Desert Charities News - Jan-Feb-Mar 2025

. M EN IN PHILANTHROPY - A LPHA O RDER PAGE 8 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT STEVEN ROCHE The Filmmakers Gallery Co-Founder/President/Producer Making A Di erence The Filmmakers’ Gallery’s mission is to “Entertain, educate and inspire diverse cultures and communities through the universal language of film, television and theatre.” We firmly believe in engaging with the Coachella Valley community at- large, and in doing so have raised funds and awareness for other non-profit organizations including: The LGBTQ Center of the Desert, DAP Health, Desert Cancer Foundation, The Palm Springs Cultural Center, and Ezekiel’s Gift of Love Coachella Valley Down Syndrome Foundation. JOE GIARRUSSO Philanthropy is a way of life for Joe Giarrusso. Growing up in an Italian family, giving to others was a keen focus for his parents. They led by example and encouraged Joe and his sister to get involved and help people in need. Early on, Joe was encouraged to volunteer and to make donations whenever he could. A lesson he’s carried throughout his life, Joe and his husband, Charlie Paglia, are very involved throughout the Coachella Valley. They o er financial support to numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the valley, and they volunteer for many. Joe was the Vice Chairman of the LGBTQ Center. He served as the President of CVRep for more than seven years. Joe continues his involvement with CVRep as a member of the Origins New Works committee. He’s previously served on the Boards of Tools for Tomorrow and the Steinway Society. As a composer, his current passion is serving as the President of Palm Springs International Piano Competition (PSIPC). His love of classical music has led him to create spectacular compositions which are now being playing in Australia and Asia. In February 2025, the PSIPC & Friends Encore Event will feature new compositions performed by various members of the PSIPC Board of Directors. Through his leadership, PSIPC has expanded its educational and youth outreach. Many elementary schools in the East Valley now have access to hands-on keyboard classes; and, senior and assisted living centers are routinely invited to concerts at no charge. Joe Giarrusso President Palm Springs International Piano Competition 1276 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 210 Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 773-2575 jgiarrusso@psipc.org www.psipc.org TERRY RAY The BENT Managing Director Making A Di erence I co-founded The BENT with Steve Rosenbaum and serve as the Managing Director because we could not imagine a community as diverse as ours not having an LGBTQ+ theatre to tell our stories. As an actor / writer, a veteran of over 200 films, TV and plays, I had never run a theatre before. We started from scratch and in two years we are amazed by the community support, full houses and awards, as the LGBTQ+ community increasingly becomes a political target our purpose is even more important. The BENT will be our voice and harbor. WILLIE RHINE EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge Restauranteur and Community Leader Making A Di erence Willie Rhine, owner of Willie’s Modern Fare and co-owner of EIGHT4NINE, is renowned for his warmth and mantra, “Be nice.” Beyond his culinary success, he’s a steadfast supporter of local arts, sponsoring the Palm Canyon Theatre and Coachella Valley Repertory. With his partner Albert Gonzalez, Willie champions charities like DAP, AAP, and The LGBTQ Center. With integrity, perseverance, and a deep love for the Coachella Valley, Willie Rhine has made a lasting impact. His work inspires, proving that success in life and business is measured by generosity and commitment to uplifting others. STEVE ROSENBAUM The BENT Artistic Director Making A Di erence When Terry Ray and I opened THE BENT, our goal was showcasing LGBTQ+ voices and issues. These past 2 years we have accomplished just that, finding a community rich with people needing to express themselves creatively. In the politically precarious climate we now find ourselves in, our responsibility is more dire than ever. As Artistic Director, I will continue giving voice to issues relevant to our LGBTQ family, and in these polarizing times THE BENT will strive to be a bridge, uniting communities, not dividing them. DAN ROSSI Palm Springs Animal Shelter Executive Director Making A Di erence Dan Rossi is the Executive Director of the “Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter”, the only municipal open admission shelter using a no kill philosophy here in the Coachella Valley. Since Dan started at the shelter in 2022, his vision has started to transform the organization with the expansion of vital services including public vaccine clinics, community Pet foodbank, and several other important services to help meet the critical humane needs in our region. The nonprofit is also in the midst of a major service expansion to provide Wildlife rehabilitation services to injured wildlife. MARK SCHEIBACH Desert Cancer Foundation Executive Director Making A Di erence For 30 years, the Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF) has paid for cancer care for local residents who lacked the sužcient funds to cover the cost of treatment. DCF’s vision is that no resident should forgo cancer treatment due to their inability to pay. Leading the charge is Executive Director, Mark Scheibach. After serving as a DCF Board Member for 9+ years, Mark began his tenure in 2023 and has since driven significant growth and impact in the local cancer community.