Founded in 1959 in Greater Palm Springs, Desert Arc’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy and other conditions. Its vision is to continue building an organization that not only provides a comprehensive range of services, but opens pathways to independence, meaningful employment, community connection and lifelong growth.
The nonprofit hosted its 16th annual Golf Classic fundraiser at Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. It was a superb day for these enthusiastic and loyal golfers of all skill levels who came out to support the impactful and life-changing mission of Desert Arc.
Chaired by Nancy Singer, a long-time Desert Arc board member, and emceed by Brooke Beare, vice chair of Desert Arc’s board, and Jay Chesterton, Fantasy Springs’ interim general manager and former Desert Arc board member, the event featured a delicious barbecue lunch, a shotgun scramble and a scrumptious awards buffet banquet dinner, lovingly prepared by Fantasy Springs’ Chef Freddy and his culinary team.
“Since joining Desert Arc one year ago, I have been profoundly inspired — by our clients, our staff, our board and this incredible community,” said Michelle Peters, the organization’s president and CEO. “Desert Arc is not just an organization — it is a family and a powerful force for good.
“As we look toward the future of Desert Arc, our vision is grounded in one simple belief: that every person deserves the opportunity to live a life filled with dignity, purpose and choice. Our vision is to continue building an organization that not only provides services but creates opportunity — opportunity for independence, meaningful employment, community connection and lifelong growth.”
The organization boasts a 67-year history of providing comprehensive programs and services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Raising much needed funds to support Desert Arc’s programs and services, par none, all guests in attendance were there for all the right reasons — to support a great cause.
A special champagne toast during dinner had guests raising their glasses high in the air, celebrating Peters’ one-year anniversary with the organization.
Golf awards were presented to the lucky winners, including: Shelley Licata (women’s longest drive), Ryder Roberts (men’s longest drive), Barb LaBissoniere (women’s closest to the pin) and Josh Alverez (men’s closest to the pin).
The second place team, a Randy Nelson foursome, included Jeff Higgins, Randy Nelson, Tom Breitfeller and Mike Tamaki.
The first place team was The Desert Sun/LocaliQ foursome, consisting of Spencer Keane, Earl Smith, James Baggett and Josh Alverez.
Live auction items included a Koa Rev 2 electric bike, a golf foursome at Bighorn Golf Club, two VIP passes to the Coachella Valley Music Festival, two Rhinestone three-day passes to Stagecoach 2026 and a Roclord Studio portrait photography package.
This year’s top event sponsors included Hot Purple Energy, SA Recycling, Decorators Depot, Eisenhower Health, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Singer, Strategy/Innovation Co., Richad Balocco, Banc of California, the City of Indio, Squire and Angela Junger, The Management Trust, Peters, Charles Schwab and Zenith Insurance Company.
Media Sponsors included The Desert Sun & LocaliQ, presenting newspaper and digital media sponsor; KESQ News Channel 3, exclusive TV media sponsor; Desert Golf & Tennis, exclusive magazine media sponsor; and Connoisseur Media, exclusive radio media sponsor.
To learn more about Desert Arc, call 760-340-2361 or visit desertarc.org.
Madeline Zuckerman is owner and president of M. Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations Inc., a marketing, branding, public relations and special events firm with offices in Rancho Mirage and Newport Beach, California. Zuckerman is a founder of McCallum Theatre, a Desert Arc Champion, a member of the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation and a board member of the One Valley Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Coachella Valley Firebirds. She has been a guest reporter for The Desert Sun for 18 years.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Desert Arc’s annual Golf Classic empowers people with disabilities
Reporting by Madeline Zuckerman, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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