Desert Charities News - Oct-Nov-Dec 2024

W OMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 4 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS HEIDI M. MALDOON Heidi Maldoon has led various nonprofits and feels especially grateful for her role as Executive Director of Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert over the past five years. Since joining in 2019, Heidi has driven significant growth and impact – increasing services, securing substantial grants, and reaching more families and underserved communities in the Coachella Valley which are in need of child development resources. Under her leadership, Variety diversified its development strategy and quadrupled its financial capacity. Key strategic goals have been met, including expanding programs, opening a new Resource Center, and establishing satellite oªces in Desert Hot Springs and Mecca. Heidi also led eorts to secure Variety’s designation as a Certified Autism Center. Heidi’s dedication to serving others has been the cornerstone of her career, continually inspired by her nonprofit colleagues and community philanthropists. She has served on multiple boards, including the North American Regional Council of Variety International, and is an active member of the AFP Desert Communities Chapter – chairing the National Philanthropy Day Awards Committee for five years. Before her time in the desert, Heidi was the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity, the Heart of Wyoming, and the Founding Executive Director for Pregnancy Resource Center in Greater Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She also served as Executive Director for Children and Nutrition Services for the State of Wyoming. With a personal commitment to philanthropy, Heidi seeks opportunities to serve – creating connections which improve access as well as cultivating relationships which promote the betterment of the community. Heidi M. Maldoon, Executive Director Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert 42600 Cook Street, Suite 150 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760)-773-9800 Ext. 100 heidi@varietyofthedesert.org www.varietyofthedesert.org SPOTLIGHT CLAUDIA CASTORENA Galilee Center CFO/Cofounder Making A Dierence Since 2010, the Galilee Center has significantly improved the lives of hundreds of low-income residents in East Coachella Valley by providing essential services. We have supported many families in their e¡orts to improve their quality of life. Our new 6,000 sq. ft. shelter expansion, scheduled for completion in November, will double our capacity for overnight stays, allowing us to serve even more individuals in need. Among our many services, we o¡er free weekly food baskets, senior support services, rent assistance, and more. Last year alone, we distributed 11,455 food baskets to families facing food insecurity and provided diapers and formula to 4,339 families. I am honored to contribute to our community through the vital work at the Galilee Center. CHRIS CLEMENS Clemens & Co. President Making A Dierence Chris Clemens is a 22-year marketing and public relations veteran. Many of her clients are in the nonprofit sector serving audiences in a variety of capacities from the arts, education, healthcare, and special needs. In addition, in 2021 she founded Coachella Valley Cat Club, a nonprofit 501c3, a cat rescue and rehoming organization. She provides comprehensive marketing services to help clients with branding, strategic planning, media relations, social media, event planning, community partnerships and sponsorships, and acts as an extension of her clients by attending local events and representing them. DR. CHRISTINE CURTIS Sycamores Vice President, Mobile Crisis Making A Dierence Sycamores’ Mobile Crisis Response Teams pro- vide mobile behavioral health crisis services to individuals 365 days a year throughout all of Riverside County. Christine Curtis, Psy.D., Vice President, promotes the vital work of this program in partnership with the Riverside County Department of Behavioral Health. Christine has been in the field of behavioral health for over 20 years and is passionate about serving the community. She considers it a privilege to be involved in the provision of crisis resources, support, and referrals when people need it most. RENE DELL’ACQUA CHAPMAN Dell’Acqua Dental Studio Philanthropist Making A Dierence I was raised by philanthropic parents who taught me from a very young age that giving back to your community is important. When you make a di¡erence in someone’s life, you not only impact their life, you impact everyone influenced by them throughout their lifetime. For me there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that I have made a di¡erence in someones life. Our community o¡ers so many opportunities to get involved. We have so many meaningful charities. It has been an honor to serve on several di¡erent boards over the years KRISTEN DEWOODY WAGZ Foundation - Pet Lux Founder Making A Dierence I am truly inspired by Kristen’s ambitious and determined nature. She is an inspirational individual who approaches every challenge with unwavering determination and a positive mindset. Kristen’s hardworking attitude and passion for her work are truly admirable, driving her to achieve remarkable success. Her resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to her strength of character, and her dedication to her goals is truly inspiring. Kristen’s optimism, empathy, and charismatic personality make her a true beacon of light for those around her, always o¡ering support and encouragement. She is a visionary who sparks creativity and enthusiasm in others, empowering those she encounters to reach for their dreams and make a di¡erence in the world. ALISON ELSNER San Bernardino County Medical Society CEO Making A Dierence Half of California’s children are on Medi-Cal. Alison Elsner is proud to work with 2,000 medical society physicians, medical students and residents in supporting November’s Proposition 35 as part of the Access to Care California coalition led by the California Medical Association (CMA). YES ON 35 will increase drastically underfunded reimbursement rates for physicians especially in rural and under-resourced areas so that the most vulnerable can receive quality health care. By ensuring enough trained physicians, we expand healthcare for those who most need it – and we do the right thing.