Desert Charities

Nominations Open For 11th Annual Palm Desert Athena Awards

The City of Palm Desert is proud to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 11th annual ATHENA Awards. An awards luncheon celebrating this year’s honorees will take place on Wednesday, October 30, at Desert Willow Golf Resort, 38995 Desert Willow Drive, in Palm Desert. The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. on [...]

Animal Samaritans Hires Development & Campaign Director

Animal Samaritans is pleased to welcome Louise C. Cummings, CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive), to its management team. Most recently, Cummings served as the Executive Director of Old Town Artisan Studio in La Quinta, and remains the current President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) California, Desert Communities Chapter. “The mission and reputation of [...]

The Springs Country Club Members’ Generosity Supports First Tee

by Vernell Hackett To enable a young person to grow in character and community involvement is to teach a young man and woman to support their community in leadership and civic responsibility. The First Tee of the Coachella Valley has a mission statement that echoes this sentiment — to impact the lives of young people [...]

Veteran Palm Springs Restaurateur Creates New Downtown Hot Spot with Alicante

Vibrant and contemporary, Alicante: Spanish Mediterranean Cuisine is the newest addition to downtown Palm Springs’ growing dining and nightlife scene. “I wanted to bring a taste of coastal Spain to Palm Springs,” says Mindy Reed, owner of Alicante as well as the popular Zin American Bistro, one of Palm Springs’ best-known and respected restaurants. The [...]

Desert Town Hall Names Executive Director

Desert Town Hall has named Becky Kurtz as Executive Director, announced Brian Harnik, president of the Board of Directors of Desert Forum, Inc., the nonprofit educational corporation that produces the nationally known speaker series. Ms. Kurtz served as interim executive director for the past year, and has been part of this cultural event since its [...]

Galilee Center Needs Your Donations

Galilee Center provides food, clothing, baby items and other basic necessities to more than 42,514 men, women, children and seniors annually. Please help Galilee Center continue its efforts of providing services to our brothers and sisters in need in the community of Thermal, Mecca, Oasis, and North Shore. We strive to provide services to low [...]

VNA California Expands in Palm Springs

Open House Introduces Health Care Partners and Colleagues to Increase Presence VNA California celebrated the opening of the Palm Springs resource center on Thursday, April 18, 2013 with an open house for the health care community, colleagues and partners. As the need for in-home skilled nursing, rehabilitative, palliative and hospice services increases, VNA California will [...]

Ad Code

La Quinta Arts Foundation Awards $57,750 In Visual Arts Scholarships

As a direct result of a successful season of non-profit activities that included the #1 nationally ranked La Quinta Arts Festival, La Quinta Arts Foundation (LQAF) has awarded $57,750 to 32 art majors to attend college during the 2013/14 academic year. This amount includes $6,000 from the Ryan Ramirez Memorial Scholarship Fund, as well as... read more »

Mizell Senior Center Annual Memorial Day BBQ Lunch

Join Mizell for our annual Memorial Day BBQ Lunch on Friday May 24 from 11:15AM to 12:15PM. We will be having BBQ burgers and hot dogs with all the fixins’. Also enjoy chili, potato salad, and corn cobbetts . . . you won’t want to miss this one!! Mizell Senior Center requests a donation of $3.00 for seniors on our nutrition... read more »

Wells Fargo Awards $100,000 to Coachella Valley Economic Partnership’s iHub Accelerator Campus

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) today announced that the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) is a recipient of a $100,000 Clean Technology Grant, part of its nationwide $100 million environmental grants commitment by 2020. This commitment is to create a “greener” future for the communities we serve including reducing the... read more »

Desert Business Association Names New President and Board Members

Desert Business Association (DBA), the Coachella Valley’s Lesbian and Gay Chamber of Commerce, has named a new President and Executive Committee members. The new appointees are: Janet Malachowsky, President; Michael Genova, Vice President; Michael Hayja, Secretary; and Bob Machado, Treasurer. The new appointees will each serve a one-year... read more »

Celebrate the Fourth of July at the O’Donnell House with AIDS Assistance Program

AIDS Assistance Program (AAP) is hosting a spectacular Independence Day fundraiser and celebration on Thursday, July 4, 2013 at the historic O’Donnell House, located at 412 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way. The event begins at 7:30 pm, and the City of Palm Springs’ fireworks display begins at 9:15 pm. “The O’Donnell House is a beautiful... read more »

23rd International Harm Reduction Conference

The Elton John AIDS Foundation is honored to support the International Harm Reduction Conference in order to shine a bright light on an important issue that is so often ignored by policy makers and the press,” said EJAF Chairman David Furnish. “Syringe access and other harm reduction approaches have been proven time and again... read more »

Charitable Giving is About Intent, Not Amount

CHARITABLE GIVING IS NOT ABOUT THE AMOUNT,IT’S ABOUT THE INTENT New Book Shares Ways To Reclaim The Joy Of Philanthropy Through Mindful Giving Regardless Of Financial Stature There was a time – before urban living drove many to become isolated, transient beings with little connection to those around them – when village based societies... read more »

