a membership organization where individuals make a minimum gift of $150 annually to benefit Coachella Valley organizations working to create a better community for all. The 150 Circle of Giving is a fund at The Community Foundation.

The mission of 150 Circle of Giving is 1) to financially support nonprofit organizations working in the Coachella Valley. 2) to create a community of philanthropists who are building relationships with one another and learning about nonprofits working in the Coachella Valley 3) to impact our community and 4) to create a participatory philanthropic giving organization.

www.tristonecinemas.com www.tristonecinemas.com www.tristonecinemas.com

Added Alotto, when asked the vision of the 150 Circle of Giving, “We envision financially supporting nonprofit organizations working to create a better community for all and to create awareness of their work so that they might receive additional financial and volunteer support.” In addition, the 150 Circle of Giving, sees an organization where donors come together to learn about the nonprofit community and philanthropy.

Benefits of becoming a member of the 150 Circle of Giving is: Members can nominate their favorite nonprofit each year. Members are invited to our annual event where they learn in-depth about nominees and participate in choosing one nonprofit for funding. Members share in the social aspects of participatory philanthropic giving. Members have

Continued on page 74

www.desertcharities.com www.desertcharities.com www.desertcharities.com rities.com desertcha

Page 71

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 72

The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival Foundation is committed to giving back to our community.

A portion of our proceeds go to supporting programs and improvements for our partner, the award-winning Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory.

The Foundation gave $60,000 toward the cost of the beautiful glass façade that encloses the

Children’s Room, which is the Disney Room during the Festival.

The Foundation purchased two short story dispensers for $24,000 for the Eisenhower Health ER and the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory. These innovative machines dispense delightful stories or poems for free on demand.

To learn more about the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival, visit: www.rmwritersfest.org

January/February/March 2020

United Airlines Launches New Crowdsourcing Platform to Donate Miles to Charity United Airlines announced the launch of Miles on a Mission, a first-of-its-kind crowdsourcing platform that gives customers a simple, easy way to donate miles to non-profit organizations and charities in need of air travel.

Each launch partner has 28 days to crowdsource miles from MileagePlus members, with the goal of reaching at least 250,000 miles. New partners will be added to the program as each launch partner reaches its goal.

LifeStream Blood Bank has doubled its fixed-site collection center presence in the Coachella Valley with the recent opening of its Rancho Mirage Donor Center, 42390 Bob Hope Drive, Ste. 1B. Situated in the Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center adjacent to Hobby Lobby and directly across Bob Hope Drive from The River Mall, the Rancho Mirage center joins LifeStream’s La Quinta Donor Center as the Valley’s brick-and-mortar blood collection locations.

Rancho Mirage Donor Center 42390 Bob Hope Drive, Ste. 1B. Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center The Rancho Mirage center is open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The center also serves as LifeStream’s Coachella Valley blood product distribution center.

LifeStream is the exclusive provider of blood products and services to all Coachella Valley-area hospitals. For more information, call 800-879-4484 or visit www.LStream.org.

United is donating two million miles to kick off the Miles on a Mission program, matching the first 50 thousand miles raised for each campaign.

“We want to make a difference in the communities where our customers and employees live, work and fly,” said Sharon Grant, vice president and chief community engagement officer at United Airlines. “Miles on a Mission not only allows us to connect with even more organizations than before but also gives our customers a new way to use their miles in a way that supports the charities and causes that mean the most to them.”

Eligible charities can apply for the opportunity to launch a 28-day campaign to raise miles for their organization through MileagePlus member donations. Approved charities will work with United to reach goals of raising between 250,000 and 5 million miles. Organizations looking to launch a campaign can visit the Miles on a Mission website for full application details.

