Desert Charities News - Oct-Nov-Dec 2024

W OMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 14 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS ANNE GREY Anne Grey, the new President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, has long called Rancho Mirage home. Anne brings a deep understanding of this unique community to her role, ensuring that local children with critical illnesses and their families in the desert experience the hope and joy of a wish. Anne’s extensive experience in non-profit leadership is matched by her deep ties to the desert. “The Coachella Valley and our surrounding desert communities have shaped who I am,” says Anne. “It’s an honor to serve as a representative of our region in this esteemed role, and I’m committed to making sure that our often-underserved communities remain at the forefront of Make-A-Wish’s mission.” Anne’s leadership will further strengthen the connection between Make-A-Wish and the desert communities, ensuring that local children with critical illnesses receive the life-changing wishes when they need it most. As an active member of the community, Anne volunteers with Guide Dogs of the Desert, is a member of the Salton Sea Triathlon Club, Coachella Valley Area Panhellenic, and Junior League’s Desert Roses. With nearly a third of the children served by Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire coming from the desert regions, Anne’s leadership ensures that this area continues to receive the attention and support it deserves. Her presence in the community is a testament to the organization’s commitment to serving the desert communities. To learn more about how you can support Make-A-Wish in our desert communities and beyond, visit wish.org/ocie/ways-help-us Anne Grey President & CEO Oce: (714) 573-9474 getinvolved@ocie.wish.org wish.org/ocie SPOTLIGHT IRENE N. RODRIGUEZ Cabot’s Pueblo Museum Executive 'irectRr Making A Di›erence We share with our visitors our founder’s, Cabot Yerxa, adventures and his love of the desert. The museum reflects Cabot’s artistic and creative spirit as one explores each room in the pueblo. Our second grade school program is an opportunity for each student to be curious about local history and create art work in the creative environment. A special thank you to our members, donors, and visitors-they make it possible for the museum to preserve and promote Cabot Yerxa’s legacy. KATIE ROTH Think Together Executive 'irectRr Rf 3hiOanthrRp\ Making A Di›erence I joined Think Together in 2022 after 15 years of experience with both educational and nonprofit organizations. With roles ranging from middle school math teacher and curriculum advisor to manager of instruction and director of programs, my focus has always been on bringing education to those that need it most. Through generous donor support and engagement, Think Together is able to oŒer high-quality expanded learning to the students of Coachella Valley and carry out our mission to change the odds for kids. KATHY SACHER The Living Desert *rantV anG *RvernPent 3rRgraPV Officer Making A Di›erence As the Grants and Government Programs O±cer at The Living Desert, I secure funding for vital Conservation, Education, Inclusion, Animal Welfare, and Community Development projects. Working closely with government representatives, I strengthen these crucial relationships. My notable successes include securing funds for Wonderfully Wild Field Trips for Title 1 Schools and the Elder Care Memory Outreach Program. With 24 years in nonprofit management, I also served as Executive Director of Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council and founded Young Idyllwild Inc. My family has supported Coachella Valley philanthropy since 1972. Passionate about wildlife and the environment, The Living Desert has been my favorite place since childhood. SAVANA R. SAUBEL Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians 6ecretar\ 7reaVurer Making A Di›erence Secretary-Treasurer Savana R. Saubel took an early interest in the matters of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and its generous dedication to philanthropic work providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of local charities. She was first elected to the Tribal Council in 2011, as Member, following in the footsteps of her great grandmother, Laverne Saubel, who served on the all-woman Tribal Council in the 1950s. Ms. Saubel also works closely with the young people of the Tribe. She served as Tribal Youth Liaison and on the Youth Group committee, and continues to advocate for the youth as she believes they are the Tribe’s future leaders. DIANE SCHLESINGER Anderson Children’s Foundation 7ruVtee Making A Di›erence As trustee of ACF, my role is to manage investments and grant giving to support nonprofit projects that nurture and inspire youth in the Coachella Valley. I’m also a child and adolescent psychiatrist working with one family at a time; through ACF it’s wonderful to impact thousands. ACF is dedicated to meeting unmet needs of children in areas including health, education, recreation, and the arts. Opportunities to overcome challenges, develop skills, grow creativity, and expand horizons can transform young lives. ACF oŒers online grant applications in a simple format; please visit andersonchildrensfoundation.org to learn how to apply for funding. PAULA SIMONDS Familiy Y MCA of the Desert CEO Making A Di›erence Paula Simonds boasts over 3 decades in philanthropy, driven by a deep commitment to give back. As CEO of Family YMCA of the Desert since 2019 and formerly Executive Director of the Desert Cancer Foundation, Paula exemplifies wholehearted service and visionary leadership. She excels in forging impactful partnerships that enhance services and outreach, particularly for children, animals, and vulnerable groups, significantly advancing community needs. A passionate advocate, Paula ensures a brighter path for those unable to advocate for themselves. She stands as a quintessential nonprofit lead- er dedicated to improving lives and fostering collaboration for lasting impact.