Family YMCA of the Desert thanks supporters with Golden Circle dinner
It is always such a pleasure when an organization hosts an event at Toscana Country Club; the sweeping views of the golf course against the backdrop of the mountains sets the scene and ensures that arriving guests will be in awe.
On May 2, the view did not disappoint. It was a balmy spring evening, a little breezy but just beautiful as approximately 82 invited attendees arrived to enjoy the Golden Circle dinner for the special guests whose continued support of our local Family YMCA of the Desert has been unwavering.
CEO Paula Simonds and Eevet Edens, director of development, were on hand to meet and greet each guest. Nolan Sparks, campaign chair and board member spoke, thanking guests profusely for their support of the YMCA’s annual campaign that in just six short weeks raised more than $250,000. Thanks to these donors, the YMCA has continued to help young families and children of our community.
The "Y," as it is affectionately called, is so grateful for the generosity that helps it provide financial assistance for local families, ensuring that their children have access to childcare and enrichment programs. The gifts provide opportunities for kids to participate in programs that foster a healthy mind, body and spirit.
Established in 1982, Family YMCA of the Desert has become a mainstay youth and family services organization and is the largest provider of licensed childcare, with three licensed early childhood education centers, and five before/after school programs. The Y also offers an array of enrichment program activities, including day and resident camps, youth sports, a youth & government program, aquatics and more. The organization believes in experiences that instill the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and inclusion.
The Golden Circle dinner was an evening of recognition and appreciation, a heartfelt thank you from the nonprofit to the wonderful people who are and have been long-time supporters of the organization’s work and mission, many of whom serve as board members and trustees of the organization. Their generous donations provide critical education and youth programs for our local valley children.
Seen in the crowd were board president Rick Shalhoub, accompanied by his father, Dick Shalhoub, as well as Tracey Smith and Stacey Shalhoub; immediate past president Patrick Klein, along with his parents, Jim and Chantal, and brother Chris; and president-elect Meegan Villa and her husband, Nic; and campaign chair Nolan Sparks and his wife, Dina.
The organization also welcomed Manny and Flora Abarca, Frank and Ubelia Celedon, Steve and Karen Christian, Herb and Margaret Claggett, Walter and Geri Clark, John and Jessica Cockrell, Gary and Ann Galton, John and Heather Greenwood, Wayne and Susie Harvey, Joe and Nancy Hayes, Carl and Paula Karcher, Paul and Annie Klein, Jim and Kathie Latting, Neil and Debbie Lingle, Majed and Mira Mansour, Blair and Toni Merrihew, Sally Simonds, Phil and Becky Smith, Ryan and Sarah Stendell, Rob and Jessica Tanner, Dana Tarnow and Kirk and Jill Weiss.
It was a quaint setting, with beautifully appointed centerpieces, and a delicious dinner prepared especially for the generous and loving group who have made a difference in so many kids’ lives.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit ymcaofthedesert.org or call (760) 341-9622.
Family YMCA of the Desert is dedicated to putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy space for all.
Carole Stephen-Smith began writing in Scotland for a woman's weekly at the age of 15 and then covered American celebrities for the London Evening Echo. Arriving in the desert, she wrote for Desert Woman in the 1990s. Carole focuses on charities that help women as well as medical causes, especially breast cancer awareness, and all aspects of child abuse.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Family YMCA of the Desert thanks supporters with Golden Circle dinner
