Desert Charities - Women In Philanthropy_Oct_Nov_Dec_2021

DESERT CHARITIES NE WS PRESENTS

WOMEN

in philanthropy

2021

October/November/December 2021 Desert Cities

INDUSTRY LEADERS AND INFLUENCERS IN THE NONPROFIT INDUSTRY Our community is home to many meaningful charities. This section is dedicated to the women who make the desert’s philanthropic world go round. Learn more about these extraordinary women and what drives the passion in their purpose.

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 www.dcnnews.com

Desert Charities News has spent years building the largest database of nonprofits. The ladies we’ve selected give so much of their time and treasure to the causes that have touched their hearts. Their names are familiar in many circles, and the respect they’ve garnered is undeniable. They are role models who embody “giving back” in countless ways.

We’re excited to recognize some of our favorite women in this year’s Women in Philanthropy. We deeply admire their commitment to their charities of choice.

Contact information for all women: www.desertcharities.com Search: Name of their company

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aguacaliente-nsn.gov www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov

www.codfoundation.org

www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov

October/November/December 2021

women in philanthropy

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DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

Ines Allen

IMAHelps President and CEO Making A Difference Ines Allen co-founded IMAHelps in 2000 with her husband, Tracey, to organize medical humanitarian missions to serve the poor.

Operating with no paid staff and no financial backing, the Allens have built a team of 130 volunteers who have provided free healthcare to over 100,000 impoverished patients in nine countries. Still operating without a salary, Ines has grown IMAHelps to the point where it now organizes some of the largest private humanitarian medical missions in the Western Hemisphere.

Ines requests donations pay for medicines and supplies for each mission. Volunteers cover their own travel costs. Visit www.imahelps.org to learn more.

Chrissy Armstrong

Chrissy’s Owner

Making A Difference “You can’t move forward without giving back” has been my motto in life and business.

My parents are philanthropic and taught me to the importance of promoting the welfare of others. As a new resident to the Valley, I joined Eisenhower Health’s Circle of the Stars. Through my store we create events and donate a portion of sales back to the organization. I am also a member of Eisenhower Health’s Dolores Hope Auxiliary Board, benefiting and upgrading the services in the area. Making a positive impact on the lives of others is good for your heart and effects the entire community.

Kate Anderson

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Director of Public Relations Making A Difference The world is changing. The needs of Coachella Valley are transforming before our eyes. We all know it takes courage to stand up and do what’s right. And, it takes hard work and dedication to make change. That’s why we are so blessed to live in a community where anything is possible. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is proud to invest in all levels of the community from chamber memberships to supporting organizations such as CVEP, CVAG, OneFuture, Greater Palm Springs, PSUSD, Martha’s Kitchen, the Palm Springs USO, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and so many more. We are stronger together!

Jaclyn Aviles Think Together General Manager

Making A Difference Working as a leader in education during the pandemic has been no easy feat. Add expanding into Palm Springs for the first time to serve up to 1,600 students across 21 schools and overseeing a team of 100, it would seem impossible.

Through it all, the Think Together team met the moment to successfully launch afterschool and expanded learning programs in the Coachella Valley that help kids stay on track amid the pandemic. In my 11-year career at Think Together, I’ve never been so honored to rise to the challenge and see our students come out on the other side stronger than ever.

Judith Antonio Tools For Tomorrow Treasurer

Lauri Kibby

Making A Difference I strongly believe in supporting the next generation to reach their highest goals. I am not only the Treasurer of TFT I also volunteer in the classrooms. TFT reaches out to schools with after school arts literacy in grades 3-5.

Lauri Kibby enjoys helping others bring their dreams to life. Kibby is a DAP Health board member and has been co-chair of the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards since 2018. She serves as Vice President of the Board for the Mizell Center and is a former board member of Digicom Learning.

I’m also a supporter of bringing children theatre experiences. I am an education ambassador for the Muses and Patronesses of the McCallum Theatre as well as a board member and co-chair of the major fund raiser this year.

I’m on the board of the Friends of the COD Library. I am an active volunteer working at book sales to fund COD students access to text books as well as access to on-line learning.

Laurie Baldwin

Palm Springs Opera Guild of the Desert CEO/ Executive Director Making A Difference COVID-19 has impacted the world! Rather than dwell on the negative, I wanted to lead our organization to stay positive and keep the arts alive. We changed our course of action 100x’s (at least it felt that way). I rolled with the punches! We held online fundraisers with 100% of the proceeds going back to the artist, produced an educational outreach video for 25,000 students, and continued to employ artists. COVID-19 has been a whirlwind of questions, puzzles, and the unknown. Making a difference means that you are constantly looking on the bright side and convince others to join you!

Kibby feels fortunate to work with DAP Health and Mizell Center because both organizations provided critical services to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Now more than ever, we can make a difference,” Kibby says. As desert communities grappled with the devastating effects of the coronavirus, Mizell continued to deliver meals to those who needed them, and DAP Health, with extensive experience with epidemics, opened a COVID-19 triage clinic. Seemingly overnight, DAP Health set up the clinic, which provided testing, counseling, and assistance to other emergency medical services in the valley. DAP Health served thousands of people through the use of mobile and online services, which lessened further health risks to our clients. Our infectious disease experts also provided support wherever needed.

During this year’s Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, Kibby highlighted an important topic many people don’t talk about — women living with HIV in our valley.

“There’s a whole community of women throughout the entire Coachella Valley who are in need of the same services that the men are,” Kibby says. “They need health care, dental care, and mental health support services, and DAP Health provides all of that. The rebranding of DAP Health takes us out of one lane and puts us in multiple lanes and allows us to broaden our reach across the community.”

Lauri Kibby CFO & Co-Founder Kings Garden, Inc.

women in philanthropy

Mary Barth Think Together Senior Director

Making A Difference I have been involved with Think Together since the very beginning when my husband, Randy Barth, founded this nonprofit 25 years ago. In the beginning Think Together was a small program running out of an apartment complex, after two mothers advocated for their kids to have a secure place to go to after school. Today we have grown to serve 200,000 students statewide with high quality academic enrichment, afterschool and expanded learning programs with the goal to change the odds for all students. Last year’s expansion into Palm Springs shows that our programs are vital to the community, and I am so humbled to be a part of this story.

Pamela Bieri

Bieri Marketing & Media Relations - Owner Making A Difference Throughout the pandemic, many nonprofits in the Coachella Valley rallied to continue providing services and programs to their constituents through virtual meetings and events. Whether it was social or educational programs such as Alzheimers Coachella Valley’s Club Journey and Traveling the Journey Together, or live musical events such as Steinway Society of Riverside County’s annual Festival Awards Competition, they continued delivering on their missions. It has been my privilege to work and witness their strengths and flexibility, serving vulnerable seniors and local youngsters.

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Brooke Beare

City of Indio/ Desert Arc Director of Communications

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

Yvonne Bell

McCallum Theatre Vice President of Development

Making A Difference People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. More than ever, these words from Maya Angelou resonate in our family. The spirit of giving means looking out for those who are marginalized because of inability or lack of opportunity.

Having a stage, a microphone or lots of money can amplify your ability to promote a cause or provide help, but a smile, a moment, or a mission that is entirely for the benefit of another can be just as effective.

Making A Difference When the pandemic hit and theatres across the country closed, all of us lost the privilege of experiencing the arts. I thought there was no way arts institutions would survive. Then, when I witnessed our country’s social unrest, I thought, “This is our nation without the arts…bringing people together, opening us up to new ideas, developing empathy and experiencing the greatness of artists.” The pandemic robbed us of the opportunity to feed our souls. My goal has been to make sure theatres didn’t close and were there for patrons to return. Helping guide donors to invest in art during these dark times has been my mission.

Lindi Biggi

India Braemer

Loving All Animals Founder & CEO Making A Difference Together with the team at Loving All Animals which she founded in 2008, they have influenced a considerable amount of change in policies and procedures within the local animal shelters. Recently the much sought after designation of a “No Kill Coachella Valley” was a joyous celebration for all community homeless animals. A cause that Loving All Animals continues to pursue.

One silver lining throughout Covid was that shelters were emptied out of pets as people began working from home and adopted pets for company. Now the focus has turned towards helping individuals to have the necessary financial support to maintain the care of their pets and at the same time, focus on rescuing elderly and disabled animals.Lindi is forever grateful for the wonderful, loving, community that she calls home.

Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs Director of Operations

Making A Difference Through India’s guidance and program implementation training, the Club’s youth development staff became well-versed in trauma informed care and its importance during Covid. Programs offered virtually and in person expanded to include mindfulness, laughter yoga, and activities to teach coping skills and stress relief. Providing a safe, positive environment is a key element of the Club, and India worked closely with staff to ensure that safety meant not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. For children and teens that faced unprecedented hardships with Covid, the Club remained a place where they felt a sense of belonging, even virtually.

Marly Bergerud

Palm Springs Writers Guild Past President Making A Difference What has become clear in my involvement in these organizations is that philanthropy’s spirit is something I believe collectively improves the human condition. It is that of giving one’s expertise, passion, talent and experience.

I have learned that the value of philanthropy is an ever-essential and socially responsible duty of giving what, how, and when we can. We are all from varying walks of life which contributes to how we view the world and how and why we choose to make an impact.

Gailya Brown

Fundraising Solutions Consultant Making A Difference Staying in touch with donors during the pandemic, checking on their wellbeing, keeping them updated on what we were doing, and letting them know that you care was extremely important. I worked with my clients to develop effective donor messaging that communicated our interest in them and shared with them how the organizations and the people we served were being impacted by the pandemic. We planned a number of virtual events that were quite successful. And, we applied for every COVID relief grant and loan that was available.

The generosity of our donors during this time was really inspiring.

women in philanthropy

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DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

Darla Burkett

Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Executive Director Making A Difference For me I believe we are born to help others.

This has been my goal all my life. I love working with people that need a hand up.

Every day at CVRM brings me tremendous joy in assisting people reach their personal goals, nothing is better.

Cindy Burreson

Children’s Discovery Museum CEO Making A Difference With the closing of the Museum due to the pandemic, we took the time to take a thoughtful look at how we could come back in a powerful way. We have created a vision and plan to bring our community a reimagined Museum with over 40 new exhibits and programming to broaden our audience and help fill in the gaps in our Valley’s informal learning venues.

We also initiated Little Kids, Big Impact, partnering with Valley non-profits for tangible goods drives with the intention of supporting our community and developing tomorrow’s philanthropists, our kids.

Betty Callies

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Executive Director

Jan Salta

Making A Difference I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of Tribal Philanthropy for Agua Caliente. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians exemplifies “Making a Difference” by choosing to promote the welfare of others, having corporate social responsibility by their efforts to improve society both locally and nationally. For over 25 years, the Tribe has chosen to fund hundreds of nonprofit organizations, stretch out across philanthropic causes and help disaster relief agencies.

As the recipient of the Athena Award, the Richard M. Milanovich Community Leadership Award and the Human Rights Campaign’s Advocate for Equality Award, I, like the Tribe, Choose to Make a Difference!

Jan moved to the desert over 45 yrs ago, She has watched the desert community grow not only by population but also in the increase of a variety of charities. It was here where she met her late husband, Mike, to whom she was married for 34 years until his death in 2014. She credits her mother for setting an example of charitable giving. It definitely had an impact on how Jan herself would become involved in community charities.

Philanthropist

Jan serves on numerous Boards including Eisenhower Medical Center, the McCallum Theatre, the Palm Springs International Film Festival as well the Rancho Mirage Writer’s Festival. Her charitable heart also touches many non-profit organizations in the Coachella Valley.

She has been a major supporter of an array of charities ranging from The Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, ACT for MS, the Mizell Senior Center, the Living Desert, Tools for Tomorrow, Circle of Stars, Martha’s Kitchen among many others.

Jan feels blessed to be able to give back to the community.

Andrea Carter

Andrea Carter & Associates CEO/President Making A Difference Blending charity involvement with her client commitments has brought an extraordinary balance to Andrea’s life. As a founding member of the Board – and PR Director – for the Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Andrea has been honored to serve alongside an incredible team that’s raised more than $16 million in 11 years for the kids of St. Jude She also serves on the Board of Palm Springs Women in Film & Television, and has enjoyed co-producing short films and being part of generating filmmaker opportunities for others in her role with this dynamic local nonprofit.

Norma Castaneda

Claudia Castorena

Making A Difference As a Coachella Valley native, Norma’s community roots run deep. As an alumna of the College of the Desert she serves on its Board of Directors and was recently named the new Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI) Committee Chair. She also serves on the DEI task Force for Palm Springs Art Museum. Norma believes in giving back to her community by giving her time, resources and expertise to the programs and services that benefit our valley’s unique needs.

Making A Difference During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Galilee has positively impacted hundreds of low-income East CV residents.

By offering much-needed services, we have helped many families succeed in their efforts to better their lives.

HR Advantage Founder

Galilee Center CFO/Cofounder

In the last year, Galilee provided food security for 250 families weekly. We offered rental and utility assistance to more than 1,200 families, infant services (diapers and baby formula) to 450 babies, and senior services to more than 260 seniors.

I am proud of the work we do at Galilee Center for the farmworkers, who are an essential part of our local community

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jan contributed at the level she was able to -joining others in this community who rose to meet the crisis which impacted so many.

She was moved by the unsung heroes who gave what they could and those on the front lines who faced daily challenges while helping others such as healthcare workers, those who stocked grocery stores, and postal workers just to name a few.

Jan’s hope is that in the awareness of “we are all in this together” -- this will guide us all as a community going forward.

women in philanthropy

Michelle Cohen

Peggy Cravens

Mitch-Stuart, Inc President

The Waring International Piano Competition Chairman of the Board

Making A Difference Covid 19 presented fundraising challenges for nonprofits. As pioneers in travel packages for fundraising, Mitch-Stuart, Inc. continued to support charities by offering their donors the experience of a lifetime. The pandemic inspired our creativity. We designed online and virtual Zoom auctions where donors could bid in the safety of their homes. Examples included private concerts with Broadway stars, and wine from Italy delivered to the doorstep. Close-to-home and family-oriented travel packages replaced trips to foreign destinations. Working with our partners, our concierge staff assisted winning donors who needed to postpone or change their travel plans due to the pandemic.

Making A Difference In these daunting times we’ve just come thru it becomes ever more important to support the charitable causes who give our Coachella Valley residents much assistance and pleasure in myriad ways.

Michelle Decker

Inland Empire Community Foundation President & CEO Making A Difference This year we saw the incredible resilience of our nonprofits and communities, thanks to the generosity of our IE donors. Coachella Valley organizations showed their leadership and capacity for good each and every day.

Coming out of COVID, IECF wants to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and take precautions to keep our elders safe and our kids in school. We are so happy to celebrate our 80th anniversary here at IECF and we look forward to another 80 years of “strengthening the Inland Empire through philanthropy.”

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

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My particular charitable interests are Education, Medicine and Music. Time and evidence has shown how fortunate we are to have our fine community college, College of the Desert, our outstanding medical facility, Eisenhower Hospital – and the enormous contribution the Waring International Piano Competition brings to our Valley --- supporting the career paths of many gifted pianists -- giving them the opportunity to compete in a world-class International Piano Competition.

Rene Dell’ Acqua Dell’Acqua Dental Studio Philanthropist

Making A Difference I was raised by philanthropic parents who taught me from a very young age that giving back to your community is important. When you create a difference in someone’s life, you not only impact their life, you impact everyone influenced by them throughout their lifetime. For me there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that I have made a difference.

Our community offers so many opportunities to get involved. We have so many meaningful charities. It has been an honor to serve on several different boards over the years.

Gloria Crockett

Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire President and CEO Making A Difference Granting wishes for children battling critical illnesses is what we do best! As CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, Gloria has implemented her strategic initiatives and priorities in partnership with a passionate staff, Board of Directors and other key stakeholders of Make-A-Wish OCIE by granting wishes that provide joy and hope to children. Her commitment to provide uplifting support to families facing difficult times due to hardships associated with children battling critical illnesses remains unmatched. Most recently, she has successfully completed a 5-year strategic plan with her team that aims to raise $6 million annually by the 5th year to grant wishes!

Chris Dentice

Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Operations Manager Making A Difference I love to make a difference in women’s lives.

I have seen the most broken of women come in with nothing and leave whole, living on their own and being productive. I’ve seen mom’s reunited with their children living in their own apartments. The most rewarding to me is the encouraging conversations I have with them while they are here. To help them understand they are not defined by their past. I love it when I get a call from someone I’ve helped telling me they still remember the things I’ve shared with them. That’s my reward and how I make a difference!

Nancy Cunningham Literary Society President

Making A Difference Participating in the formation and growth of the Literary Society of the Desert has been the most rewarding volunteer job anyone could wish for.

Presenting talks by a series of stimulating and entertaining authors has attracted a dynamic, diverse membership whose generosity enables us to share our programming with approximately 100 local students a year and also to provide an annual grant to every library in the Coachella Valley. This organization is living proof that you can enjoy yourself while simultaneously supporting your community. And, it is our membership I have to thank for that.

Deborah DeSantis Eisenhower Health Senior Director

Making A Difference COVID-19 up-ended the life we lived. In spite of the heartache and isolation many faced, Circle of Stars, Eisenhower Health’s women’s philanthropy group, was strong in their commitment to fund the latest technology in breast screening, the new HOLOGIC 3Dimensions™ Mammography System. They pooled their resources, helped to bring in 45 new members, attended two virtual events, and before the end of the season, raised $425,000 to secure the purchase of this life-saving equipment to advance the quality of health care for our community. We would love to have you join us in our next endeavor to make a difference. Learn more at Learn more at EisenhowerHealth.org/Circle-of-Stars.

women in philanthropy

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DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

Eevet Edens

Desert Cancer Foundation Executive Director Making A Difference Desert Cancer Foundation pays for cancer care for CV residents who need financial assistance for screening, diagnosis, and treatment. We are the only local nonprofit in the valley that makes direct payments on behalf of individuals for vital cancer care.