Blackbaud Ranks Most Generous Online U.S. Cities for 2012

When it comes to charitable giving, some U.S. cities consistently rise to the top in their adoption of digital giving channels. Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) today released its fifth annual ranking of the Most Generous Online U.S. Cities based on 2012 online giving data from Blackbaud customers. The rankings remain largely unchanged from last... read more »

International Charity Smile Train Partners With New York Islanders On Campaign National Facial Protection Month

New York team dentist Dr. Marc Herman to make a donation for every photo uploaded throughout the month Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft lip and palate charity, has announced today a partnership with the New York Islanders in celebration of National Facial Protection Month. Throughout the entire month of April, dental professionals... read more »

Overall Charitable Giving in February Was Up 2.9 percent and Online Giving Grew 10.8 percent

The Blackbaud Index today reported that overall giving increased 2.9% and online giving increased 10.8% for the three months ending February 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012, indicating a continued recovery of charitable giving. As reported in the recent release of the Charitable Giving Report, overall giving grew approximately... read more »

Barbara Keller

Jerry Keller

Jim Casey

David Brinkman

Gary Hall

Annette Bloch

Kay Hazen

Helene Galen

Mitch Gershenfeld

Tim Esser

Betty Wolf

Susan Winer

President Clinton

Claire Diaz-Ortiz

Tony Robbins

Ad Code

ICLMA’s Member of the Year Award given to Leslie Spoor of Executive Errands

Each year the International Concierge and Lifestyle Management Association (ICLMA) identifies an ICLMA member who goes above and beyond simply being a member. These outstanding individuals voluntarily contribute their valuable time to promote and assist ICLMA and...

National Construction Group To Renovate Angel View As Part Of Charity Effort

Volunteer Contractors, Under the Leadership of Hensel Phelps, to Renovate Group’s Main Facility that Serves Children and Adults with Disabilities as Part of AGC Charities’ Operation Opening Doors Project Construction charity organization AGC Charities, Inc....

Charity Fundraising Packages Provide Fundraising Ideas

Since 2006, Charity Fundraising Packages has helped over 5,000 organizations increase their fundraising revenue by tremendous margins with ZERO-RISK/ZERO-COST to the non-profit. In 2012 we raised over $4.1 million for our charity partners! Charity Fundraising Packages...

Blackbaud Completes Acquisition of Convio‏

Blackbaud, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLKB) today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Convio, Inc., a leading provider of on-demand constituent engagement solutions. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Blackbaud paid an aggregate purchase price of approximately...

npEXPERTS Web Seminar Series: Online Marketing Insights from Nonprofit Experts

Over the next few weeks, authors of npEXPERTS, a free eBook recently published by Blackbaud, will participate in a web seminar series focused on sharing best practices in online marketing and fundraising for nonprofits. Leveraging their expertise from years working...

Introducing Good Deed Tees: A Fashion & Philanthropy Online Retailer

Good Deed Tees, an online emporium fusing fashion with philanthropy, is one of the latest viral charitable projects with a mission to make the world a better place. With aspirations in making a tangible difference in individual’s health and overall lives, Good...

Ad Code

Annual Anniversary Bash Nets $6,700 for Palm Springs Animal Shelter

They came. They partied. They participated. Over 200 people joined in the 5th Annual Anniversary Bash at Brien O’Brien salon to celebrate and raise funds for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. The evening raised a little over $6,700. On hand to celebrate with Brien O”Brien were Palm Springs City Council Member, Ginny Foat; Rancho... read more »

CharityKick – The best Charity Fundraising Ideas are Dares

A new fun fundraising website has based its entire premise on the fact that the best charity fundraising ideas are dares. Even those who usually dread the idea of being forced to dress up, are not too keen on competitions or hate making a fool of themselves will struggle to find a reason not to get involved with CharityKick, where good causes... read more »

Boys & Girls Clubs Of Coachella Valley Annual Auction Raises Needed Funds

Photo by Marc Glassman: Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley Keystone Club at the Grand Auction. The blue sashes are the youth of the year at four of the clubs: Indio, Coachella Desert Hot Springs and La Quinta. Justice Douglas P. Miller and Quinton Egson, Chief Professional Officer for the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley,... read more »

Zoobilee! – The Living Desert’s Annual Gala A GrrrrEAT Success

Furry And Feathered Fashion Show Highlight Of The Annual Fundraising Gala To Benefit Zoo Zoobilee!, The Living Desert’s largest annual fundraising gala was all about “Creature Comforts” at The Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel in Indian Wells on Sunday evening, March 4, where special animal “models” took the stage in... read more »

Ad Code

Desert Samaritans for Seniors and Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter Launch “Furry Friends” Program

Millie is 79, has difficulty seeing and lives alone. Now that her companion pet of 17 years, Dusty, has passed on, Millie feels really alone. Many seniors in the Coachella Valley face a similar situation. For some, the loss of their longtime pet has been devastating; for others, a pet would help alleviate their loneliness and lift their spirits. The... read more »

