It was a diamond jubilee occasion for Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley as 600 guests celebrated its 60th anniversary at the nonprofit’s annual Grand Auction. As dedicated supporters arrived, they were in for a well-orchestrated first-class evening charged with high energy, love and generosity. They were there to cheer on an organization that provides community services to more than 5,000 youth and families across its four campuses in La Quinta, Indio, Coachella and Mecca. They were there to sustain an organization that offers leadership programs, nutritious meals, 21,000 hours of homework help, 1,200+ hours of mental health services and a safe haven for kids.
The colorful event kicked off in a festive diamond-themed ballroom teeming with hundreds of silent auction items at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells, where stylish attendees placed bids and mingled.
After relocating to a larger ballroom, guests were welcomed by the chair of the board of directors, Lee Osborne. An emotional speech was then delivered by the club’s president and CEO, Quinton Egson, who emphasized that everyone in the audience was a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley’s family.
“It was 1966, 60 years ago, when we built our first clubhouse in Indio,” he said. “If you’ve been with us for several decades, and some of you have, I just want to say thank you for being a part of the family. If it’s your first time here, let me be the first to welcome you to the family.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs offered an enriching place where I grew up. The organization not only enhanced my life, but what happened there also motivated me and saved me as a young boy. We are also proud that 80% of the kids who receive our scholarships graduate. The national average is 60%.”
One highlight of the evening was the recognition of the 2026 Champions of Youth, Jeff and Sandy Taylor and Mike and Ellen Way of Prime Time International. Honored for their more than 30 years of unwavering support, the Taylors and Ways exemplify the spirit of giving that fuels the organization’s mission. Their leadership and generosity have helped pave the way for thousands of young people across the Coachella Valley.
Another touching highlight was the presentation of the Youth of the Year award to Carlos Mendoza. Mendoza attended after-school programs at the Mecca Clubhouse. He went through many challenges in his young life, but he is a prime example of how Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley successfully shape the lives of our children. The club was helpful in steering him in the right direction from a troubled youth to an outstanding young man and father. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when he spoke.
“I have been with the organization for 11 years,” he said. “I want to thank Sofia Saenz and Ray Amador for mentoring me. Thanks to them, I’m not on the streets getting into fights. I was at the club being a kid, and in the process learning how to be a responsible man.”
It was a very fruitful fundraising night of pledges and bidding from a roomful of enthusiastic guests raising their paddles.
Many thanks of gratitude go to sponsors and big auction winners Mathis Home, Dina Dargis, John and Joan Foster, Michael and Jacquie Casey, Michael and Bonnie Holloway, West Coast Turf, Foster-Gardner, Prime Time International, George and Tammy Kirkjan, Mark and JoAnn Nickerson, Scott and Kathy Dalecio, Jim and Patricia Eddy, the Taylors, the Ways, The Auen Foundation, Ken and Paula Grier, Lee and Nancy Osborne, Tim and Julie Stupka, Randy and Adrienne Bloom, Matt and Heather Jiggins, David Tottino, Toyota of the Desert, Honda of the Desert, Jonathan and Francesca Gist, Suzie Burt and Lars Thane, Anthony and Jennifer Caridi, Moller’s Garden Center, Tom Foster, Pat and Trish Lizza, Greg and Monica Solis, Bob and Cindy Hilger, Frank and Jessica Firsching, David and Robin Marguleas, Tom and Kelly Flanagan, Gayle Hodges, Robert Archer and Charles Hilliar, Fay McClung, Margo Ritter, Rondi Edwards, Denise Maddux, Shields Date Garden, Vintage Nursery and W.D. Young & Sons.
A special shoutout went to La Quinta Country Club for its unwavering, generous support.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley, visit bgcofcv.org.
DeAnn Lubell, writer, novelist and publicist, has represented nonprofits and businesses in the areas of marketing, event planning and fundraising productions in the Coachella Valley since 1991. She is a PR and marketing representative for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley and Read With Me Volunteer Programs as well as her own nonprofit Amy’s Purpose, an educational pet safety and predator awareness service and Animal Science COD Partnership and Community Education Veterinary Assistant Scholarship program.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley celebrates 60-year milestone
Reporting by DeAnn Lubell, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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