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

Lexi Ward The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Annual Giving Oƒcer Making A Dierence My goal is to create very personal connections for our donors with the Zoo and our desert plants and animals. These relationships inspire giving, which supports our mission of preserving desert species and creating an amazing place where conservation is fun for visitors of all ages. It’s so inspiring to be part of an amazing fundraising community who all work so hard to make a di’erence in our desert. Madeline Zuckerman Madeline Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations,Inc. Owner & President Making A Dierence I am honored my firm represents some of the Coachella Valley’s finest and top nonprofits organizations, as well as, for profit businesses. I celebrate all those individuals and businesses in our Valley who continue to support this amazing community. I have always believed nothing is impossible to achieve, and consider myself fortunate to give back in so many ways.! Lori Weiner California Paws Rescue Founder Making A Dierence Lori Weiner- Founder of Barkingham Pet Hotel- established in 2011. Founder of California Paws rescue- started in 2011, became a non-profit organization in 2015. Founder of Bull Terrier rescue ranch in Whitewater- established in July of 2022. Opened due to overcrowding in shelters to give dogs a chance at being in an open air environment on 6 acres where they could decompress, having their own houses and pati- os to eliminate any stress caused from being in a shelter environment. Jenell VanDenBos Jenell VanDenBos & Associates Realty Premier Luxury Agent Making A Dierence Jenell takes her commitment of the better- ment of the Coachella Valley very seriously. She is currently involved as the President of Women Leaders Forum with 19 years of service. Jenell was a board member of Olive Crest for the past 15 years and was instrumental in the building of the Olive Crest Homes. She is also a member of PSWIFT, GFF and many other organizations. Her mission is to empower those around her and shine a light on those in need. Jenell and her husband Rod have created their business and raised four amazing children here in the Coachella Valley. WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 16 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS Judy Vossler Landmark Golf Consultant Making A Dierence After working for more than 40 years in resort hospitality management, golf tournaments/ special events production and tourism pro- motion; now retired, I’m often asked, “What are you doing these days.” I’m pleased to have more time to serve on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coach- ella Valley, Desert Town Hall lecture series, Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, Amy’s Purpose and special-interest projects with Modernism Week, Church at the Red Door and La Quinta Historical Society. GO FIREBIRDS! Pam Weekley Pam Weekley & Associates Owner Making A Dierence Our firm works with many non-profit organizations here in the valley. We help new organizations that need assistance with setting up their financial policies and maintaining compliance. We also help existing organizations with ongoing accounting/bookkeeping and tax services. We are passionate about working with non-profit organizations throughout the valley. We o’er a variety of resources that can benefit a smaller nonprofit as well as a large nonprofit organization. As the board treasurer of both AFP (Asso- ciation of Fundraising Professionals) and Loving All Animals, servicing our community gives me tremendous opportunity to make a di’erence. Julie Williamson California Desert Chorale President Making A Dierence Shaping opportunities for individuals to both find their voice and sense of community is at the heart of the California Desert Chorale. The importance of access to music and performing arts has been a priority with programs including internships and the Scholarship Competition, which to date has awarded 27 aspiring singers funding to continue their vocal and choral music study at the collegiate level. Perhaps what stands out the most are the connections and friendships made, as valuable as the confidence and focus chorale members build. My goal is to ensure choral music remains in reach to benefit all. Francinni Zabata Desert Sands Educational Foundation Director Community Engagement Making A Dierence I’m thrilled to join the Desert Sands Unified School District as the Director of Community Engagement and Educational Foundation! I firmly believe that providing high-quality educational opportunities for students is a collective e’ort involving school, home, and community. In my previous work in education commu- nication, I’ve had the privilege of building meaningful connections with educators, families, and community members. These relationships have shown me the power of a strong network in supporting student success.