Cancer did not diminish with the pandemic, and underserved residents diagnosed with cancer need our support, now more than ever. I am privileged to lead an organization that helps individuals in their greatest time of need and honored to work alongside board and committee members who remain dedicated to serve our local community.

Alison Elsner

San Bernardino County Medical Society CEO Making A Difference I am honored that my work with the physicians of the medical society, part of the California Medical Association, has focused on facilitation of COVID vaccinations. Our efforts have been especially concentrated in those communities which have been impacted the most by the pandemic and with the greatest barriers to healthcare. Not only are we increasing health, financial stability and resilience, but also we are collaborating to diminish healthcare disparity to achieve equity, allow our small businesses to recover and ensure healthy lives for our citizens. As we know, public health and economic recovery are deeply linked.

Debbie Espinosa FIND Food Bank President / CEO

Sue Grant

Making A Difference 2020 was a marathon sprint to ensure that everyone in the desert region had food on their plates in a historic hunger crisis. In 2021, FIND continues our pandemic response to feed 140K+ people each month. We’ve transitioned to build towards long-term recovery, investing in our programs that get to the root causes of hunger and allow individuals to break the cycle of poverty for good. Our team proved that they were willing to go the distance to serve our neighbors, and we are pushing forward to actualize our vision for a community free of hunger.

Sue Grant is a visionary whose passion to give the gift of literacy to struggling readers has fueled the success of The Literacy Project. This year she was honored with the “2021 Congressional Recognition Award” for outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

In 2009, Grant founded The Literacy Project (TLP), a nonprofit that partners with under-resourced schools throughout Southern California, Utah and Arizona school districts. TLP eliminates the literacy gap of emerging second-graders who are functionally illiterate by boosting reading achievement. Their vision is to remove the impediment of illiteracy from the lives of our most vulnerable children reading level proficiency.

Co-developed with The Regents of the University of California, The New Phonics Game™ learning tool focuses on targeted teaching of phonemic awareness, word decoding, word identification and English fluency. Under-served students gain critical reading skills, increase self-esteem, and become confident learners ready for success. Proud graduates gain measureable, significant reading skills (76% to 129%) over a 30-hour program. The program is provided at “no cost” to both the school and at-risk students.

Barbara Foyil

Coachella Valley Vision Impaired Community Services President Making A Difference Coachella Valley Visually Impaired Community Services (CVVICS) is led by a team of visually impaired individuals with the purpose of reaching out to others who are facing the loss of vision. Who better than those with vision loss and highly trained in the fields of disabilities, psychology, technology, as well as the medical field and organization management to take up leadership to help this underserved community of blind and visually impaired.

During the past year and a half pandemic, CVVICS has successfully initiated daily classes using a conference calling system along with descriptive movies and an audible books library for our clients.

Susan Francis

John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation President & CEO Making A Difference Conforming to a new norm (due to COVID) isn’t easy. My goal is to ensure that JFK continues valuable programming (Ophelia Project in all school districts; In-Home Parenting, SafeCare, Healthy Families, Differential Response; Reach Out and Read). Many people’s futures are in our hands.

This dedicated, loyal staff are ensuring the continued stability of JFK, founded 38 years ago, with a 25year history of providing these important services. We are finding new ways to be creative, progressive and innovative while using technology to adapt delivering our programs virtually, in a hybrid method or in person and our productivity remains high.

This is encouraging and exciting.

L. Laura Fritz

Eisenhower Health Foundation Senior Vice President Making A Difference One of my favorite quotes… “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

William James During this pandemic, when we had all hoped to return to mostly a “normal” life, we find ourselves still facing the tremendous challenges of saving lives and keeping our communities strong. Donors and those who serve not-for-profits will be asked to continue both their generosity and the hard work done over the past 20 months. So much has been accomplished in such a short time, overcoming many hurdles along the way. I know our community is grateful and appreciates all our efforts.

The Coachella Valley Reading Initiative’s goal is to target low-income, at-risk second and third-graders and teach the mastery of critical reading skills. Now more than ever with the COVID pandemic and modified teaching practices, retention loss will produce more struggling readers.

Thanks primarily to Anderson’s Children Foundation, BIG HORN Cares and the Braly Family Trust, TLP will serve schools in Mecca, Coachella Valley, Thermal, and the Salton Sea. Sue Grant would tell you that there are many ways to save a life. The gift of reading is one of them.

Sue Grant, Literacy Project Founder / Volunteer CEO 124 Tustin Avenue, Suite 103 Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 721-1319 (949) 350-3507 Cell sue@literacyproj.org www.literacyproj.org

women in philanthropy

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DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

Eve Fromberg

Lani Garfield

Jane Garrison

Making A Difference I have helped non profits to access COVID relief funding and assistance, and I have continued to do board education with boards in remote settings and over Zoom to help nonprofits continue to work towards stability and sustainability even in these uncertain times. The need for nonprofit services is more essential than ever. Nonprofit organizations are also facing their own COVID related struggles, therefore board education, strategic planning, legal compliance and improving internal communication is crucial for these organizations to also weather this storm. Board retreats can and should continue despite these current challenges. We can all get through this together!

Making A Difference Working tirelessly toward the greater good, giving to organizations in need, and being a positive force in our community.

Making A Difference While hiking the South Lykken Trail in Palm Springs, Jane Garrison looked out upon the splendid expanse known as Oswit Canyon and mentioned to a passerby how beautiful it looked. The person responded, “Enjoy it now because 250 homes are going in there.” Taken aback, Jane vowed to save the over 100 acre alluvial fan. After a nearly 5-year battle, in October of 2020, Oswit Land Trust purchased the spectacular Canyon. Oswit Canyon, which is home to the endangered bighorn sheep, will now be protected in perpetuity.

Beverly Greer

Fromberg Edelstein Fromberg Attorney and Partner

Neuro Vitality Center Chief Executive Officer Making A Difference The pandemic certainly challenged those of us who provide services to the chronically ill, elders and the disabled. We were confronted with how to give services to this highly vulnerable population as well as how we could fund these limited services. Shifting focus to ameliorate behavior health issues, on-line therapy and home delivered meals and services, we managed to make it through the year with a lot of help from our funders.

We are once again open at least on a limited basis and looking forward to getting back to “normal”. We wonder if fundraising will ever be the same.

I Want to See Productions Photographer / Videographer

Oswit Land Trust Founder & Exective Director

Charee Gillins

Inland Empire Community Foundation Marketing & Communications Director

Jane launched Oswit Land Trust (OLT), a non-profit to continue saving open space and to “Save Wildlife One Acre at a Time.”

One of OLT’s next major projects is to create the Mesquite Desert Preserve in the heart of Palm Springs (www.mesquitedesertpreserve.org).

Making A Difference Despite the challenges of COVID, people in the Inland Empire have responded with generosity like never before. Our donors are engaged and connected, reaffirming their enduring support for the community they love. We equally celebrate our nonprofits and their resilience in the face of this pandemic.

At IECF, we regularly share how our grantees are supporting the community through COVID and those affected by racial and economic inequities in the region. Be inspired and get to know the organizations we fund and learn what your giving can do for our region’s most vulnerable communities.

Patti Gribow

Victory Grund

Board Member, Palm Springs Women in Film and Television

Old Town Artisans Studios Founder and President

Mary Guinane

Making A Difference Throughout my 25 years in business in the Coachella Valley, whether it be the entertainment industry or real estate, a common thread has always been philanthropy. I have gratefully served as founder, board member, event chairperson, worker, or donor, because giving back gives me breath.

Making A Difference You may find that making a difference in the world makes the greatest difference in you.”

As a Board Member of Palm Springs Women in Film and Television, I am proud that during Covid 19 we collaborated in keeping the arts alive with The Ophelia Project, Green Room Theater, and Academy of Musical Performance by giving students grants to support their programs or attend enrichment programs. When one benefits, all benefit!

Giving young and old the opportunity to “create “a gift makes a difference in their lives as much as it does to the loved one who receives it.

Expanding my photography business to include videography and aerial drone services, helps me better serve the needs of my clients and non-profit organizations, by integrating new creative technologies.

Continuing to volunteer, and to mentor students in hopes that I can share my time, knowledge, reduce isolation and loneliness, and make a positive impact on others.

Together we can make a difference.

There is such joy in seeing a smile and the excitement in a young art students face as they say, “I made this for my grandma. It will make her so happy.”

