Desert Charities News - Jan-Feb-Mar 2025

. M EN IN PHILANTHROPY - A LPHA O RDER PAGE 7 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS BILL NICHOLSON Flooring Innovations Proprietor Making A Di erence Upon opening Flooring Innovations more than 20 years ago, Bill quickly noted the number of wonderful philanthropic organizations in the Coachella Valley and immediately got involved. Nicholson says “one day I received a phone call from Barbara Sinatra who asked me to tour the Children’s Center. After the tour, Mrs. Sinatra asked me to join the board. She and Helene Galen both did an excellent job of convincing me that I could help. That was 15 years ago. It has been most rewarding.” Nicholson also focuses his e–orts on animals, breast cancer, and other concerns. SPOTLIGHT DR. JAY SELLER Dr. Jay Seller is making a profound di erence at the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert, where his leadership and dedication to senior wellness resonate throughout the community. As the o§cial senior center for the cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells, the Joslyn Center serves as a vital hub for thousands of seniors seeking connection, support, and enrichment. Recognizing the unique needs of older adults in the desert, Dr. Seller is committed to creating a welcoming, active environment that supports both physical health and social connections. In a region where seniors often face challenges of isolation and loneliness, Dr. Seller has prioritized programming that encourages socialization, fitness, and engagement, addressing these essential needs. Through carefully designed activities like exercise classes, discussion groups, and enrichment programs, Dr. Seller and his team ensure that seniors have meaningful opportunities to connect, fostering friendships and building a strong sense of belonging. The Joslyn Center’s bustling activity calendar is a testament to its commitment to enhancing quality of life and empowering seniors to stay active, curious, and involved. Dr. Seller’s vision emphasizes the vital role of community and philanthropy in sustaining these e orts. With generous contributions from Valley donors, the Center can continuously expand and improve its o erings. The love and support from the community are the bedrock of the Center’s success, allowing seniors to enjoy an accessible, enriching space where they feel valued. Dr. Seller’s impact is felt daily, as he works alongside members, volunteers, and community partners to keep the Joslyn Center a hub of joy, wellness, and connection. Jay Seller, PhD Executive Director The Joslyn Center 73-750 Catalina Way Palm Desert, 92260 (760) 895-4649 jays@joslyncenter.org www.joslyncenter.org MICHAEL NICKERSON-ROSSI Nickerson-Rossi Dance Artistic Director/Founder Making A Di erence ”Nickerson-Rossi Dance, founded by Michael Nickerson-Rossi, began with a performance at the Palm Springs Art Museum and has grown into a dynamic force in the Coachella Valley. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, it champions dance education, o–ering scholarships for K-12 students and creating unique programs like the Boy Dance Scholarship Fund and Therapeutic Dance with Desert Regional Medical Center. Through collaborations with local schools and foundations, the Academy and Dance House in Palm Springs provides transformative experiences, while Michael’s visionary leadership inspires the next generation of dancers, blending art, education, and community in powerful, lasting ways.” NATE OTTO Hot Purple Energy President & CEO Making A Di erence Giving back has always been one of the foundations of Hot Purple Energy. Supporting local nonprofits is a privilege we hold close to our hearts, whether it’s through sponsoring events, advocating for important causes, or providing direct support. One way we give back is through our Pay it Forward referral program—for every referral that signs with us, we make a donation in our clients’ names to local nonprofits. Their dedication inspires us to continue finding ways to support their missions, and we’re proud to contribute to the meaningful impact they create in our community. MIHAI PATRU Caravanserai Alliance for Entrepreneurs Chief Executive Officer Making A Di erence In my role at Caravanserai, I have the privilege of working closely with a diverse group of local entrepreneurs and small business owners. I am inspired by their unwavering determination, innovative approaches to business, and steadfast commitment to achieving success, often in the face of significant challenges. Their journeys serve as a constant reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about creating businesses—it is about building resilience, fostering community, and unlocking potential that drives positive change. Their stories remind me that the work we do at Caravanserai is about more than economic development—it is about cultivating hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for our communities. MICHAEL PHIPPS-RUSSELL Loving All Animals President / Executive Director Making A Di erence As we work to end the euthanasia of adoptable and treatable animals we are investing in people. Due to limited availability of veterinary care during the pandemic, nearly half of all animals are entering our shelter with medical and/or behavior problems. To meet our animals’ needs we are investing in vocational training, behavior education, and fundraising e–orts to expand our workforce. We have seen immediate and positive outcomes from this investment. Even under very challenging conditions we have been able to expand care to treat our animals and continue our mission to end the euthanasia of adoptable and treatable animals. GARY POWERS Revolution Stage Company Owner, Co-Founder, Producing Partner Making A Di erence James Owens and I created the RSC last year, Palm Springs’ newest, most-innovative theatre company, in order to bring O–-Broadway style theatre to the Coachella Valley. I worked at various theatres in NYC & Boston for over three decades with the most-acclaimed professionals. The RSC uses local talent to create high-quality professional productions, collaborating with artists, making tickets available at reasonable prices to those on fixed incomes while presenting plays, musicals, comedy, cabaret in addition to providing a platform for budding writers with our annual play festival.