Desert Charities News - Jan-Feb-Mar 2025

. M EN IN PHILANTHROPY - A LPHA O RDER PAGE 10 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS JARRED L. ELLIS Jarred Ellis is the Director of Development & Philanthropy at Animal Samaritans. His primary focus is on building and strengthening the current capital campaign to build a new Pet Adoption & Humane Education center along with a focus on planned giving and major gifts. Since joining Animal Samaritans in 2022, he has increased revenue and attendance year over year for their Men of the Desert fundraising event, has connected and built relationships with several key donors, launched a new planned giving campaign, and has taken on managing marketing and public relations for the organization. As an animal lover, there is nothing he loves more than to connect with other animal lovers and bring his talents in development and fundraising to the largest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the Coachella Valley. Helping animals and the people who love them is so rewarding. Before joining Animal Samaritans, he was the Development O§cer for a nonprofit legal aid organization and was the Director of Corporate Partnerships for a symphony in Orange County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University and is a Southern California native having lived in Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County. He, his partner, and their dogs and cat are happy to now call the desert their home. When he is not at the o§ce or meeting with donors, He enjoys cooking and trying new recipes, traveling, attending auto shows, going to theme parks, and visiting cool cities and sights throughout California. Jarred L. Ellis Director of Development & Philanthropy Animal Samaritans (760) 797-7439 jellis@animalsamaritans.org www.animalsamaritans.org/donate SPOTLIGHT TOM TRAGESSER FOOD NOW Director of Operations Making A Di erence Food Now is a community food pantry located in Desert Hot Springs, CA. We have been serving the needs of the residents of Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and the surrounding areas since 1989. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents in western Coachella Valley by providing food assistance, community outreach and support services which strengthen families and build healthy communities. Our vision is that by serving our clients with dignity and respect, Food Now strives to end hunger, reduce poverty, and improve overall health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. BART VERRY Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter Director of Development Making A Di erence As a long-time dog owner, working for an animal welfare organization has always been a dream of mine. My entire professional life has been dedicated to the non-profit sector.I worked in Los Angeles until the pandemic, when I moved to the desert permanently. Starting out as a volunteer dog walker, I quickly fell in love with the animal shelter, and was thrilled to join the sta– three years ago. I am inspired by the passion of our community to ensure that our companion animals and wildlife receive the love and care they deserve. SEAN WEBB Read With Me Volunteer Programs Executive Director Making A Di erence I grew up in Western New York and graduated from the University of Bu–alo, later earning my master’s degrees from D’Youville College and CSU San Bernardino Palm Desert. Throughout my 20-year career, as a teacher, assistant principal, and district administrator, my focus has been on creating opportunities and elevating the lives of children. As Executive Director of Read With Me Volunteers, I am excited to report the progress we have made during the 2023-24 school year in teaching students to read and speak English fluently thanks to our dedicated volunteers and sta–. Read With Me provided over 15,000 volunteer hours to more than 4,500 students. STASIK WINDERBAUM Caravanserai Alliance for Entrepreneurs Public Affairs & Communications Manager Making A Di erence Relocating from New York to Palm Springs was a massive culture shock, but one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience has been witnessing the thriving philanthropy ecosystem here. The region is full of business experts and high-level professionals who are willing to share their time and resources, and are deeply committed to giving back. Whether it’s mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs or investing in the community, the spirit of philanthropy is alive and well. I see this every day in my work at Caravanserai, and it’s something we take great pride in. SCOTT WOLF Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Director of Development Making A Di erence Every day I see people who are in di–erent stages of rebuilding their lives, having been broken, shattered, needing help when they have been at their most vulnerable. To be a part of the process that assists them in achieving victories, both private and public is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my professional life. It is a privilege to be part of a team that saves lives one life at a time. JOSH N. ZAHID Loma Linda University Health Director of Major Gifts, Education Making A Di erence Make an IMPACT by showing respect and kindness to everyone you meet. A simple SMILE can brighten someone’s day and create a ripple of positivity! Together, we can transform lives during challenging times through small acts of compassion. Our dedication, time, and support for local non-profits play a crucial role in strengthening our community. Be the CHANGE—support local businesses and non-profits whenever possible and help build a stronger, more united community. Let’s join forces to reshape the landscape of philanthropy in our Valley and make a lasting di–erence.