The Write Answer Owner

Making A Difference Making a difference in our communities, and the wider world beyond, begins with the small steps we take as individuals. We’ve all been witness to how the snowball of change begins with simple acts of kindness. As nonprofit professionals, we’re fortunate to have our daily work focused on the organizations that are catalysts for bringing good into the world. I appreciate every day having the privilege to support their missions

women in philanthropy

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DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

Teal Guion

First Tee -Coachella Valley Executive Director Making A Difference I am so honored to be in a position where I am able to impact the kids and teens in the Coachella Valley by helping build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. Golf is an important part of the fabric of Coachella Valley’s lifestyle and every child coming from this area should have access to the game of a lifetime with Core Values inherent to it! First Tee-Coachella Valley has made a huge impact during this difficult year by continuing to hold golf and life skills classes while most youth activities including in-person school was not available.

Jan Hawkins

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Director of Development Making A Difference I want to know I made Mother Earth a bit better during my brief time sharing it with Her. If I can convince others to share that ride with me and their resources to make it happen, all the better!

Andrea Hecht

Tools For Tomorrow Operations Manager Making A Difference Providing a way to connect, think creatively, and express emotions during COVID-19, Tools For Tomorrow online arts literacy programs gave our children something to look forward to each week. Inviting our youth to perform for our online gala inspired them to share the artistic talents they have worked so hard to develop. Engaging our volunteers and donors in a virtual fundraiser enabled them to share, far and wide, how they are making a difference in the lives of our Coachella Valley children, families and communities. Tools For Tomorrow continues to Reach, Teach and Inspire Children through the ARTS!

Alison Elsner Alison Elsner jumped into politics immediately after graduating with a degree in political science from USC. Working for a role model like U.S. Senator Pete Wilson in Washington, D.C. and California Governor Pete Wilson in the State Capitol, followed by her work for California Governor Gray Davis, reinforced Alison’s passion for combining the most innovative parts of government with the passion of the non-profit world.

Alison transitioned to the non-profit arena as Executive Officer for the California Mentor Foundation followed by top leadership positions at the Family YMCA of the Desert and the United Way of the Desert as well as the owner of her own PR firm.

With profound appreciation for those who choose to practice medicine after decades of intense training, Alison eagerly jumped at the offer in 2015 to serve as the CEO of the San Bernardino County Medical Society, the regional arm of the mega-powerful California Medical Association.

Tamara Hedges

Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, President UC Riverside Executive Director Making A Difference As was the case at this time last year, my most significant contribution toward making a positive difference during the pandemic is to stay informed on the science and research as it evolves. This approach drives my decision-making for both the campus and for the animal shelter, helping to keep staff, faculty, researchers, students, volunteers, and community members safe through vaccinations, masks, testing and other crucial safety protocols. It is vital that we all keep learning, growing and supporting each other during this precarious time, caring for and protecting the most vulnerable, both human and non-human alike. Fiat Lux!

Christy Jones Gifts That Give Back

Making A Difference Ever since being a teenager as a volunteer candy striper, Christy knew there is no better feeling than giving back to others.

Being a Marriage and Family Therapist and seeing charities needs to raise funds, she started Gifts That Give Back.

Having so much respect and admiration for people who choose to work in philanthropy, there is not a finer group of people she would rather join with.

For 21 years, raising millions of dollars for charities, Christy feels lucky to do what she loves and see the positive impact her efforts have on such worthwhile causes.

Pamela Jordan

Idyllwild Arts Foundation President Making A Difference Pamela Jordan was appointed President of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation in July, 2014.

Prior to joining IAF, Jordan served as Head of School for the Chicago Academy of the Arts.

Pamela received a Bachelor of Music from Phillips University and a Master of Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Her board service includes Independent Schools Association of the Central States, Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools, Arts Schools Network, California Association of Independent Schools, and as a resource panelist for School of the Arts, Singapore where she also delivered the keynote address for the school’s first bi-annual Arts Forum.

Alison and her team have participated in providing relief not only to overwhelmed and exhausted medical professionals in the shadow of the pandemic, but also in developing programs to directly impact segments of the community who were hit the hardest and less likely to have access to COVID testing, vaccinations and education to achieve healthcare equity for all Californians.

For Alison, working for an organization that celebrates and supports healthcare heroes blends harmoniously with respect for animals and the planet. After all, we’re in this together.

Alison Elsner Chief Executive Officer (CEO) San Bernardino County Medical Society 1859 W. Redlands Blvd.

Redlands, CA 92373 760-413-5053-cell/work aelsner@sbcms.org www.sbcms.org

Think Together Can Light the Way According to market research consultant, McKinsey & Company, “the impact of the pandemic on K-12 student learning was significant, leaving students on average five months behind in mathematics and four months behind in reading by the end of the school year.”

Unsurprisingly, the pandemic hit already vulnerable students hardest. When schools started the 20202021 school year with distance learning, students with no internet at home couldn’t log on to school.

When schools started to offer in-person learning hubs for students in need of connectivity, families were placed on waitlists to try to secure a high-demand spot for their students.

And while schools in the desert communities worked diligently to welcome students back to campus safely, it was students with parents and caregivers working outside the home who experienced the highest rates of absenteeism.

Through it all, Think Together was there for these students.

Think Together’s mission is to partner with schools to change the odds for kids. Think Together supports this mission in the Coachella Valley by working closely with Palm Springs Unified School District to provide families no cost expanded learning and afterschool programs that support student learning and achievement for children and youth, from kindergarten through high school.

School disruptions and isolation over the past year due to COVID-19 exacerbated learning loss, negatively affected grades, and created unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression among students. Tragically, all these setbacks took a more dramatic toll on the very students who already faced significant barriers to academic success. widening the opportunity gap even further.

At Think Together, we saw first-hand how the families we serve faced unprecedented challenges with school closures--challenges not experienced by their more affluent neighbors. Challenges in childcare. Challenges in connectivity. Challenges in at-home support.

To address childcare, Think Together field staff were the first to come back to a school site and be there for students who needed a safe place to go amid the pandemic. To address connectivity, Think Together worked with school district partners to facilitate learning hubs with high-speed internet and technology support. To address challenges in at-home support, Think Together facilitated homework help and credit recovery to get kids back on track.

Through each and every moment of darkness, Think Together was there, lighting the way for students’ futures, making sure nothing can stand in the way of our student’s futures. Not even a pandemic.

women in philanthropy

- PAGE 8

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

Erin Kaiman

Pat Kaplan

Making A Difference COVID-19 changed the way we all do business and reminded us of the significance of communications. I was honored to help organizations pivot operations to meet the community’s needs. We helped College of the Desert share news about distance learning and assisted the COD Street Fair with communicating the latest impacts to merchants. We built a COVID-19 dashboard for Desert Healthcare District to support our community. Our work to strengthen our clients during this time, from public agencies to private organizations, spans the Coachella Valley and beyond. We are privileged to support organizations that play a role in providing essential services.

Making A Difference During the pandemic crisis, Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV) continued their mission of “providing charitable programs and services to those living with cognitive impairment in the Coachella Valley”.

Margaret Keung

Lauri Kibby

Kristy Kneiding

Becky Kurtz

Making A Difference I have been fortunate to work with DAP Health and Mizell during the last number of years.

During COVID, both organizations provided critical services. Now more than ever, we can make a difference. As desert communities grappled with the devastating effects of Covid, Mizell continued its critical meal delivery and DAP Health, with extensive experience with epidemics, kicked-up its services. Almost overnight DAP Health set up a COVID clinic providing testing, counseling and assistance to other emergency medical services in the Valley. DAP served thousands of individuals through the implementation of mobile and online service to mitigate further health risk to our clients and our infectious disease experts provided support wherever needed.

Making A Difference There are countless non-profits doing amazing work including The Pendleton Foundation - dedicated to helping meet the financial needs of Coachella Valley residents suffering from cancer. Cancer didn’t take a break during the pandemic and assisting those in treatment became even more crucial. I’m proud to have volunteered for this noteworthy organization for the past 15 years and am excited to welcome back the annual Pendleton Foundation Chef Auction in November. This uniquely delicious, uplifting event, helps make distributing more than $40,000 per month to local residents in need possible

Making A Difference We strive to make a difference in our community with Desert Town Hall, a premier speaker series that brings leaders from the world stage to our stage in Indian Wells.

CV Strategies President & Founder

Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs CEO & Executive Director

Making A Difference Under Margaret’s leadership, the Club quickly transformed its afterschool programs into a Virtual clubhouse in order to stay connected with their youth, and developed Learning Day Camps in collaboration with the Palm Springs Unified School District to support the needs of essential worker families within the community,

Alzheimers Coachella Valley Co-Founding Board Member

Despite closures we quickly transitioned to zoom programming and initiated the following new programs: a Bereavement Group every other Monday, a Stroke Recovery Group two Fridays per month, a Parkinson’s Support Group for the caregiver and diagnosed every Tuesday, “Tunes for the Memories”- a Music Group - on Friday afternoons and our weekly Walk in the Park at the Palm Desert Civic Center on Mondays. These were in addition to all of our existing programs.

