Fifth Annual Champions Of Change Recognition Awards

By Madeline Zuckerman

With a record crowd of 350 loyal supporters, Desert Arc hosted its Fifth Annual Champions Of Change Recognition Awards Luncheon, which honors local individuals and companies in our Valley who champion Desert Arc’s mission. This year’s luncheon at Agua Caliente Resort Casino & Spa in Rancho Mirage raised $ 85,000.00 to benefit Desert Arc’s life-impacting programs and services for people with disabilities.

“I am very moved by the tremendous turnout of 350 people at our Fifth Annual Awards luncheon, with 100 more patrons present than we have ever experienced at previous fundraising events,” said Richard Balocco, Desert Arc’s President/CEO. “I am especially inspired by the personal accomplishments of our Client Of The Year Awardees, people with disabilities who come to Desert Arc with goals that our human services agency nurtures and supports through our comprehensive offering of programs and services. And, I am deeply thankful to our Board of Directors, staff, and all of the individuals, businesses, and desert community cities we recognize for championing our cause every day.”

Nancy Singer, Event Chair, long-standing Desert Arc Board member, and past Board Chair, teamed up with Celebrity Emcee Brooke Beare, Emmy® Award-Winning Journalist, and long-standing Desert Arc Board Member and immediate past Board Chair, to make this year’s event the most memorable.

Awards were presented in the following categories:

Champion Of The Year –Madeline Zuckerman, Owner & President of Madeline Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations, Inc.

Business Partner Of The Year – The City Of Rancho Mirage

Business Star Of The Year – Computer Consultants

Outstanding Volunteer Of The Year – JoAnne

Gilliam, Tennis Coach & Zumba Dance Instructor

Corporate Philanthropist Of The Year – Hot Purple Energy

Clients Of The Year

- – People Served By Desert Arc’s Mission:

Christian B. - Yucca Valley

Work Activity Program

Joseph C. – Supported

Employment Program

Jason C. – Palm Desert

Adult Day Program

Kevin G. – Shredding & Recycling Division

Shenolene P. – Individual

Placement Program

Toinesha S. – For Your

Independence Program

Jose V. – Landscape

Maintenance Division

Robert Y. – Supported

Employment Program

David Z. – Sports and Recreation Program

“Desert Ac’s Annual Champions Of Change Recognition Awards Luncheon is a very inspirational event, as it brilliantly showcases our mission in motion with heartwarming stories about people with disabilities who participate in our programs,” noted Damian Jenkins, Desert Arc

Board Chair. “It’s an amazing opportunity for our nonprofit to recognize and honor other individuals and organizations in the larger community who champion our vital cause.”

Major luncheon Sponsors included Harold Matzner, Presenting Sponsor; The City of Rancho Mirage and Eisenhower Health, Premium Sponsors; Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, City Of Rancho Mirage, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Hot Purple Energy, Edeltraud McCarthy Foundation, Nancy Singer, Doug and Verna Watson, and Madeline Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations Inc., Platinum Sponsors; Richard Balocco, Darlene Beneto, City of Indian Wells, City of Indio, First Foundation Bank,

Visit Greater Palm Springs, Michael Green, Barry Kaiman & Toni Victor, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Erica Davis-Popely, Pacific Western Bank, Dr. Ron A. Stewart, PH.D., and The Management Trust, Gold Sponsors.

“I am humbled by this special recognition regarding my work,” said Madeline Zuckerman, Desert Arc’s Champion Of The Year Awardee. “I became involved with Desert Arc over five years ago and have seen firsthand how successful this human services agency’s in-depth programs are for people with disabilities. Desert Arc has created a community and family for these adults with disabilities, and their clients find comfort in living their lives with Desert Arc’s help.”

This year’s Media Sponsors included Presenting Sponsor THE DESERT SUN & LOCALiQ, Exclusive TV Sponsor KESQ News Channel 3, and Exclusive Radio Sponsor Alpha Media – Palm Springs.

“As the Chair of Desert Arc’s two annual fundraising events, I am overwhelmed with the response and support we received this year for our Annual Champions Luncheon,” said Nancy Singer. “This event is a wonderful celebration of the achievements of our clients in reaching their personal goals through the guiding support of Desert Arc’s dedicated program team.”