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 73

Editorial Contacts in This Issue Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians - Page 16, 17 Kate Anderson, Director of Public Relations 5401 Dinah Shore Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264 (760) 699-6925 kanderson@guacaliente-nsn.gov Alzheimer’s Association, Coachella Valley - Page 27 Cortney Weir, Regional Director 74020 Alessandro Suite A Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 996-0006 cjweir@alz.org www.alz.org

Circle of Giving - Page 71, 74 Jack Alotto PO Box 37 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 150circleofgiving@gmail.com www.150circleofgiving.com College of the Desert Foundation - Page 22 Marion J. Champion, Public Information Officer 43500 Monterey Avenue Palm Desert CA 92260 (760) 776-7468 • (760) 773-2561 mchampion@collegeofthedesert.edu www.codfoundation.org

indiGO Auto Group Drive 4 Kids Page 70 Hue Du, Chief Marketing Officer 71377 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 610-0292 • (832) 440-7603 hdu@indigoautogroup.com www.indigoautogroup.com

Palm Springs Modernism Show Page 56 Gordon Merkle, Media Director PO Box 7320 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338-7320 (954) 202-1955 gordon@dolphinfairs.com www.dolphinfairs.com

Karen Sorbo - Page 28 President PO Box 4538 Palm Springs, CA 92263 (612) 868-4929 karen@karensorbo.com www.karensorbo.com

Palm Springs Opera Guild of the Desert - Page 49 Ms. Laurie Baldwin, Executive Director 70177 Highway 111 Suite 202 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 325-6107 laurie@palmspringsoperaguild.org www.palmspringsoperagiuld.org

Desert Charities News Page 61- 63 Steve Tolin, Editor-Publisher PO Box 1525 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 346-1822 steve@desertcharities.com www.desertcharities.com www.dcnnews.com

LifeStream Blood Bank Page 21, 72 Angela Ross, Director of Marketing & Public Relations 384 West Orange Show Road San Bernardino, CA 92408 (909) 386-6870 ext 395 rossan@Lstream.org www.Lstream.org

American Red Cross Page 10, 67 Brian Daly, Regional Philanthorpy Officer 39665 Entrepreneur Lane, Suite A Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 469-8252 brian.daly@redcross.org www.redcross.org

Desert Community Foundation Page 13 Mary Panesar, Executive Director 75-105 Merle Drive Suite 300 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 674-9080 ext 2 mpanesar@desertfoundation.org www.desertfoundation.org

Make A Wish - Page 65 Kara Bautch, Director of Brand Advancement 3230 El Camino Real Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92602 (714) 573-9474 x 231 kbautch@ocie.wish.org www.ocie.wish.org

Queen B Fundraising Page 25, 58 A. J. Steinberg, President 23801 Calabasas Road Suite 2031 Calabasas, CA 91302 (310) 795-0269 aj@queenbeefundraising.com www.queenbeefundraising.com

Animal Samaritans - Page 60 Tom Snyder, Executive Director 72120 Pet Land Place Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (760) 601-3756 • (760) 343-3477 tsnyder@animalsamaritans.org www.animalsamaritans.org

Desert Healthcare District & Foundation - Page 8 ,69 Will Dean, Director of Communication & Marketing 1140 N. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 449-5461 wdean@dhcd.org www.dhcd.org

My Jump - Page 12, 67 Webb Weiman, Executive Director PO Box 119 La Quinta, CA 92247 (760) 851-5186 webb@myjump.org www.myjump.org

Rancho Mirage Writers Festival Page 72 Aaron Espinosa, Executive Director 71-100 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 341-7323 aaron@ranchomiragelibrary.org www.rmwritersfest.org

Alzheimers Coachella Valley Page 20 Dom Calvano, President 42600 Cook Street Suite 134 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 776-3100 dom@cvalzheimers.org www.cvalzheimers.org

Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center - Page 70 Mr. John Thoresen, Executive Director 39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 340-2336 jthoresen@emc.org www.BarbaraSinatraChildrensCenter.org

Cal State University San Bernardino Palm Desert Page 13, 67 Mike Singer, Director of Public Relations 35-500 Cook Street Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 341-2883 x 78107 msinger@csusb.edu www.pdc.csusb.edu

Eavan Gilhuly - Page 52, 68 Erin Gilhuly, President CV Strategies 73700 Dinah Shore Suite 402 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 776-1766 erin@cvstrat.com www.eavannolimitscom Idyllwild Arts - Page 24 Wendy Winks, Vice President Marketing & Communications PO Box 38 Idyllwild, CA 92549 (951) 659-2171 x 2337 wwinks@idyllwildarts.org www.idyllwildarts.org

