Page 28 Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com • www.dcnnews.com January/February/March 2026 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards continued from page 5 Video Storyteller Dedicated to Helping Nonprofits continued from page 24 Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival continued from page 8 communities at 25 locations and eight mobile units from the Coachella Valley to the San Diego coast. Proceeds help ensure health care remains a human right, not a privilege. Last year’s event raised $2.3 million. Hopes are high that that figure will be beaten in 2026. This year’s spotlight shines on Lisa Middleton, former Palm Springs mayor and tireless advocate for affordable housing, seniors, and working families. She’ll receive the Community Service Award, honoring her unwavering commitment to inclusivity and integrity. “Lisa has given so much of herself to this community,” says Gala Chair (and DAP Health Board of Directors Co-Chair) Kevin Bass. “Honoring her is our way of expressing gratitude.” Adding to the excitement, headlining entertainment is courtesy of legendary Motown group The Temptations, who’ll perform their timeless hits. Guests can expect a night of music, celebration, and purpose — an unforgettable soundtrack to an affair rooted in compassion. Founded in memory of philanthropist Steve Chase, the gala continues his legacy of generosity and hope. With creative formal attire, a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, compelling video montages, and world-class entertainment, The Chase promises an evening where showing up means standing up — for dignity, health, and community. Tickets and sponsorships are available at daphealth.org/thechase. Join Acme Mobile Bike Repair, Milan Institute with massage therapists giving FREE massages, DPMG, Lifestream Blood Drive and over 80 more. To become a vendor, contact Charlie Dyer at 760-534-4021, charlie@ charliedyer.com. For sponsorships, and speaking opportunities contact Jeff Hocker, Executive Producer, 760-409-1530 or jeffhocker1@gmail.com. This world-class event would not be possible without the incredible support of the following companies: Presented by Desert Healthcare District and Foundation, City of Palm Springs, Desert Care Network, Desert Oasis Healthcare, Empire Vein Specialists, Eisenhower Health, Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Gilead Sciences, Scan Health, Riverside County Supervisors 4th District, The Desert Sun, Hot Purple Energy, Lifetime Home Remodeling, LYV Fitness, Rivian, Desert Water Agency, Palm Springs Disposal, Inland Empire Health Plan, RAP Foundation, Armtec, Sun Community Federal Credit Union, PSPOA, James Beck and so many others. Join us on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 8:00AM – 1:00PM and register at www.PalmSpringsHealthRun.com. good times, filled with valuable learning experiences. But something in Blum’s heart was ignited when the agency for which he worked was asked to partner with the Ad Council to craft messaging and images for a few nonprofit organizations. He fell in love with using his skill to help others. “Don’t get me wrong, I loved working with clients and selling their products,” Blum says. “I loved scriptwriting, filming, planning, producing, and editing. The commercial world was full of amazing and crazy people with great ideas, and I ‘sold’ a lot of successful campaigns. But the messages I produced with my team for nonprofit causes were the most rewarding. I loved making a positive contribution to the community. I loved being a change maker. So, I began to focus on doing just that, full time. For me, it wasn’t a difficult call.” Fifteen years ago, Blum bet on himself, starting his own video production company strictly devoted to working with nonprofits. Busy and popular, he again took a leap of faith as family ties led him to move to Palm Springs in November 2024. Benefit Films is Arnie Blum, hands-on all the way. Video execution, writing, editing, and delivery all are in his wheelhouse. That soup-to-nuts oversight also enables him to satisfy budgetary and deadline requirements, about which he is laser focused. “This is a great and beautiful community, a generous one, a welcoming one, with a thriving nonprofit sector,” he notes. “I’m looking forward to helping nonprofits and my fellow Valley residents tell their compelling stories to help promote a change for the better every day.” Arnie Blum can be reached at (843) 817-7771 or arnie@ benefitfilms.org www.lotusgardencenter.net
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