Kings Garden Inc. CFO and Co-Founder

Brianna Kelly

American Red Cross Southern California Region Regional Communications Manager Making A Difference Disasters don’t stop during a pandemic and neither does the work of the American Red Cross Southern California Region, which proudly serves San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial Counties.

Regional Communications Manager Brianna Kelly promotes the vital work of the Red Cross in the community and is passionate about sharing the Red Cross story across Southern California, encouraging the public to join the Red Cross in fulfilling its mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies – down the street, across the country and around the world.

K2 Marketing Solutions Principal

Terri Ketover

Community Philanthropist Making A Difference I was fortunate to stay healthy during the COVID-19 crisis and have the resources to stay safe. However, I was deeply affected by those who did not have the same resources and actively redirected my philanthropy to feeding others through organizations including FIND Food Bank, No Kid Hungry, and Feeding America, as well as assisting strangers in need profiled in the Desert Sun, LA Times, and NY Times. In addition, I have been working with other community leaders/philanthropists in developing two new projects benefiting children here in the valley which we will roll out later this year -- projects that will make a difference!

Desert Town Hall Executive Director

Becky feels a special responsibility to future generations and has found a creative outlet for that passion through her work at Desert Town Hall.

“Youth Town Hall is one of the best parts of Desert Town Hall, where high school students meet with speakers before the evening’s main event,” she said. “We invite 22 area high schools (from Desert Hot Springs to the Salton Sea) who choose 150 students to send to each of the four events. “I’m blessed to do what I love every day, live in a beautiful community, stay engaged at the local level, and reach out to connect renowned leaders with the citizens of the Coachella Valley. Who can ask for more?”

S.C.R.A.P. Gallery

Giving Together: Celebrating 80 Years of Philanthropy and Impact in the Coachella Valley This year marks the 80th anniversary of Inland Empire Community Foundation! As the region’s largest and only nationally-accredited community foundation, we are proud to serve a growing, diverse, and vast region of communities and thousands of donors.

The Foundation’s beginnings prove that it only takes one person to spur a movement for a brighter future. The bequest of Charles Brouse, which in 1941 established The Riverside Foundation to benefit Riverside City College students, was just a beginning. The civic leader and banker’s decision to give back to the community that supported him was destined to become something much larger.

Today, the organization manages assets of $120 million from more than 420 funds directed to causes that primarily benefit the region. Specifically, our donors support arts and culture groups, youth and family agencies, environmental, animal, senior, vets and a variety of other causes and needs.

In 2020, IECF awarded over $25 million in grants, including $4 million that was for scholarships and education. Locally, IECF has granted over $18 million to charities and educational institutions in the Coachella Valley over the past ten years.

Our donors have proudly directed their gifts to support Coachella Valley’s most vulnerable. As COVID continues to negatively impact communities, their philanthropy has been more important than ever. The populations most affected here continue to be food insecure, lack affordable housing, and face economic hardship.

In 2020, $3,681,795 in grants went to Coachella Valley charities. Some of them include: Desert Ability Center, Variety the Children’s Charity of the Desert, Palm Canyon Theater and the LGBT Community Center of the Desert.

Palm Canyon Theater

IECF also plays an important role in community and crisis leadership. These include the following efforts: Caravanserai Project: With a recent $1 million grant from Wells Fargo, Caravanserai Project, the Inland Empire Community Collaborative and IECF will be working together to strengthen the infrastructure of mission-serving organizations across the region.

Listos California: In 2020, IECF awarded grants to organizations like the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network to make accessible, in-language information available to communities least likely to be prepared.

Youth Grantmakers: Youth Grantmakers in Coachella Valley awarded $6,000 in grants to four nonprofits: Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley, Boo2Bullying, Inc., S.C.R.A.P. Gallery, and the Unforgettables Foundation.

Ready to start your giving with us? Give a little to an existing fund, or endow a new fund to help your community, nonprofit, or issue you care about like children, education, or the environment.

For more information, contact Joe Staley, Regional Charitable Giving Officer at jstaley@iegives.org or 760.836.2400. www.iegives.org.

women in philanthropy

- PAGE 9

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

Jenna LeComte-Hinely Kelly Levy HARC, Inc. Chief Executive Officer

BIGHORN Golf Club Charities Director

Making A Difference Six years ago, Dr. Jenna LeComte-Hinely took over as the CEO for HARC, and HARC’s significance has grown exponentially since that time. Jenna has continually found new ways for HARC’s research team to serve the community through data, partnerships, and improving the structure of our nonprofit system. Jenna also founded the Coachella Valley Workplace Wellness Awards, which highlights local organizations that promote employee health and wellness. Perhaps most importantly, Jenna has been a pioneer in fostering positive workplace dynamics within her organization, prioritizing employee health, well-being, and work-life balance.

Jenna proudly serves on the Board of Trustees for Borrego Health.

Making A Difference I am extremely grateful to be part of such an amazing philanthropic organization and to lead BIGHORN Golf Club Charities. I am blessed to be on the supporting and volunteering side of the organization in helping serve the Coachella Valley. It’s heartwarming to know that we all have made such a remarkable difference together as citizens over the past years, and giving back is such a large part of our culture and community. It is rewarding to know BIGHORN Golf Club Charities raises over $1 million for the Coachella Valley community each year. I cherish the smiles and warmth we receive, knowing we have such a positive impact. I believe everyone’s story needs to be heard and felt; it is the only way we can change the world we are in. It is the most magical and fulfilling part of my job and my life.

Victoria Llort

American Outreach Foundation Senior Vice President Making A Difference For nearly 15 years, American Outreach Foundation (AOF) has provided over $3.5 million worth of electric wheelchairs and scooters to the Coachella Valley, as well as assisting with service calls for repair.

While the loss of mobility is often an inadvertent or inevitable consequence of life, AOF’s programs intend to help individuals by giving them an opportunity to live a happier life. AOF is an essential partner in the quality of life of veterans, low-income families and seniors in the Coachella Valley.

American Outreach Foundation strives to enhance living conditions, champion freedom of mobility, erase the feeling of invisibility felt by many, and empower a sense of well-being to instill hope for a brighter tomorrow for those suffering from any kind of impairment.

Nefertiti Long

Inland Empire Community Foundation Vice Chair Making A Difference The Women’s Giving Fund at IECF is a diverse group of professional women who wanted to create an inclusive opportunity for female donors to learn about women’s economic security issues, focus their giving on issues impacting women and children, and experience the power of collaborative philanthropy. As Chair of the Women’s Giving Fund, it gives me great joy to see women open their hearts and give back. They are philanthropic-minded and living their passion. Since 2018, the Fund has distributed $70,000 to nonprofits in the region, and at a time of great need for women and their families during COVID.

Kim Livreri

The Butterfly Mission President Making A Difference Kim Livreri’s foundation, The Butterfly Mission, works with homeless mothers and children to improve their lives and self confidence enabling them to get a fresh start in today’s society.

Working directly with local Non-Profits The Butterfly Mission enhances the lives of the most vulnerable in the Coachella Valley.

During the Covid Pandemic The Butterfly Mission played a prominent role in contributing to the safe living conditions and welfare of our homeless population. Over 100 families have benefited from this foundation.

We at The Butterfly Mission assist and develop these essential skills that will inspire the under-privileged to reach their full potential.

Jennifer Loza

Ronnie’s House For Hope CEO / Founder Making A Difference As a widow of 9 years when my husband Ronnie passed and a mother who lost my 18-year son Steven almost 10 months ago, I am incredibly proud of our work at Ronnie’s House For Hope. For the last 2 years we have been providing peer support grief service to children/teens and their families with onsite and off-site grief groups. We currently also hold groups for parents who have lost a child.

It is our mission to ensure every child and their family has a safe and supportive environment to cope with and find tools for their grief at no charge.

Eve Fromberg I was raised in the Palm Springs area. I have been practicing law since 1997. I have practiced real estate, business and corporate law. In 2008, I was hired as the CEO of Smile Factory, a local non-profit agency which provides free dental screenings and treatment to public school children. This experience gave me invaluable experience in working with non-profit organizations and knowledge of the day-to-day operational challenges they face. I have worked as both a staff member and a board member which has given me unique insight into the inner workings of nonprofit organizations.

I provide corporate and governance counsel to several nonprofit clients both locally and regionally. My other areas of practice include real estate and general business law. I have also facilitated many board retreats and spoken as a legal expert of board governance and legal compliance. I am a member of the Desert Bar Association, California Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. I have been involved with many local organizations.

I have served as a board president and board member for multiple local organizations including Pathfinder Ranch and Palm Springs Pathfinders, a woman’s auxiliary organization.

I believe that a good board is a trained board.

