New Event to Benefit the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

Participants will “CampOut to StampOut Homelessness”

Supporters of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission will be joining together for the inaugural “CampOut to StampOut Homelessness” on Saturday, October 8 through Sunday, October 9th next to Whitewater Park in Rancho Mirage. Beginning at 6pm on Saturday and ending at 9am on Sunday, the event is designed to let participants have a small glimpse into the issues the homeless face, as well as harness the power of social media and new technologies to raise money. The event is scheduled to precede World Homeless Day on October 10 (10/10) and will include a simple dinner and breakfast as well as other activities. Honorary co-chairs are Rancho Mirage Councilman Scott Hines and Palm Desert Councilmember Jan Harnik.
“We believe that by actually staying overnight outside or in tents, participants will become even more engaged with the Rescue Mission. We will also have clients who will share their experiences, and I believe that will be very powerful as well,” explained Greg Fisher, Director of Development. “In addition, we are hoping for 100 participants who will each email, text, call, tweet or message on Facebook 10 other friends and ask them to each donate $10 via our new Text to Give program. If all 100 participants are successful, we will raise $10,000 in a single evening to combat homelessness. It’s incredible what a lot of little gifts can add up to.” A hot spot will be set up so participants can connect to the internet.
Speakers at the event include Katherine Drum, who graduated from the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission New Beginnings program in the spring. She was homeless and living in the tamarisk trees in a tent by Hwy 10 before she found the Mission. In over a year living at the Rescue Mission she straightened out her life and has now moved into one of the Mission’s transitional homes (Bethany House) and is the house manager.
Monico Vidiro, a 43 year-old who formerly worked as a painter, in air conditioning and as a valet parking supervisor, is currently in the New Life Program after living on the streets. He has been living at the Rescue Mission for the past 130 days completing his program.

The event kicks off the Rescue Mission’s new Text to Give program, entitled “The Power of 10”. Those who wish to participate in the Campout can find more information or sign up at CVRM.org. Those who wish to donate to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission via Text to Give now can simply text the word “Rescue” to 52000 to donate $10, which will be added to their next cell phone bill. All donations received through the Text to Give program will be used to purchase beds in the women’s and children’s wing of the new building, scheduled to open in November. A complete list of all furnishings which are still needed can be found on the Rescue Mission’s website at CVRM.org.