By Madeline Zuckerman
Desert Arc’s 12th Annual Golf Classic showcased a full flight of dedicated golfers and over 160 Awards dinner guests, making this highly-anticipated event a huge success. The camaraderie of all guests was evident all day long, with many of the golfers returning year after year to play on the renowned Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.
Desert Arc realized overwhelming community support at this annual event, which raised much-needed funds to support Desert Arc’s mission of championing the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, by enhancing their clients’ quality of life and creating opportunities for each person.
“We were finally able to return to hosting this event in early April, as we have done for so many years, now that the pandemic is hopefully behind us.” said Nancy Singer, event chair, board member and past board chair. “I truly enjoy being an integral part of this golf event, benefitting the many outstanding programs and services offered by Desert Arc. Every year we are so appreciative of the community’s support, as well as, the support of our Board of Directors and of our staff for their compassion and dedication to the organization.”
The event featured a scrumptious BBQ Lunch, followed by a Shotgun Scramble, Cocktail Reception, and Golf Awards banquet dinner, prepared by Fantasy Springs’ infamous Chef Freddy, featuring such culinary delights as baja shrimp cocktail bowl, rosemary-garlic roasted sirloin of beef, pan roasted sea bass, and Chef Freddy’s meatballs and sweet Italian sausage.
“Desert Arc adeptly responded to the challenges of Covid-19 on behalf of the nearly 700 people with disabilities served by our mission,” stated Richard Balocco, President/CEO of Desert Arc. “Our nonprofit, a human services organization, shifted its on-site programs into ongoing phone meetings with our case management staff and virtual gatherings via zoom to ensure the opportunity for clients to participate in learning and social activities. The unwavering commitment of our Board of Directors and staff to our cause and perseverance in providing person-centric programming to enable people to reach their highest potential, is inspirational to all. Desert Arc’s future holds the promise of continued service to adults with disabilities, building on our strengths as a 62-year-old agency, in response to their needs.”
The coveted Golf Awards went to:
First Place Team: Seecon Properties – (third time in a row they placed first) John Tate, Fabian Granados, Brandon Petelski, and Jessie Lanham
Second Place Team: Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians – Geno Dixon, Don Perea, Charley Dalorey, and Randy Perea
Women’s Longest Drive & Women’s Closest To The Pin: Larissa Kerstetter, Director, Lead Annual Giving for Eisenhower Health Foundation
Men’s Longest Drive: Bobby Farnham
Men’s Closest To The Pin: Jon Doulas
“It’s terrific to continue the legacy Desert Arc has created for people with disabilities and their families within our community,” said Brooke Beare, event emcee, past board chair, and member of Desert Arc’s board. “The services and opportunities Desert Arc provides are due to the generous contributions of the players, as well as sponsors, who participate annually in this very fun golf tournament for a very good cause.”
During dinner guests were asked to sing Happy Birthday to a very special lady and longtime Desert Arc board member, Mary Hendler, who was presented with her favorite red velvet birthday cake, lovingly prepared by Chef Freddy.
Major event sponsors were Presenting Sponsor Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians; Dinner Sponsor Darlene Beneto; Luncheon Sponsor Hot Purple Energy; Golf Cart Sponsors included City of Rancho Mirage, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Pacific Western Bank and Nancy Singer; Greens Sponsors included Richard Balocco, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, The Katharine May Family, and Mind & Mill.
KESQ News Channel 3 was the event’s Media Sponsor.
Seen in the crowd were Damian Jenkins, Jay Chesterton, Douglas Welmas, Julian Mata, Larry Chisholm, Nate & Gina Otto, Aubrey & Lori Serfling, Laura Fritz, Darrell Mike, Miguel Terriquez, Greg Rangel, Omar Rodriquez, Rob Anzalone, David Peat, Mike Schrim, Tracy Trambley , Peter & Patrick Asten, Jerry Upham, Tim Esser, Mary Hendler, Ernie Rubin, Teddi Rozell, Glenn Miller & Diane Fesler, Ty Peabody, Bobby Farnham, Guido Portante, Tim & Keri Smith, Bill Banning, Jim Schneider, Don Lindsey, Tim & Monique Marchi, Leonard Zuckerman, Christopher Hoggatt, Buddy Ackerman, Marc & Carol McClure, George Englund, Alex Gomez, Karen Miles, and Katharine, Katie, and Steve May.
Please Save The Date of April 6, 2023 to support Desert Arc’s 13th Annual Golf Classic.
For information on Desert Arc please call 760-404-1368 or visit www.desertarc.org
