The Nonprofit SCENE DO-GOODER HONORING THE PEN

By CHarles drabkin

The Palm Springs Writers Guild supports local talent with programs, scholarships and prize money

The Palm Springs Writers Guild was established in 1977 by a small group of writers—and has now been dedicated to nurturing and supporting writers in the Coachella Valley for 4 1/2 decades.

With a current active membership of 254 individuals, the guild plays a vital role in fostering the growth and development of established and aspiring writers.

“We are writers helping writers,” said Kristina Hoffman, the guild’s director of member engagement.

Wreath award winner Cherri Liebelt at last year’s Christmas in July. Suzanne Fromkin

The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City will host the third annual “Christmas in July” celebration on Sunday, July 23, to raise funds for Tools for Tomorrow’s free afterschool arts-literacy program.

“Through the fabulously fun ‘Christmas in July’ events the last two years, the Roost Foundation has donated $100,000 to support Tools for Tomorrow’s program integrating art, creative writing, theater and music in Coachella Valley elementary schools,” said Tools for Tomorrow board president Judith Antonio. “Tools for Tomorrow helps develop creativity, communication skills and selfesteem among students ages 8 to 11. We deeply appreciate the Roost’s generosity.”

“Christmas in July” will kick off with a drag brunch catered by Lulu California Bistro and hosted by Ethylina Canne, and featuring Paris, Jasmine and Kalista.

The dinner show will feature renowned singer/actress Lindsey Alley’s “A Musical Holiday,” with Emmy Award-winning composer John William Kavanaugh. Broadway World praised Alley, saying: “She engages the audience and proves a force to be reckoned with. Alley is a talented entertainer who embraces the audience in a comical diva fashion reminiscent of Carol Burnett.”

The dinner show also will include Trilussa Ristorante’s turkey with all the trimmings, and a holiday-wreath auction. The allholidays wreath contest offers prizes for the most creatively decorated wreaths; entries are due to the Roost by July 22.

For “Christmas in July” info, visit theroostcc.com; tickets will go on sale Wednesday, July 5. To learn more about Tools for Tomorrow, visit toolsfortomorrow. org, or call 760-601-3954.

—Submitted on behalf of Tools for Tomorrow by Suzanne Fromkin

The Palm Springs Writers Guild believes in acknowledging and supporting young talent in writing. To that end, the guild recently awarded a total of $5,000 in scholarships to two outstanding high school seniors, because of their exceptional writing abilities and dedication.

As part of its third annual scholarship program, the guild presented the funds to Marielle Lazaro from Cathedral City High School, and Haley Meberg from Rancho Mirage High School. The applicants each submitted two essays; the guild doesn’t require a certain GPA level or attendance record, and the only prerequisite is what these young writers reveal about their passion for writing, and how it influences their lives. The scholarship funds awarded by the Palm Springs Writers Guild will assist these students as they embark on their college careers.

“Our passionate belief in the future of young talent supports this scholarship, and (the scholarships) are some of the largest that are provided by a small local group,” said Judalon Manes, the guild’s director of education.

The guild also sponsored the prize money for the second annual Slam Poetry Contest at Indio High School. This event, held on April 28, showcased the poetic prowess of

23 young poets. Students, their families and faculty members gathered to support the participants. The contest winners—Melissa Ramirez (first place), Ashley Garcia (second) and Lucas Maduena (third)—captivated the audience with their powerful spoken-word performances.

The Palm Springs Writers Guild supports writers at all experience levels. The diverse membership offers numerous programs and resources to help writers advance their craft, offering a nurturing environment that fosters growth, creativity and collaboration through writing workshops, mentoring groups, writing contests, critique sessions and guest speaker events.

“Writing can be a lonely profession; our programs provide not only support and engagement, but help foster a sense of community for the writers of the Coachella Valley,” Hoffman said.

For more information, visit palmspringswritersguild.org.