MEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 5 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT JEFF HOCKER As a Philanthropist, Volunteer and Activist, Je Hocker has a passion for helping others and he fills that roll through his tenacity and willingness to make a keen and long-lasting di erence in the world. In 2026, Je ’s company, Hocker Productions will be celebrating 20 years of public relations, strategic marketing and producing large-scale, world-class events. Je Hocker has produced, and in some cases been the creator of, many of the largest events in the Coachella Valley including: Desert Healthcare District and Foundation’s Environmental Health Summit, Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival, Halloween Palm Springs, Palm Springs Health Run and Wellness Festival, Cathedral City’s – State of the City, Israel 75 for Jewish Federation of the Desert, Mineria Symphony Orchestra Music Festival for Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic and recently was instrumental in selling out 3 performances of “Bells, Brass, & Sass,” for the Inaugural Residence Artists, the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus at the completely restored Plaza Theatre. Empowering people, organizations and those less fortunate through service and leading by example, has been the foundation for which Je has built a career and his life. As a mentor to high school aged kids, he is fortunate to share his wealth of business experience with the next generation of entrepreneurs. Je is a native Californian originally from Los Angeles and then spent nearly 30 years in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has been a proud Palm Springs resident since 2001, while enjoying the outdoor lifestyle playing golf, tennis, bicycling and swimming and spending quality with his partner Luis Moreno and their black Labrador Beau. Je Hocker President / Executive Producer Hocker Productions 2286 North Indian Canyon Drive, Unit E Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 409-1530 je hocker1@gmail.com HockerProductions.com MATT SWEARMAN DAP Health Director of Philanthropy Making A Di erence I am passionate about building strong, lasting relationships between our donors and the mission of DAP Health, and a key priority for me is helping members of our philanthropic community connect with and understand the depth of their impact. I am especially committed to ensuring that vulnerable and underserved people are connected to the care they need through philanthropic support and find great fulfillment in supporting individuals and organizations as they align their giving with the urgent needs of those we serve. My focus is to ensure every contribution makes a tangible, meaningful impact. MARK SCHEIBACH Desert Cancer Foundation Executive Director Making A Di erence After nine years of service on the Board of Directors and stepping into the Executive Director role in 2023, I am deeply humbled to help lead this organization into a future filled with hope. Our vision remains unwavering: every Coachella Valley resident deserves access to lifesaving cancer care, regardless of their ability to pay. No one should ever face cancer alone. As a strictly donor funded organization, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community—one determined to HELP SAVE LIVES and illuminate a path of courage for all who are fighting cancer. JEFFREY SCHLUND The Betty Ford Center Senior Outreach Manager Making A Di erence As a Senior Outreach Manager at the Betty Ford Center, I get the opportunity to work with dedicated professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists and everyday. It has been said, pick a job you love, and you never work a day in your life. That is true when I began my career at the Betty Ford Center. I am proud to be a part of the premier drug and alcohol center in the world. I am beyond blessed to be working for an organization whose mission is to bring recovery to those suering with the disease of addiction. It is a cause that is very close to my heart. JOHN K. SPROGIS UCP of the Inland Empire CEO / President Making A Di erence Growing up with a sister with Down syndrome, and as the father of a son with cerebral palsy whose life continues to inspire me, I have seen firsthand both the challenges families face and the extraordinary potential that exists when people are given the right supports. Those experiences shaped my belief in a life without limits. At UCP of the Inland Empire, our dedicated team works every day to advance independence and full citizenship for individuals with disabilities. Through programs such as In-home respite care, Skill Builders, Social Recreation, Family Empowerment, and Custom Adaptive Bikes, we help individuals and families not just manage but thrive. SHERMAN TAM 29-PSP Chief Development Officer Making A Di erence It’s an honor to help 29-PSP provide 2,550 complimentary rides for active military members and their loved ones traveling on leave between the 29 Palms Marine Base and Palm Springs & Ontario airports—saving them nearly $640,000 in travel costs. Through conversations with our donors, supporters, and community leaders, I’ve heard the impact we’re making together. 29-PSP has doubled in size, recruiting volunteer drivers and board members remains a top priority. I’m thrilled to be serving as an Ambassador for the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce this year, continuing to build connections within our community. TOM TRAGESSER FOOD NOW Director of Operations Making A Di erence The Mission of Food Now is to strive to improve the quality of life in the Western Coachella Valley by providing food assistance, community outreach and support services which strengthen families and build healthy communities. Its Vision is, with unwavering commitment, to serve our communities with dignity and respect, striving to eradicate hunger, alleviate poverty, and elevate the overall well-being of those we are honored to serve.
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