Page 27 Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com • www.dcnnews.com January/February/March 2026 COACHELLA VALLEY LOCAL KATE SPATES HIRED ASOVF’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR J.R. ROBERTS A Lifetime of Service The One Valley Foundation, the charitable arm of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, is proud to announce the hiring of Kate Spates as its new Executive Director. A longtime Coachella Valley resident, respected entrepreneur, and community leader, Spates brings more than 25 years of experience in business, marketing, and nonprofit management to the role. As Executive Director, Spates will guide the Foundation’s strategic direction and oversee its growing portfolio of programs and community initiatives. Spates will also spearhead the Foundation’s continued expansion into education, youth sports, and local philanthropic efforts across the Coachella Valley. “Kate’s leadership, creativity, and deep commitment to this community make her an incredible fit to lead the One Valley Foundation,” said John Page, Senior Vice President of Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds. “Her track record of building partnerships, driving organizational growth, and inspiring collaboration will help us elevate our impact throughout the Valley.” A seasoned business leader and philanthropist, Spates founded her own digital marketing agency, Image Marketing Concepts, at age 28 and led it for nearly two decades before successfully selling the company. She later launched CollabWithKate.com, a collaborative initiative that allowed her to work independently or as part of a team, supporting businesses and nonprofits in strategic growth, communications, and modernization. “I’m deeply honored to lead the One Valley Foundation at such a pivotal moment,” said Spates. “This community has J.R. is understandably proud of the accomplishments of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, which he has led for the past six years. The Foundation’s vision is to elevate the quality of life in our desert community by providing arts, cultural, and educational experiences for all. In partnership with the City of Palm Springs and the team at Oak View Group, the restoration of the Theatre is complete and the Plaza is already a thriving center for culture and the arts in downtown Palm Springs. The Plaza enriches the cultural fabric of our desert community while contributing to the economic vitality of our City. J.R. extends his deepest gratitude to the many Founders, naming partners, and donors whose generosity made the restoration possible. The Plaza has captured hearts for generations and now begins a new chapter of entertainment that is already creating unforgettable memories. Theatres of all kinds need more financial support than ticket sales alone can continued on page 29 continued on page 29 BY TIM O’BAYLEY From the Ribbon Cutting event on Nov. 20, 2025; Mark Hamilton, Board Treasurer; Teresa Gallavan, Assistant City Manager; J.R. Roberts, PS Plaza Theatre Foundation President; John Bolton, General Manager; Scott Stiles, City Manager; Kevin J. Corcoran, PS Plaza Theatre Foundation Vice President. Please photo credit Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation J.R. Roberts on stage with the board of directors of the PS Plaza Theatre Foundation and members of the Palm Springs City Council at the Ribbon Cutting event, Nov. 20, 2025. Photo credit: Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation Photo Credit: Tara Howard
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