Most board members are thrown into board work with no formal training or education. I am here to use my experience to assist nonprofits both efficiently and broadly. I believe it is my job to help a board become the best version of itself

Eve Fromberg Partner/Attorney Fromberg Edelstein Fromberg 2825 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite D-1 Palm Springs, California 92262 760.320.2804 x104 Eve.Fromberg@FEFLaw.com www.FEFLaw.com

women in philanthropy

DeAnn Lubell

DeAnn Lubell Marketing & Media Solutions Owners Making A Difference Serving the local nonprofit sector as a publicist and marketing specialist since 1991 has been very rewarding. What a joy to have represented well-respected organizations with inspiring missions to make life better for others in our desert communities. Now, I am trying to make a difference with my own newly-formed nonprofit called Amy’s Purpose at www.amyspurpose.net

Judy A. May

- PAGE 10

Heidi Maldoon

Jan Lupia

Eileen Lynch

Making A Difference Grateful is how I feel everyday as I begin work with the courageous mothers at Mama’s House. Without doubt, a difference is being made in the lives of these women that not only impacts them, their families and their communities, it also benefits generations now and to come. Having arrived homeless with no support, they leave having received education, therapy and services simply not found to the same degree elsewhere. While being nurtured with us, they learn to cope with past hurts, work, and run a functioning household. It is God ordained and priceless work that sees broken lives restored.

Making A Difference Eileen relocated to the desert to join Jo Rosen and Parkinson’s Resource Organization in the fight to ensure “no one is isolated because of Parkinson’s disease.” Her previous experience building donor advocacy channels for healthcare nonprofits in Virginia and Washington, D.C. will come in handy as PRO responds to skyrocketing demand for our Parkinson’s support services. Check out our expanded support group offerings -- including exercise, grief, and mindfulness meetings for you and your loved ones with Parkinson’s.

Colleen McGrath

Dr. Ruthanna Metzgar Ruth Moir SongShine Foundation

Mama’s House Founder & Executive Director

Desert Ability Center Executive Director/CEO

Mojave Desert Land Trust Director of Development

Making A Difference Covid changed a lot of lives but none more so than for those living with disabilities. In an effort to keep our clients active and engaged during those times of isolation, Desert Ability Center created an online strength and cycling program that allowed wheelchair users to be active and interactive from the safety of their homes. Participants were fortunate to have the services of professional parathletes from across the country.

Making A Difference In March Mojave Desert Land Trust hosted “Miles For MDLT”, a virtual fundraiser. It was a terrific way to connect with our supporters and for supporters to connect with the desert.

Participants selected a number of miles they were going to hike then invited family and friends to donate to MDLT which helped us to connect with more people. Fundraisers shared photos from their hikes and reasons why they liked MDLT. Several people said it gave them something other than COVID to focus on and really helped them to connect with nature in a new way which was heartening to hear

This programming was so successful it will become a part of DAC’s regularly scheduled programming. DAC is committed to adapting to every obstacle that comes our way to stay in the game.

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

Parkinson’s Resource Organization Director of Operations

Founder and Director

Making A Difference SongShine’s goal is to strengthen voices compromised by Parkinson’s, reclaim vocabulary stolen by stroke, and bring life to voices compromised by other neurological disorders or aging. Although the Pandemic brought a halt to in-person classes in the Coachella Valley, Zoom technology allowed us to continue to serve the community. Our method combines breath support, body alignment awareness, singing, voice exercises, diction, articulation, creative imagination, and role play. The comment we hear most frequently from our students: “SongShine Zoom class has been a lifeline. We are grateful.”

Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert Executive Director Making A Difference Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert has an extraordinary team of dedicated board members, staff, and volunteers who come together ensuring the unique needs of children and families across the Coachella Valley are met. I am honored to be part of Variety’s commitment to making a difference within our community. Together, we have pivoted, expanded, partnered, and remained focused on impacting children with special needs through these critical times of need. As we navigate the variables each season brings, we are grateful to serve and make a positive impact in the lives of many Coachella Valley children and families.

Steinway Society of Riverside County Founder / CEO Making A Difference In 2000, a group of concerned Coachella Valley leaders informally gathered to bring world class musicians into the schools. By 2002, music programs in schools began to disappear because of funding cuts for the arts. But the Steinway Society of Riverside County was ready to fill the need. Today, SSRC serves all three School Districts with quality music programs. The History of Music from 1600 to 1900 was written by musicians Bob Poehling and Joe Giarrusso and Mr. Mc Symphony, presented by Steven Battaglia, is a series for grades 1st- 6th that explains the various musicians and origin of their instruments.

women in philanthropy

- PAGE 11

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

Cynthia Moses

Integrated Learning Institute Director Making A Difference How does one make a difference in changing times?

Change can happen quickly. Rapid change can feel uncertain. Unexpected. Unknown.

Unrelenting. Unsparing. Like an ambush.

An onslaught. And, in the case of Covid-19, deadly.

While much is to be said about responding to change with counter-change and reform, there is also the tried and true recourse of what has worked, still works, and will continue to work in spite of the challenges.

We all need that person/place we can count on. Real change happens when the people and work are… Steadfast. Dependable. Reliable. Dedicated. Faithful. Committed. Steady.

Michelle Newman

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Philanthropic Support Associate Making A Difference The Palm Desert Campus of California State University, San Bernardino has been committed to the success of our students.

Through our core values of; inclusivity, innovation, respect, social justice and equity, sustainability, transparency and wellness and safety we seek ways to connect students to resources and career pathways, provide opportunities for educational and personal growth and raise money for scholarships. This in turn creates transformational opportunities for our students and the campus community that sustain the intellectual, environmental, economic and cultural richness of the Coachella Valley.

Patty Newman

Coachella Valley Wellness Foundation Board Chair Making A Difference When COVID-19 became a crisis in March of 2020, the Coachella Valley Wellness Foundation quickly shifted its funding focus to local non-profits providing critical services during an unprecedented pandemic. Friends and family joined the effort by contributing to the Newman COVID Relief Fund in Memory of Arthur Newman. Although we are blessed to live in a generous community, there are still inequities across the economic spectrum to be addressed. Thank you to the many men and women in philanthropy who are making a difference in the Coachella Valley

Ines Allen Ines Allen was only 9 when her brother, Raul, died from an undiagnosed heart problem at 16. Living in poverty in Ecuador, Allen’s family couldn’t afford to seek proper medical treatment for her brother.

But the ensuing grief over Raul’s untimely death engulfed Ines and her family, prompting them to leave Ecuador’s poverty for the United States. Her family succeeded in building a better life for themselves, but Ines never forgot about the poverty that claimed her brother’s life.

Hoping to help families of limited means around the world, Ines co-founded IMAHelps with her husband, Tracey, and recruited over 100 doctors, surgeons, dentists and other healthcare professionals to join them on annual medical humanitarian missions.

Over the past two decades, IMAHelps has provided free medical and dental care to over 100,000 impoverished men, women and children in nine countries. Their volunteers have also performed over 2,500 life-changing surgeries and fitted over 400 amputees with prosthetic legs, enabling them to get up out of their wheelchairs and walk again.

Michele Nobleman

Patti Park

Kyle Radke

The Allens’ compassion and the heartfelt stories of many of their patients and volunteers are contained in a recently released book, A Vision of Hope: The First 20 Years of IMAHelps.

Making A Difference Giving back to the community is how my parents raised my siblings and I. Volunteering and doing good work should start early in life to grow and blossom as we age. Leading the volunteer supporters at Hanson House has been one of the greatest learning and growing experiences in my life. Providing hospitality at a low cost to people who genuinely need it, is the Hanson House mission, and gives me a huge payback in good feelings

Making A Difference An extremely difficult year was manageable due to our amazing employees and the ongoing support received from our donors, grantors and this wonderful community.

Making A Difference “Making a Difference” has never been more meaningful than it is these days. From business goals, growth and achievements to the very profound, complex and necessary relationships that provide the tent poles to your personal life. I make an effort every day – to make a difference in someone’s life. A greeting card to say I am thinking of them, an email of encouragement, a solution that helps a client’s bottom-line – and finding ways to help those out in their daily life who are not as fortunate as myself.

Publishing costs have been graciously underwritten by private donors so that all donations raised from A Vision of Hope can be used to purchase medicines and supplies for IMAHelps’ upcoming medical missions to Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Donations of at least $40 are requested for each book, which can be ordered through www.imahelps.org.

Hanson House Foundation, Inc. Executive Director

Angel View Executive Director

We conducted onsite vaccine clinics for our residents and program staff, and since our residents remained safe at home, we kept them connected through teleconferencing by fundraising for two new iPads in every location. Our Children’s Outreach supported the largest caseload we’ve ever served through our free services, which is entirely funded through philanthropy, and our retail store employees continued an outstanding job of processing your generous donations while operating safely throughout the pandemic.

Jones Agency CEO

For me “Making a Difference” is much more than a tagline – it’s a way of living a balanced life.

