Desert Charities News - Jan-Feb-Mar 2024

Aristotle D. McDaniel GPL Grandparents Love President Making A Di erence In the Coachella Valley, I am passionately devoted to making a di¦erence through GPL-Grandparents Love. Our transformative presence is keenly felt as we support grandparents courageously raising their grandchildren. Through respite programs, support groups, and health wellness initiatives, GPL o¦ers not just assistance, but a sense of understanding and community. Donations breathe life into programs forging connections and o¦ering invaluable guidance. Beyond practical aid, GPL addresses essential needs like car repairs and daily essentials. In the Coachella Valley, GPL-Grandparents Love is leaving an indelible mark, shaping spaces that uplift the spirits of dedicated grandparents and their beloved grandchildren. Andrew Mason Coachella Valley Firebirds Senior Director of Community Relations Making A Di erence The Coachella Valley Firebirds and Acrisure Arena are committed to creating an inclusive community of fans united through a shared passion of sports & entertainment. Andrew oversees all Firebirds’ community relations initiatives including the team’s One Valley Foundation. Through auctions and other fundraising avenues, the Firebirds have raised more than $500,000 for community programs in their first season alone. James Lindquist The LBGTQ Community Center of the Desert Director of Development Making A Di erence In my role at The Center in Palm Springs, I am passionately dedicated to advancing the nonprofit sector’s mission of creating a vibrant community. Specifically focused on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, my work involves fostering connections and providing vital resources. Through targeted initiatives, events, and collaborations I actively contribute to the overarching goal of assisting LGBTQ+ people along their journey. By championing inclusivity, understanding, and empowerment, I strive to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Every action I take aligns with the mission of building a stronger, more connected community. Jerry Keller Lulu California Bistro Managing Member Making A Di erence Lulu is proud to be deeply involved in our vibrant Coachella Valley community which has brought us so much love, happiness and success. Lulu’s main goals are to provide fresh, delicious food and drinks at the most reasonable prices possible and to do it in a bright, happy, friendly atmosphere that supports Lulu’s motto – “There’s Always a Party at Lulu.” We also provide very sanitary, safe and enjoyable dining for our guests and safe employment for our hard-working and upbeat sta¦. We’re proud to support Musical Theatre University, DAP Health, PS Boys & Girls Club and many other vital Charities. Tim Ingram Camp of Champions A & M Founder & President Making A Di erence The kind response of a childhood hockey hero to my handwritten letter is my personal testament that a word of encouragement or a positive encounter has the power to transform the life of a child. This is the mission of Camp of Champions, impacting the lives of youth through incentive, reward, training, and education. Our programs inspire youth by promoting healthy choices, accountability, academics, and athletics. One of our exciting programs is our Soccer Ball Giveaway, partnering with Coachella Valley schools to reward students. A more recent and burgeoning program is our drone camps that introduce students to drone sports and a wide range of career opportunities. There is no greater reward than the smile on the face of a young person who has experienced accomplishment lending to increased confidence! Vic Ide Cathedral City Senior Center Vice-President and COO Making A Di erence Dedicated to Enriching Senior’s; Lives at Cathedral City Senior Center At Cathedral City Senior Center, our unwavering passion is to ensure seniors enjoy vibrant retirements in secure, joyful spaces, fostering connections and support networks. We understand the growing issue of isolation in aging and food insecurity community-wide and are on a mission to eradicate them both. We also provide a helping hand to those in need. Our team, intimately acquainted with the challenges of elder care and essential services, brings boundless dedication to making a di¦erence. Here, seniors not only receive unwavering support but also thrive in an inclusive environment. M EN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 6 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT Scott Wolf As a kid growing up in the 1970s and 80s, I was brought up in a very middle-class blue-collar household where both of my parents worked hard to make a life for their family. Growing up with traditional values seemed pretty normal, however, “giving back” was never really discussed beyond the regular trips to church and my dad slipping us a dollar to put in the collection plate. As I became older and began to understand more how there were people in great need, I started to realize that I was blessed and maybe my life wasn’t so lacking in the important things. As I started to think about a career, I got some valuable practical advice and began to pursue the medical field, never once thinking that this would evolve into where I am today. After serving in the military as a medic and subsequently working in the private medical sector for over 17 years, I started to feel unfulfilled, although I had found a profound love for serving and bringing relief and comfort to others. I found myself in the Coachella Valley in 2011, and I am so very grateful to have found a home here with the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. Every day I have the opportunity to impact real change in our community by bringing the stories of the lives CVRM has touched to so many generous people who are like-minded and have a desire to help those in need. Being able to bring the mission of the Mission to those who have the “giving back” philosophy is one of the most rewarding parts of my career. But by far the most rewarding thing is seeing the small private victories of our clients as they go through our programs turn into huge public victories as they graduate employed, housed, redeemed, renewed, and restored. My cup is full….. Scott Wolf, Development Director Coachella Valley Rescue Mission PO Box 10660 Indio, CA 9 2202 (760) 347-3512 x 239 swolf@cvrm.org www.cvrm.org