Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage was once again the venue for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission’s annual gala, which this year celebrated a special anniversary of “Building Hope + Changing Lives” locally.
“For 55 years the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission has been a beacon of hope for our community’s most vulnerable residents,” said Amanda Galindo, CVRM’s executive director, via press release prior to the event. “This anniversary is more than a celebration. It’s a testament to the compassion and generosity of our partners, donors and volunteers who have stood alongside us in changing lives.”
The gala began with a one-hour reception that featured hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and a preview of the silent auction Items on display in the foyer so guests could bid online using a QR code on their bidding card. During this time, guests enjoyed the sounds of Night Shift, a high-energy group from Citrus College that performed the music of classic rockers as well as R&B and contemporary artists.
Several inspiring success stories were presented with special inspirational videos of CVRM “graduates” who have been able to change their lives and start over.
For example, Ashley grew up on the streets. Caught in a cycle of addiction and despair, she never knew what safety or love felt like. When she became pregnant, something within her shifted, and she knew she had to fight for a better life. At the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Ashley found more than shelter. She found compassion, guidance and the unwavering love of everyone there. Today, she’s attending college while raising her daughter and walking boldly into a future filled with hope, healing and purpose.
Ashley is one of the hundreds of clients who recognize that without CVRM, they may not have survived.
The live auction held during dinner included a vacation in Mexico and a helicopter ride with members of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Emcee and auctioneer extraordinaire Brad Kinney hosted the event.
Following dinner and the live auction, there was another roof-raising set from Night Shift. This was followed by a fun game of Heads and Tails, which provided lots of laughter. With a great prize on the line, it was a bit like “Survivor,” only no one went hungry, and no one got hurt.
The event also included a special presentation to Darla Burkett, a longtime highly respected figure at CVRM, who retired in October after 21 years of service. The announcement of her name brought cheers and a standing ovation. One overheard comment stated that Burkett “was the glue, the mother, the angel, the compassion and an open door” at the organization who was beloved by all.
About CVRM
The Indio-based rescue mission was founded in 1971, offering food, clothing and safe shelter to anyone in need. CVRM is the only emergency shelter between Blythe and San Diego that offers more than 320,000 meals and 108,000 bed nights of shelter. CVRM helps people end their cycle of homelessness with extensive counseling, job training and job placement services.
A donation of just $2.22 provides a nourishing meal for a hungry client and care that could be the first step towards a new life. CVRM has needs that last 365 days each and every year, so there is no time like the present to give back.
“We’re investing in a future where everyone in our valley has the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope,” Galindo said.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit cvrm.org.
Carole Stephen-Smith began writing in Scotland for a women’s weekly at the age of 15 and later covered American celebrities for the London Evening Echo. After relocating to the desert, she wrote for Desert Woman in the 1990s. Stephen-Smith focuses on charities that assist women, medical causes — especially breast cancer awareness — and all aspects of child abuse.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Coachella Valley Rescue Mission celebrates 55 years of changing lives
Reporting by Carole Stephen-Smith, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Carole Stephen-Smith, Special to The Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