Auen Foundation Grant Will Support Drug and Alcohol Recovery at The Ranch

The Auen Foundation has awarded The Ranch Recovery Centers, Inc. a $20,000 grant to treat women over the age of 55 struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. Hacienda Valdez, the treatment facility run by “The Ranch,” is located in Desert Hot Springs. This primary treatment facility is equipped to house 35 women during drug and alcohol... read more »

Judge Vaughn Walker to Headline Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast

The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Coalition is pleased to announce that retired 9th Circuit Court Judge Vaughn R. Walker will be the keynote speaker at the 2nd Annual Coachella Valley Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast on Thursday, May 23, 2013, from 9:30-11 AM. The breakfast will be held at the Hilton Palm Springs, 400 East Tahquitz Canyon... read more »

National Senior Health and Fitness Day at Mizell Set for May 30

Thursday, May 30th Mizell Senior Center is celebrating National Senior Health and Fitness Day. Please come and join Mizell as we celebrate this event. We take great pride that the Mizell Senior Center offers Health and Fitness programs daily and is the place to be for active adults in the Coachella Valley. We will be offering several... read more »

Women of Worth Awards: National Call for Nominations

I’m sure you’ve heard about the fabulous L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Awards… but I’m excited to announce that now in its eighth year, “Glee” actress Lea Michele has signed on as the newest WOW ambassador – kicking off theannual call for nominations. “Year after year, we are inspired by the stories shared about our Women... read more »

Soroptimist House of Hope Unveils New Website and Funding Drive

Soroptimist House of Hope, a nonprofit organization operating residential substance abuse recovery programs for women in Desert Hot Springs and Banning, has launched a newly-designed website to provide valuable information about the agency and its programs. Development of the comprehensive website – www.recoveryhouseofhope.org – was... read more »

Overeaters Anonymous Invites Newcomers to Attend Free Opening of Regional Convention

Overeaters Anonymous (OA), the 12-step program for people struggling with food addiction and weight, invites anyone new to the program to attend the opening session of its regional convention, June 28-30 at the Palm Springs Hilton Hotel, for free. The opening session, on Friday evening, June 28, will feature the Grand Opening at 7:30pm. ... read more »

HARC Data Shows Healthy Habits Program Changes Lives

A study by the Health Assessment Resource Center (HARC) shows that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley’s (BGCofCV) Healthy Habits program made strides in improving health knowledge and behavior of local youth. “The program that we developed had measurable, life-changing results for our members,” said Quinton Egson, BGCofCV... read more »

Ad Code

Palm Desert Rotary Annual Charity Golf Tournament April 22nd

1st Place Winners: L to R Co-Chair Mikel Oglesby, Geoff Dean, Co-Chair Angela Wingfield, Herman Ross, Randy Brusca Palm Desert Rotarians teed it up at Palm Valley Country Club on April 22nd for their annual charity golf tournament to raise money for the homeless and less fortunate in the Coachella Valley. This year Co-Chairs Mikel Oglesby... read more »

The 8th Annual Stars Among Us Dinner & Awards Event

by: Barbara Wisbey Photos: Lani Garfield The Mizell Senior Center, Palm Springs held The Musical Experience of The Season on Saturday evening March 23, 2013. Last year their fundraising dinner and award show was held at the Palm Springs Hilton Hotel and featured the music of The Beach Boys. The event was a huge hit. The 250 guests really enjoyed... read more »

Palm Springs Woman’s Club 6th Annual Scholarship Philanthropic Luncheon “Transformation Through Education”

Picture left to right: Mayor Steve Pougnet, Brady Sandahl, Chair Jenny McLean, Mellisa Ballard, Caroldean Ross, Lt. Bryan Reyes, Chad Norman, Amy Blaisdell, City Councilman Paul Lewin, Kelly McLean (in front) Mayor Steve Pougnet, Councilman Paul Lewin and a host of notable local celebrities donned vintage threads and walked the runway... read more »

Steinway Society Receives Music Education Grant from Wells Fargo

Ruth Moir and Gary Hall Wells Fargo Senior Vice President Gary Hall presents a $5000 check to Steinway Society of Riverside Founder Ruth Moir for the society’s Music Education and Services Program. “We are thrilled to receive this generous grant from Wells Fargo once again,” said Moir. “The funds will help... read more »

More Animals Are Saved Thanks To Coachella Valley Spotlight

More animals lives will be saved thanks to the partnership of the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and CBS Local 2. The duo recently presented the Humane Society of the Desert with the Coachella Valley Spotlight. The honor includes $25,000 and television promotion on CBS Local 2. “This grant will help us offer a good quality of life... read more »

Pendelton Foundation: Helping Coachella Valley Families Fight Cancer

by Kristy Kneiding Being diagnosed with cancer and facing treatment is scary enough. Not having the funds necessary to fight the illness and sustain a family’s needs adds to the pressure of the malady. That’s where the Pendleton Foundation comes to the rescue, providing financial resources for basic necessities such as food, gasoline,... read more »