Ines Allen, CEO President IMAHelps PO Box 2727 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 898-2786 ines@imahelps.org www.imahelps.org

women in philanthropy

Donna Raider

Jewish National Fund-USA JNF-USA Director Making A Difference Donna Raider has served as Jewish National Fund-USA’s Director, Palm Springs since August 2013. Since the start of the pandemic, JNF-USA raised over $100 million for the land and people of Israel in 2020 and again in 2021. Among some of its successful initiatives, JNF-USA hosted various virtual events featuring celebrities and highly sought-after guest speakers, as well as virtual tours of Israel to support tour guides who couldn’t work. JNF-USA also created its Online Mitzvah Marketplace to sell artisanal goods from Israeli businesses. Donna can be reached at draider@jnf.org

- PAGE 12

Melissa Riche

Preservation Mirage Vice President Making A Difference Preservation Mirage was founded in 2018 by Melissa Riche, a local historian, writer, and Rancho Mirage resident. The group has over 300 members, supported by a 9-member board of directors. Its mission is to promote the appreciation and preservation of important and historic architecture in the city of Rancho Mirage. Melissa Riche keeps the community updated with a regular Preservation Mirage newsletter. During 2020-2021, she also presented several ‘Preservation Sessions’ on Rancho Mirage history, the iconic Thunderbird and Tamarisk Country Clubs, Sunnylands, as well as the origins of the city from the 1920s.

Watch online at www.PreservationMirage.org.

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

Irene Rodriguez

Jo Rosen

Making A Difference April 2020 the museum sent a weekly newsletter about our founder, Cabot Yerxa’s adventures and his love of the desert to connect with our members and visitors. We shared more of Cabot’s writings at Storytelling Evenings. When allowed, we opened the pueblo with an audio, self-guided tour and the grounds, which people gather together to enjoy the outdoors. The past school year, we connected virtually to every second grader in three elementary schools in Desert Hot Springs. A special thank you to our members, donors, and visitors—they made it possible for the museum to preserve and promote Cabot’s legacy.

Making A Difference Jo Rosen is celebrating her 31st year “Working so no one is isolated because of Parkinson’s disease”. Her vision for the Organization continues to expand the work the organization does for the Parkinson’s community.

Since COVID-19, PRO has increased its outreach exponentially. Today it is helping thousands of people across the world with support groups, information and referrals, newsletters, coaching, a national resource directory, a Memorial Wall, and coming soon, a Wall of Nuggets. Gala celebration Dec 11, 2021.

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum Executive Director

Parkinson’s Resource President & Founder

Rebecca Ruffing

Amy Sand

Cheryl Scarlett

Ann Sheffer

Making A Difference It’s no secret that seniors have been particularly hard-hit during this pandemic. The Cathedral City Senior Center and its partners across the valley have worked hard to come together and ensure that older adults have access to care, resources, information, and support. As we’ve reopened our doors and returned to onsite programming, it has been such a privilege to bring the fun and joy back into the lives of individuals who spent the last year isolated and alone.

We’re grateful for our volunteers and donors who have stuck with us during the pandemic and continue to make our mission possible.

Making A Difference For those not seeing as well as they used to, help is in sight. Learn to maintain independence and make the most of the vision you still have through our free services. From magnification devices to techniques for completing tasks and getting around safely, we’ll help you go from no way to new way.

Over 300 classes/workshops including cooking, art, exercise, technology and more.

A library of over 100,000 audio books.

Participate from the comfort of your home using a computer, smartphone, or traditional phone for online classes.

Making A Difference JFS Desert celebrates 40 years of community assistance. I have always understood and appreciated the importance of collaboration. I am proud to represent JFS, where my commitment has led to the creation of partnerships, leading to an improved quality of life for Valley residents.

Making A Difference In times of crisis, the arts can make a difference to the economic and mental health of a community.

Cathedral City Senior Center Associate Director

Braille Institute, Coachella Valley Regional Manager

Jewish Family Service of the Desert Director of Major Gifts and Fundraising

Working with the JFS Desert leadership team, staff, volunteers, Auxiliary, and Board of Directors to offer nearly 16,000 services to 3200 residents annually is a great source of pride. JFS programs offering security, stability and hope are made possible through the generous support of donors, partners, and foundations.

Palm Springs Public Arts Commission Chair

In March 2020, when the COVID-19 crisis began, the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission (of which I was then the Chair) created C.A.R.E.S. grants (Community Art Responds to Economic Shutdowns) to use art installations, murals, benches and traffic boxes, to draw people downtown – and create work for artists.

We are proud to have created dozens of murals, notably George Floyd and Amanda Gorman, painted more than 60 benches downtown and in parks, brought art to neighborhoods throughout the city – and employed over 100 artists!

women in philanthropy

- PAGE 13

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

Paula Simonds

Family YMCA of the Desert CEO Making A Difference Having been tasked with writing about Paula Simonds, CEO of the Family YMCA of the Desert, I exclaimed, “just 100 words to show how she is making a difference?” That isn’t enough to say what is on the minds of her YMCA staff and board members.

Because of Paula’s quick response and attention to every detail, the Y was able to not only stay open during the pandemic but flourish.

Paula is a philanthropist in its purest sense; she gives of herself through all she does and is tireless in her pursuit of giving to those less fortunate. All with no fanfare. She never gives up and she never gives in when it comes to helping others.

Lisa Vossler Smith Modernism Week Executive Director

Making A Difference I’ve lived in the Coachella Valley for more than 20 years and I could not be more proud of our community. A professional network of individuals from other non-profit organizations, businesses, museums and arts & culture organizations have continued to meet regularly via Zoom to share information and resources throughout these changing work climates.

Modernism Week has continued to grow and evolve as a result of this wonderful community support. We hope that by providing public education about the rich architectural heritage of Palm Springs, and funding scholarships to local high school seniors we can continue to make a positive difference in our region.

Sandy Smith Copper Mountain College Foundation Executive Director

Making A Difference During the pandemic, we became acutely aware of our community’s need for welltrained nurses, EMTs, and first responders.

Copper Mountain College is proud of our health science students as well as our alumni who bravely serve day in and day out.

CMC Foundation is committed to maintaining this level of student success. This past year CMCF funded ATI Testing for all VN students, bought three new training mannequins, established the Jeff Tabor Memorial EMT Scholarship, administered the Deavah Woodley Memorial RN Scholarship, provided Covid relief funding to the 2021 Class of Vocational Nurses, and updated the science labs on campus.

Donna Raider Philanthropy. Zionism. Being an active and engaged member of the Jewish community.

These attributes were instilled in me at a very young age when I went door to door selling “leaves” to help plant trees in Israel.

Jewish National Fund-USA has always been a part of me. I just never knew how much the organization helped shaped my path until I became JNF-USA’s Director in Palm Springs nearly a decade ago.

I wake up every day feeling blessed to work with this organization and members of the Palm Springs community — full of likeminded individuals who, like me, care deeply about the land and people of Israel and the future of Jewish people around the globe.

Together, we partner to support critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south, connecting the next generation to Israel, and creating infrastructure and programs that support ecology, individuals with special needs, and heritage site preservation, among other incredible, life-changing projects.

Nancy Singer Desert Arc Board Member

Making A Difference Nancy Singer is a passionate, exemplary volunteer fundraiser and generous philanthropist. Her inspiration for getting involved with Desert Arc in 2004 and supporting its mission of serving people with disabilities is Nancy’s beloved niece, Erica Davis-Popely, who has Down syndrome. Her dedication to Desert Arc’s cause translates into making a difference in the lives of 700+ people with disabilities. Other local charities are also the beneficiary of Nancy’s giving heart in her roles including Vice President of Temple Sinai, VP of Finance/Treasurer of Sabra Hadassah of the Desert and Co-Chair of fundraising events for the Jewish National Fund Coachella Valley.

Karen Sorbo

Benefit Auctioneer Making A Difference It is remarkably apparent that so many of us Women in Philanthropy, stepped out in faith during the pandemic. We all have unique and amazing stories that we bravely and humbly share. I admire us women that continued to exhibit our innate passion to make a difference, through the pandemic.

As a seasoned Benefit Auctioneer for the last twenty-eight years, I must admit it certainly was a challenge to encourage clients to Pivot from Live to Virtual Fundraising events. Even though with trepidation, I embraced it wholeheartedly. Nearly half of my existing clients pushed forward with determination to raise the much-needed funding.

A.J. Steinberg

Queen Bee Fundraising Principal Making A Difference In 2020 COVID made it clear that nonprofits needed to find new ways to engage donors and follow through with their mission during socially-distanced times. I was fortunate to be able to partner with several national organizations to present webinars and lead panel discussions that reached over 6,000 nonprofit professionals, giving them much-needed guidance and strategies to cope with the new normal. While I missed leading my in-person workshops and producing live fundraisers, I feel blessed to have seen so many dedicated and talented nonprofit folk step up to the challenge and achieve great success in so many ways.

If there’s one thing I have learned, there’s no community like this one.

