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Iliad Richard Baird in “The Iliad” see page 7. Photo by Aaron Rumley.
Desert Hot Springs, CA PERMIT NO 00005
December 16, 2020 Vol. 16 No. 109
Reggie: Giving Back!
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Desert Arc’s Reginald Davis II Gives Back to Help Others with Disabilities By Madeline Zuckerman One meets those people in life that leave the kind of impression that lasts for a lifetime. Those few who live by the dictum to “do the best you can with what you have” are
invariably the most memorable. And Reginald Davis II, who went from a shy young man with a disability to an outspoken advocate for all of those people with disabilities, has an inspiring story and
one that will leave the reader wondering what he or she could be doing to further pursue their own life’s potential. Having spent his life in California, first being born in Loma Linda and then growing
up in Indio, Reggie was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of three. The Mayo Clinic defines Cerebral Palsy as a disparate collection of nervous system disorders that can affect daily life functions.
Early in his life, Reggie allowed his diagnosis and the expectations some people had of him to deter him from fully engaging in life. Instead, he used his family as a barrier against the outside world. Fortunately, his shyness Continues on Page 5
16 Years Of Loyal Devotion To Nonprofit Desert Arc By Madeline Zuckerman All humanitarian work that is performed charitably is considered philanthropy. For many, humanitarian efforts are seasonal, with their efforts being interrupted by life’s responsibilities. Then, those select few who cross paths with an organization or a cause that resonates so deeply within them that it completely alters them and their life’s journey. For Palm Desert resident Nancy Singer, the mission of Desert Arc would become her lodestone, and she would become a rock
upon which the organization could anchor itself. “Desert Arc is very close to my heart and has been for 16 years,” states Nancy. “My inspiration for getting involved so many years ago with the organization is my beloved niece, Erica Davis–Popely, who was diagnosed at three days old with Down Syndrome.” In 2004, Nancy would cross paths with Tina Lopez while playing bridge at Mission Hills Country Club. Tina had a son who was a client of Desert Arc, and she was
serving on the Board of Desert Arc at the time. As the ladies chatted, Tina became aware of Nancy’s passion for helping people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Tina invited Nancy to join a group of volunteer ladies to get involved with Desert Arc. Nancy certainly made an impression on Tina, because without Nancy’s knowledge, Tina submitted Nancy’s name for consideration for a Board position with Desert Arc. Nancy was immediately Continues on Page 7
(left to right) Erica Davis-Popely, niece of Nancy Singer, with Nancy Singer on the right. Photo by Lani Garfield Photography.