GivingTuesday happened last week and according to the Chronicles of Philanthropy, “Donors contributed $3.1 billion to U.S. nonprofits on GivingTuesday, roughly the same amount as last year, which marked a record high for the giving day.”
I received a dizzying number of solicitations, plus I’m being asked to donate food, toys and pet supplies by dozens of charities for the holidays. There’s a thought that if pay were equitable and tax loopholes did not favor the rich, there wouldn’t be such a need.
Non-profits are a big part the Coachella Valley, and I support many of them. But I certainly would like to see consolidation so that more dollars could go to services and not overhead. (And possibly fewer galas too.)
I was also dismayed at a leaked memo from Amazon reported in today’s Los Angeles Times chronicling “a stark look at the company’s carefully laid out plans to grow its influence in Southern California through efforts that include charity work.” You can read the AP article HERE. It’s disheartening to think that corporate giving is driven by calculated metrics and the goal of influencing policy makers.
But I will still be giving and providing our company’s sponsorship to local charities because there is such a need. I hope you will too. “Tis the season!
This Weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings
December 8–10, 2023
We’re keeping you updated on the weekend’s Top Events: ‘Christmas with the Crawfords’ and ‘A Christmas Story,’ Best of Modernism Auction: Holiday Edition, Desert BrewFest, National AIDS Memorial Quilt Display, Zoo Families: Wildly Diverse!, Kinsey Sicks: Oy Vey in a Manger, Levi Kreis Home for the Holidays, ‘Summer Session with the Bones Brigade,’ Golden Grapes Wine Festival…and much more!Â
Desert Theatreworks presents two Christmas season shows running concurrently at two ends of the valley! In Palm Springs at Margaritaville Resort, Christmas with the Crawfords runs now through December 30. This riotous camp classic is filled with exaggerated silver screen icons in a mash-up musical parody, based on the actual Christmas Eve live radio broadcast from the Crawford family’s Brentwood mansion in 1949 [Get tickets]. In Indio, Desert Theatreworks presents A Christmas Story now through December 21. Based on the classic 1983 holiday movie, A Christmas Story follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, a daydreamer from Indiana who spends his days counting down to Christmas, wishing for an air rifle, but as his parents and teachers warn him, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” The perfect funny holiday treat for all. [Get tickets]
Best of Modernism Auction: Holiday Edition
Modernism Week is offering an exciting online auction of unique and compelling experiences and intriguing and distinctive items with their Best of Modernism Auction: Holiday Edition running now through Sunday, December 10, just in time for the holiday season. The auction features more than 100 unique architectural experiences, exclusive VIP Modernism Week event tickets and packages, access to exclusive sold-out parties, and uncommon items not typically available to the public. See our event listing for a selection of highlights: More info
Desert BrewFest
Luchador Brewing Company presents the Desert BrewFest on Sunday, December 10 from 12–6 pm at the Cathedral City Amphitheater. The event will feature a variety of craft beers from local and non-local breweries, live bands, Lucha Libre wrestling, food trucks, Santa Claus, vendors and partners, and a toy drive. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to local charities. Get tickets
We have a featured Hot Deal for savings at Thai Smile, plus deals at Papa Dan’s PIzza & Pasta, Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Rick’s Desert Grill, Lulu California Bistro, PS HomeBoys, Monster Shakes, Men’s Grooming Spot, Il Giardino, V Wine Lounge, Zin American Bistro, Destination PSP, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Rick’s Desert Grill, Boozehounds, Trevor Wayne Store, Kitchen 86, Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, and more!
A closing with Samuel Ramos, Realtor culminates not just in a perfect home, but a housewarming gift of a Caribbean voyage for two as an emblem of his gratitude. Samuel Ramos also ensures that when you anchor your roots, someone else finds a home too. In partnership with Home For A Home, every transaction with Samuel Ramos means a donation in your name to help build a home for those in need in Guatemala. Learn more
Palm Springs Men’s Wellness Retreat is an exclusive massage spa in downtown Palm Springs designed by men, for men to be rejuvenated and pampered in a comfortable and private environment. They offer peaceful private treatment rooms as well as an upscale wet room with a table shower. Luxury products including coconut oil, wine scrubs, milk scrubs, and professional large size massage tables for additional comfort are also part of their services. Open seven days a week! Learn more
On the Air
Enter to WIN a ticket for an entire carload of family or friends to Magic of Lights, open now through December 31 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. This u