JNF-USA will be hosting some amazing events for the Palm Springs community, including our upcoming Men’s Night Out in November and a major donor reception in December, as well as other events during season. If you’re interested in learning more about these events or about how you can partner with JNF-USA to support the land and people of Israel, I welcome you to contact me at draider@jnf.org.

Donna Raider, Director Palm Springs Desert Region Jewish National Fund (760) 864-6208 x 989 draider@jnf.org www.jnf.org

women in philanthropy

Erica Stone

Soldiers Organized Services Founding Director Making A Difference After 14 years of running this non-profit, I’ve learned that as a director you have to wear many hats. Our grass roots organization had to change its focus due to Covid’s restrictions; despite not being able to run fundraisers, we concentrated on improving the lives of our many Coachella Valley Veterans and Military families. We brightened the lives of Military children with an Easter egg hunt, held Memorial Day and July 4th celebrations, and even helped a Marine wife install a new toilet!

Our community outreach for the broader Coachella Valley continues to go beyond the needs of our active-duty Marines, promoting patriotism and community involvement on a daily basis.

Judy Tobin May

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert Executive Director Making A Difference Our program is built on the foundation of human connection. One mentor, one child - a relationship that ignites the power and promise of a child’s future. In these unprecedented times, the mentoring relationships created through Big Brothers Big Sisters are more important than ever and are professionally supported by certified program specialists in order to prevent social isolation of our young people and the families we serve. Our mentors and staff remain a source of hope, comfort and guidance for their children in our program.

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Donna Sturgeon PRO Wellness Village

Making A Difference Approximately 60,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease each year. My mom was one. This lead to my work with Parkinson’s Resource Organization in helping to develop and bring resources to their online “Wellness Village” — products, services and programs that help improve the quality of life for people on this journey.

Additionally, my role as a guest reporter for the “Philanthropy and Special Sections” feature of The Desert Sun affords me the opportunity and privilege to connect with and highlight those charities and individuals in our Valley who are “Making a Difference” in the lives of others.

Calista Vassios VAXIE Co-Creator

Making A Difference My friend, Rhea Hoffman, and I created VAXIE (Vaccinate Inland Empire) to help provide equal covid-19 vaccine access for all. We created a resource website, Facebook page and group for live updates, warmline for volunteers to book vaccine appointments, handed out flyers, helped with transportation, and worked with pharmacies and organizations to get our community vaccinated and prevent vaccine waste. Our amazing VAXIE Volunteers helped book over 78,000 vaccine appointments since February 2021.

The resources of VAXIE are ready and available for any continued need in our community. Please visit VAXIE.org for more information..

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

Carol Teitelbaum

Sheila Thornton

Making A Difference A psychotherapist since 1985, Carol has worked tirelessly to make our community a better place.

Her passion and love for people has led her on many adventures. Years ago, she and her husband Robert created their non-profit corporation, Palm Springs TheatreSports. Using improv they brought healing to many teenagers and their families.

Making A Difference COVID had a devasting impact on the college plans of our valley’s students. Hardest hit were low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation college students. Many had to put family financial and health needs over education. As a result, OneFuture shifted our work to provide compassionate and real-time support for these students in the areas of their greatest needs on finances, remote learning, family concerns and physical and mental health challenges. It was an honor for us to support these courageous young people, give them tools to face the challenges and help them continue their path to a better future.

Creative Change Conferences Co-Founder

An off shoot of this organization is Creative Change Conferences, where Carol and her team focus on helping survivors of sexual abuse find healing and peace.

OneFuture Coachella Valley President & CEO

Ann Ventura

Rev. Jane Voigts

Making A Difference The health care workers on the front lines caring for COVID patients, who epitomize compassion and commitment and often times are surrogate family members, are the true heroes during this very difficult time.

Making A Difference The COVID-19 pandemic created the opportunity for our church to help the needful of our community in important new ways. For example, last summer, we partnered with the County and the City and turned our Fellowship Hall into the Palm Springs’ Temporary Overnight Cooling Center. It worked so well we are continuing these partnerships and boosting support. This summer, our Fellowship Hall is serving as Palm Springs’ first ever 24/7 shelter for unhoused neighbors. It is run

by Martha’s Village and Kitchen and offers “wraparound services” to our guests. This has been an exciting and hopeful venture for all, and we look forward to seeing where it leads!

Eisenhower Health Foundation Vice President, Foundation

I began my career in Development over 40 years ago at the University of Southern California and have been with Eisenhower Health for the past thirteen years. It has been extremely rewarding to work with the very generous donors of this valley who have helped to make Eisenhower the institution it is today.

United Methodist Church of Palm Springs Pastor

women in philanthropy

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Lexi Ward

Pam Weekley

Making A Difference My goal is to create very personal connections for our donors with the Zoo and our desert plants and animals. These relationships inspire giving, which supports our mission of preserving desert species and creating an amazing place where conservation is fun for visitors of all ages. It’s so inspiring to be part of an amazing fundraising community who all work so hard to make a difference in our desert.

Making A Difference As the board treasurer of both AFP and Loving All Animals, servicing our community gives me tremendous opportunity to make a difference. Being a professional accountant, I strive to ensure that board decisions are fiscally and ethically managed for day-to-day operations, events, and ongoing charitable endeavors.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Annual Giving Officer

Pam Weekley & Associates Owner

During the pandemic, our business was considered essential. We extended our services to our non-profit and for-profit clients to include obtaining grants, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans as well as obtaining PPP loan forgiveness. Many of these services we offered pro bono.

CJ Westrick-Bomar, Esq. Wendy Winks Tools For Tomorrow Event Producer

Making A Difference My nonprofit event production and marketing experience began in 2008. Since then, I learned that “Making A Difference is Contagious” if you Make A Difference that engages others.

During Covid, TFT VISIONARIES learned that Out of Adversity you can find Opportunity.

Zoom classes replaced our onsite Arts Literacy programs. An unexpected benefit was attracting students not in our current schools.

A fun, entertaining virtual fundraiser showcasing our children replaced our gala. Valley businesses and talent participated making it a Community Affair. Their participation and advertising our event on their social media tripled attendance. Thanks to all. 2021 Most Profitable Year!

Idyllwild Arts Academy & Summer Program V.P. Marketing & Communications Making A Difference Wendy Winks has a personal mission of helping artists succeed. While at Universal Studios she developed screenplays with writers and directors and helped shepherd them into production at Hallmark and Universal. In her role as Regional Director of So Cal for School of Rock, she arranged for rock stars like Robby Krieger, Orianthi and Dave Stewart to mentor the students. And she founded a music scholarship program for kids across the US. Now, as VP Marketing for Idyllwild Arts, she tells the story of the legendary programs at the forested mountain campus, just 1 hour away.

DESERT CHARITIES NEWS

Lori Weiner

Cortney Weir

Making A Difference During the recent months of the COVID-19 pandemic, California Paws Rescue continued, and will continue, making a difference by focusing on our mission to provide a safe, secure, and loving place for abandoned pets to recuperate, socialize, recover, and get the medical care needed for a second chance of life. To me, making a difference means helping in the best of times and doing the extra work required during the most challenging times. I’m proud of the California Paws Rescue team for making a difference today, and every day, one life at a time.

Making A Difference For the staff and volunteers of the Alzheimer’s Association, serving the population most vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus presented many challenges, much heartbreak and many sleepless nights. But it also showed us what we were made of and we worked tirelessly to ensure that our constituents would still have the care and support services so critical to their wellbeing. We found strength, resolve and even joy in rising to the challenge and triumphing in the face of this devastating time. I am so proud of my team, and of all of the wonderful people Making a Difference in the CV!

Maria Wren

Madeline Zuckerman

California Paws Rescue Founder

SMaRT Education Co-founder & CEO Making A Difference When COVID-19 forced the closure of schools in March of 2020 my first thought was, “what are parents going to do Monday when they have to go to work?” As schools moved into distance learning, my concern shifted focus to our youth. I am a person of action. If there’s a problem, let’s find a solution. I can’t end the pandemic but I can provide a safe place for Coachella Valley kids to learn and thrive. I can provide a place where parents worried about learning loss can be confident that their child will have stimulating experiences in a safe environment.

Alzheimer’s Association Regional Director

Madeline Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations,Inc. Owner & President Making A Difference During the pandemic, I wrote many stories on extraordinary “Unsung Heroes” within our community, who often donate their time and talents to volunteer for worthwhile nonprofits in the Valley. My company realized when the majority of the fundraising and other events were cancelled, that we had to shift gears and think out-of-the-box, in order to maintain critical branding and visibility for these businesses and nonprofits. We developed new ideas and strategies for fundraising, while maintaining visibility and critical branding for these organizations. It has been amazing and heartwarming to see the philanthropic community step up to the plate during COVID! I am proud to live in a community where philanthropy and giving back is so important and strong!

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Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com • www.dcnnews.com

October/November/December 2021

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