Desert Charities - Women in Philanthropy - Oct-Nov-Dec 2023

Katie Thornton Old Town Artisan Studios Director of Development & Donor Relations Making A Dierence From observing to creating to teaching, art has made a profound impact on my own life. The act of experiencing or engaging in the arts can bring moments of deep joy, self-expression, and even transformation. Serving 25,000 art experiences each year throughout the Coachella Valley, OTAS brings quality art experiences to all despite age, ability, or financial condition. It is a true pleasure to serve our community in this way. Margie Taft Taft & Associates President Making A Dierence Margie Taft is Past President of the Palm Springs Chamber Of Commerce, Rotary Club of Palm Springs, a board member of the Convention and visitors bureau, the Mizell Senior Center, the Public Arts Commission in Cathedral City and the First Woman in the District in the Rotary Club. As General Manger of two shopping centers, she has been instrumental in bringing over 900 businesses to the Coachella Valley including Burlington Coat Factory, Harbor Freight, Gucci, Sak’s 5 th Avenue, marijuana Dispensaries and most recently brought the Navigation Center building to the City of Palm Springs. Taft is passionate about helping the homeless to rehabilitate. Seniors should not be lonely, nor isolated and is currently on a path working to build a’ordable housing units in the Coachella Valley and insure the residents will have community involvement. Lisa Tabarez Think Together General Manager Making A Dierence Lisa is an accomplished educator overseeing Think Together’s Palm Springs Region. With extensive experience in teaching, counseling, and administration, she has worked in public, private, and charter schools across Imperial, Riverside, and Kern counties. Notably, Lisa led Imperial High School to win the Dispelling the Myth Award, recognized in books by Harvard Education Press. Holding a Bache- lor’s in Communications and a Master’s in Education Counseling, she is a doctoral candidate at the University of Redlands’ Leadership for Educational Justice program. Dedicated to dynamic learning, Lisa is committed to providing meaningful experiences for all students. A.J. Steinberg Queen Bee Fundraising Principal Making A Dierence In 2020 COVID made it clear that nonprofits needed to find new ways to engage donors and follow through with their mission during socially-distanced times. I was fortunate to be able to partner with several national organizations to present webinars and lead panel discussions that reached over 6,000 non- profit professionals, giving themmuch-needed guidance and strategies to cope with the new normal. While I missed leading my in-person workshops and producing live fundraisers, I feel blessed to have seen so many dedicated and talented nonprofit folk step up to the challenge and achieve great success in so many ways. Kimberly Spiegel Alzheimer’s Association Senior Program Manager Making A Dierence I am so fortunate to have spent my career working in nonprofits that serve our desert community. As the Senior Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, I am honored and privileged to lead our dynamic team as we celebrate our 25th year serving the Coachella Valley. We o’er FREE education, support groups, socialization programming, and so much more to those individuals and families facing an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis. You are never alone; our dedicated sta’ and amazing volunteers work tirelessly to make a di’erence. Please join us on November 4th for our Walk to End Alzheimer’s; help us put an end to this disease. Kate Spates Kate Spates Collaborations CEO Making A Dierence Kate has served on several non-profit boards and advisory councils, using her marketing prowess to create, communicate & collaborate with her community. Notably co-founding AMP - Academy of Musical Performance (ampcv.org) , a rock band music education program for teens, o’ering tuition assistance for fall, spring & summer programs, private lessons and a new preAMP program where youngsters learn how to play a Ukulele and sing. She also serves as Communication Director on the board of thewarburton.com Celebrity Golf Tournament raising over $26 Million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Vice President of pswift.org directing & producing two short films. Karen Sorbo Karen Sorbo Ventures L.L.C. Professional Benefit Auctioneer Making A Dierence I believe everyone wants to know they are making a meaningful di’erence in our world and it’s our job to give them that opportu- nity. Over the last 30 years of my career as a Benefit Auctioneer, I have had the exceptional opportunity to encourage bidders to open their hearts and wallets and make that mean- ingful di’erence. Over 2900 Non-Profits have trusted me to infuse their audiences with a renewed sense of purpose. We need to give our donors authentic and meaningful oppor- tunities and show them how their financial commitment will make that di’erence that they are seeking. At the end of the day, the only questions you should ask are, “Did I love enough? Did I laugh enough? Did I make a di’erence?” Lisa Vossler Smith Modernism Week CEO Making A Dierence As CEO of Modernism Week, I have the unique opportunity to share the rich architectural heritage of Palm Springs with the residents and visitors who come to our events from around the world. We have an incredible history to share about the Coachella Valley and how the population and development grew, ultimately attracting famous modern architects to design legendary buildings and homes. As a result of these educational and entertaining design experiences for the public, we are able to raise money for scholarships for local high school seniors, and grants for community preservation projects. WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 14 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS