Desert Charities News - Oct-Nov-Dec 2024

W OMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 11 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS CAROL MARCUSE California Desert Choral 9ice 3reViGent Making A Di›erence It is my distinct pleasure to be able to help raise funding for the California Desert Chorale so we can continue to be one of the best singing ensembles in the Valley. Not only do we present wonderful concerts several times a year but also, we give scholarships to high school students and internships to college students so they can continue with their music and vocal studies. ULRIKE MARIA Artists Council Chair EOect CR Chair ExhiEitiRn Making A Di›erence I have been serving the Artists Council over 8 years and started my journey with this incredible group when it still was a Council of the PSAM. Being part of this great organization, which focuses on elevating artists through exhibitions, educational programs, impactful community outreach – and contributing to the growth of this organization, has been one of the best experiences of my career. My responsibilities include managing ten yearly exhibitions, communicating with our 650 strong membership, adding exposure through social media and television, and developing events. ROBYN MELTZER Palm Springs Public Library Foundation Chair 1RPinating CRPPittee Making A Di›erence I feel it is important to give back to our communities and what better opportunity is there than to be part of the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation during the library’s renovation project. I want everyone to have free access to technology, cultural awareness, and education. We live in a special place and can learn so much from each other. I am dedicated to creating a community of educated, curious, and open-minded people that inspires what true inclusion can look like. BRIANNA MILLER Voices for Children 3hiOanthrRp\ 0anager Making A Di›erence Brianna Miller has worked with the Voices for Children (VFC) Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Riverside County for over a decade. Miller’s compassion for children in foster care is evident in her work with local organizations, which has led to securing major gifts and motivating the community at all levels. Her eŒorts have cultivated sustainable support for the life-transforming work CASA volunteers provide. Miller shares, “I greatly admire the committed individuals who volunteer as CASAs and those who give generously to ensure VFC continues recruiting, training, and supporting children in foster care.” DEBBIE GREEN MILLER Rancho Mirage Writers Festival Executive 3rRGucer Making A Di›erence Making A DiŒerence: As the Executive Producer of the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival, it is my honor along with our whole team, to bring to Rancho Mirage what has been called the “Best Writers Festival in America”. We like to refer to it as “Coachella for the Brain”. We present the Festival over a four day period to over 1200 attendees with presentations by 50-60 of the finest authors in many genres. We invite over 50 high school students from all the Coachella Valley high Schools to participate as we.. We also present ten free events to the community during the season. All at the Rancho Mirage Library. ELENA MOISEEVA College of The Desert Foundation 5eVRurce 'eveORpPent 6peciaOiVt Making A Di›erence College of the Desert Foundation is making a diŒerence by providing crucial support for students’ educational journeys. Through scholarships, grants, and funding for essential programs, the Foundation ensures that higher education is accessible to all. We collaborate with community partners to host various events like Stepping Out for COD and many more, connecting students with resources and opportunities. By investing in our students’ futures, we foster a culture of learning and growth, helping to build a brighter, more educated community. Our eŒorts transform lives and contribute to the overall well-being of the Coachella Valley. SUSIE MORALES Act for MS 0anaging 'irectRr Making A Di›erence Helping people living with MS within my community is an incredibly rewarding experience. I find being of service and giving even the smallest acts of kindness can have a significant impact on the person you are helping. Our clients receive free programs each month and everyone we help contributes to making our community a better place. This positive ripple eŒect is undeniable, and I see it every day. When we come together to support one another, we create hope and a better place we live in. At ACT for MS we help “Clients Live Stronger Longer”. MADISON MORGAN Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 3uEOic 5eOatiRnV 0anager EventV CRRrGinatRr Making A Di›erence As a Coachella Valley native, I am always looking for ways to make a diŒerence in the community. The Tramway has been a staple in the Coachella Valley for over 60 years. But more importantly, the overwhelming community support is what allows us to put on holiday events, donate to local organizations and nonprofits, and give everyone the chance to get outside where it’s cool in the warm summer months or experience snow for the first time for many locals. The Coachella Valley community has raised me, and I’m privileged to work for an organization that gives me the ability to give back.