Women in philanthropy - PAGE 9 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS TRACY FITZSIMMONS Tracy Fitzsimmons has spent her career transforming communities and uplifting vulnerable families. Since 2015, she has led Olive Crest’s efforts across the Inland and Desert Communities, championing programs that prevent child abuse and support at-risk youth—One Life at a Time®. Under Tracy’s leadership, Olive Crest currently serves more than 1,200 children and families each year in the Coachella Valley. She recently spearheaded the opening of the Children and Family Resource Center in Palm Desert, including expanded counseling services, a new Urgent Needs Closet and Pantry, and new monthly Community and Opportunity Days in partnership with 70+ local organizations. Tracy is also passionate about advancing the PROMiSE Initiative to combat the sexual exploitation of minors, including the expansion of a drop-in center and the launch of a 24/7 rapid response team. Before joining Olive Crest, Tracy served as COO and CFO of Path of Life Ministries for 10 years, where she led homeless services and launched a social enterprise. Previously, she held executive roles in the dental management services industry, overseeing a $30 million practice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California Baptist University, and a master’s degree in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. Tracy is also a proud mother and grandmother. Tracy Fitzsimmons Executive Director Olive Crest 39830 Portola Avenue, Suite A Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 848-4949 ext 4027 tracy-fitzsimmons@olivecrest.org www.olivecrest.org SPOTLIGHT MARY MORSE Spirit Mountain Retreat Executive Director Making A Difference I have been with Spirit Mountain Retreat for eleven years and have been involved in nonprofit governance for over thirty years. Founded in 1985, Spirit Mountain is a nonprofit community space and retreat center nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California. Our non-religious, spiritually-focused programs and retreats welcome locals from Idyllwild and the Coachella Valley desert, residents across California, and friends from across the globe. We offer year-round classes, workshops, sabbaticals, gatherings, private and corporate retreats, and venue rentals in our beautiful wooded garden, meeting rooms, and historic dwellings. JESSICA MUÑOZ Voices for Children President & CEO Making A Difference Voices for Children (VFC) transforms the lives of abused and neglected children in foster care by providing them with volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). Under Jessica Muñoz’s leadership, VFC’s Riverside County program has seen incredible growth, going from serving 140 children in 2016 to nearly 700 youth this past year alone. Muñoz said, “When we come together as a community, we can make sure the voices of vulnerable children in foster care living in the Coachella Valley are heard and their needs are met.” Learn more at speakupnow.org ANGELA NELSON Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild President Making A Difference The BHLH Desert Guild is doing more for the Coachella Valley community than ever before, and I am grateful to be a part of it. In early 2025, we fulfilled a $5 Million commitment to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital for their Stronger Together campaign. Now, we are looking forward to supporting new LLUCH projects that benefit local children. The LLUCH – Indio Jill & Barry Golden Pavilion Outpatient Clinic serves more than 12,000 patients. We continue to send books home with kids after each visit as part of Scooter’s Bottomless Bookshelf in the lobby of the clinic. Join us for one of our fun events to support the kids this season. I’m hoping to personally connect with more of our Desert Guild Members to find the best way for each of you to get involved with our group. Thank you so much for continuing this partnership with us. PATTI PARK Angel View Executive Director Making A Difference We owe our successes to the continued generosity of our donors and shoppers, and our dedicated employees, while promoting independence and well-being for local children and adults with disabilities. Only 65 percent of our residential homes/Day Program expenses are covered by Medicaid, but our children’s Outreach Program does not receive any state or federal funding. And for more than 70 years now, we’ve relied on our philanthropic community and our resale stores to offset the difference. We’re proud that 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to support our programs. YOU make a difference! MICHELLE PETERS Desert Arc President/CEO Making A Difference I am honored to join Desert Arc as its new President/CEO and lead our 66-year-old nonprofit, human social services organization. The comprehensive offerings across Desert Arc’s programs; from its day services, community engagement, employment training and our Business Services Divisions (Shredding & Recycling, Janitorial, Landscape Maintenance) truly evoke the heart of our mission to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities. I am elated to serve at the helm of Desert Arc, making a difference in the lives for people with disabilities to reach their highest potential to live, work and socialize in the community. BIANCA RAE Biance Rae Foundation Founder / CEO Making A Difference I’ve always been grateful for the platform my journalism career has given me, and I believe my purpose is to use it to uplift underserved children. Through the Bianca Rae Foundation’s signature program, the Rae of Hope Retreat, we equip middle school students with vital social and emotional life skills including self-esteem building, goal-setting, and bullying prevention. I’m deeply passionate about empowering young people with real-world tools to break generational cycles, build confidence, and develop the resilience they need to face life’s challenges and realize their full potential.
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