Old Town Artisan Studios Page 18 Tom Burns, Executive Director 78046 Calle Barcelona La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-1444 thomas@oldtownartisanstudios.org www.oldtownartusanstudios.org Palm Springs Dance Project Page 14, 15 Darcy Carozza, Executive Director 1775 E. Palm Canyon Dr. #110-20 Palm Springs, CA 92264 (760) 406-1414 darcy@palmspringsdance.org www.palmspringsdance.org

Palm Valley School - Page 51, 69 Abby Sturgeon, Director of Marketing & Admissions 35-525 Da Vall Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 328-0861 asturgeon@pvs.org www.pvs.org

Regional Access Project Foundation - Page 66, 69 Stephanie Minor, Director for the Center for Nonprofit Advancement 41550 Eclectic Street Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 674-4992 X 105 (760) 469-4507 sminor@rapfoundation.org www.regionalaccessproject.org SafeHouse of the Desert Page 50 Kathy McAdara, Executive Director 9685 Hayes Street Riverside, CA 92503 (951) 351-4418 safehouse9@aol.com www.operationsafehouse.org www.SafeHouseoftheDesert.org Continued on page 74

Page 74

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

January/February/March 2020

Editorial Contacts in This Issue The Champions Volunteer Foundation - Page 53 , 69 78-200 Miles Avenue Indian Wells, CA 92210 (760) 200-8000 tcvf@desertchampions.com www.desertchampions.com The Living Desert - Page 26. 69 Lexi Ward, Annual Giving Officer 47900 Portola Avenue Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 340-2157 Direct (760) 346-5694 lward@livingdesert.org www.livingdesert.org/gala The SoCal Coyotes - Page 23, 68 Ron Di Grandi, SVP, Business Development 1717 E. Vista Chino Suite A 7-468 Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 285-7073 ron@thesocalcoyotes.com www.thesocalcoyotes.com

www.olivegarden.com www.olivegarden.com

The Steinway Society of Riverside County - Page 28, 68 Ruth Moir, Executive Director PO Box 3015 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 341-4130 sturumoir@aol.com www.steinwayriverside.org

n CIRCLE OF GIVING

The Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament - Page 51, 69 Andrea Carter, President Andrea Carter & Associates PO Box 5871 La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 285-6828 andrea@andreacarterassociates.com thewarburton.com UCR Palm Desert - Page 59, 68 Tamara Hedges, Executive Director 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 834-0582 Direct (760) 834-0800 Office tamara.hedges@ucr.edu www.palmdesert.ucr.edu United Airlines - Page 72 Sharon Grant, Vice President & Chief Community Engagement Officer PO Box 06649 Chicago, IL 60606-0649 Waring International Piano Competition - Page 54 Ann Greer, Executive Director 73710 Fred Waring Drive Suite 201 Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 773-2575 ann@vwipc.org www.vwipc.org

Continued from page 71

the satisfaction of turning their generous $150 gift into a major impact gift. Members have an opportunity to meet and learn more fully the work of other nonprofits. Members know that 100% of their gift supports nonprofit groups working in the Coachella Valley.

The 150 Circle of Giving is managed by a group of volunteers called advisers. Currently there are 6 advisers. Advisers do not make funding decisions, members do. If you wish to be considered for an adviser position email us at JackA150circleofgiving@gmail.com.

The 150 Circle of Giving is Fund at The Inland Empire Community Foundation. The Inland Empire Community Foundation is a Section 501 (C) 3 nonprofit.

www.dcnnews.com

HEALING IS

January/February/March 2020

Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com

Page 75

SEE I N G A C H I LD’S S M I LE .

From common colds to a sprained ankle, we provide pediatric care conveniently located in your neighborhood. Now open, Loma Linda University Children’s Health – Indio is committed to keeping our region’s children healthy and happy. www.lluch.org/indio To learn more, please visit LLUCH.org/Indio.

H E A L I N G . H E A LT H Y. H A PPY. N O W O F F E R I N G P E D I AT R I C S E RV I C E S I N YO U R R E G I O N .

LOM A L INDA UNI V ERSI T Y C HIL D R EN ’S H E A LT H — IND IO www.lluch.org/indio | 82-934 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, INDIO, CA 92201

www.lluch.org/indio LLUCH.ORG/INDIO

In Partnership with

760-477-0733

www.desertaidsproject.org/scha2020

www.desertaidsproject.org/scha2020