It was a gorgeous desert evening when the Mizell Center held its annual fundraising gala at Tamarisk Country Club. Upon entering, guests were welcomed in true classy Tamarisk style, with attentive staff circling with champagne and an array of hors d’oeuvres. Sweeping golf course views offered a serene, elegant background, and a tranquil patio provided a space for friends to mix and mingle.
As guests moved into the main dining room, the atmosphere shifted dramatically to a space that was nothing short of breathtaking. Classy, romantic and exquisite — the talents of Frank Goldstin and his team at Momentous Events had created a magnificent environment for the occasion.
The first to speak was emcee Patrick Evans, who provided an intricate story of the extensive workings and teachings of Mizell programs and shared a video showing past and president development and a glimpse into the nonprofit’s proposed future.
Evans then introduced Rob Wheeler, Mizell’s executive director, who thanked all the donors and presented the award of the evening to Desert Oasis Healthcare, who are celebrating 45 years and have been a consistent supporter of Mizell. On hand to receive the award was Dr. Lindsey Valenzuela.
Next came Dale Johannes, auctioneer extraordinaire, who had three wonderful packages to offer. Bidding went high and off the charts for the great cause.
Following dinner, guests sat back in their chairs and enjoyed the vocal talents of Marisa Cova, who was a contestant on TV’s “The Voice.”
Special thanks go to Carol Fragen as well as Steve Tobin and Johnny Krupa of the Helen Grace Spearman Charitable Foundation. All three have been long-time supporters and now have returned as major sponsors.
Chris Lipari, a new Mizell supporter, donated $5,000 during the event and then had a change of heart and upped it to $10,000. Thank you, Chris.
New Mizell sponsors include Hot Purple Energy and Bank of California.
To learn more about Mizell Center, to see what programs they offer or to make a donation, visit mizell.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: Mizell Center presents an evening Full of Life
Reporting by Carole Stephen-Smith, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
