By Madeline Zuckerman
PHOTOS BY MARK CIESLIKOWSKI
Olive Crest Desert Communities, has had so much exciting news to share lately, having just announced their expansion in the Coachella Valley, with the opening of their new Children and Family Resource Center on January 23, followed by their successful POWER OF ONE luncheon on February 1st at Bighorn Golf Club.
Olive Crest, known for its dedication to preventing child abuse, to treating and educating at-risk children and to preserving the family. . . “One Life at a Time,®” hosted its annual POWER OF ONE luncheon with over 150 guests in attendance. KESQ News Channel 3 Anchor Karen Devine served as Emcee of this event, which honored and celebrated the Olive Crest Champions of Hope, who have been dedicated to protecting and serving children and families in crisis. Raising close to $200,000, this elegant luncheon was Chaired by Leslie McGrath, working closely with her dynamic planning team.
“We all know someone who has made a lasting positive impact in our lives,” said Tracy Fitzsimmons, Executive Director of Olive Crest Inland & Desert Communities. “Today we take a moment to celebrate exceptional individuals who have made a lasting imprint in our community through their partnership with Olive Crest. We honor their commitment to at-risk children and families, and we affirm the truth that One community, One church, One business, One volunteer, One donor, One mentor, and One individual can create massive impact. I’m excited and grateful to come together and celebrate the positive change the Power Of One has made in the lives of vulnerable kids and families within the Coachella Valley.
Luncheon keynote Speaker Peter Mutabazi, Best-Selling Author of “Now I Am Known,” talked about his personal journey regarding foster care, adoption, child advocacy, and parenting. Mutabazi shared his inspirational and, at times, very emotional journey during his presentation. As an African-born foster kid, Peter only learned about foster care in the United States after his parents sent him to America for higher education in his 20s. Such a challenging, change-filled life path has given Peter an incredibly unique and compelling perspective. Peter has overcome a variety of life challenges, and encourages listeners to love those around them and to see the hope in their stories. His remarkable ability to turn his challenging upbringing into a life of service to others, especially children, is an amazing example of the POWER OF ONE.
“As a child, I ran away from an abusive home, and was helped by the kindness of strangers,” said Mutabazi. “As an adult, I found myself in a position to be able to help foster children, so I began taking children into my home years ago, to give back what was so freely given to me.”
Olive Crest Champions of Hope who were honored at the luncheon included:
CHAMPION BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: DERMATOLOGY & PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALISTS – DRS. NATALIE DRIESSEN MD, and MICHAEL J. MESSINA MD
CHAMPION VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: JUDY SANDERS
CHAMPION FAMILY OF THE YEAR: THE KYLE AND STEPHANIE HINKLE FAMILY
CHAMPION DONORS OF THE YEAR: SEAN AND LESLIE McGRATH
Luncheon Event Sponsors included Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Specialists, Stonegate West Real Estate Group, El Paseo Jewelers, K. Hinkle Painting, Associa Desert Resort Management, Sun Community Federal Credit Union, Hydes AC, Heating, and Electrical Services, Manny & Linda Rider, and Capobianco Law Offices PC.
One of the guests in attendance was the lucky winner of the El Paseo Jewelers $20,000 raffle package, which included a 14K white gold 5 carat diamond bracelet , in addition to a catered bracelet-fitting reception at El Paseo Jewelers for 10 guests, each receiving a gift card valued at $1,000.
Event Media Sponsors included THE DESERT SUN & LOCALiQ, Presenting Newspaper & Digital Media Sponsor; INLAND EMPIRE MAGAZINE, Exclusive Magazine Media Sponsor; KESQ TV News Channel 3, Exclusive TV Media Sponsor; and ALPHA MEDIA
– Palm Springs, Exclusive Radio Media Sponsor.
ABOUT OLIVE CREST
Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of over 200,000 children and their families. We
work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. Our 98% stability rate is a testament to the lifelong commitment and unwavering compassion that the Olive Crest family maintains to the children and families we serve, even after they have graduated from our programs.
On January 23, 2024, Olive Crest opened its new Children and Family Resource Center at 39820 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert. This was the culmination of a long-awaited and much-needed Olive Crest expansion within the Coachella Valley, where the organization’s highly successful and impactful programs for at-risk youth and their families will be available for the very first time in one location on this comprehensive campus.
The Olive Crest Children and Family Resource Center encompasses four distinct facilities – – the Community Involvement Center, funded by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Connie & Bob Lurie Counseling Center, the James and Lorraine Brinton Education and Training Center, and the Family Resource Center.
Olive Crest serves 5,000 children and families each day throughout the Western United States.
For general information, call 800.550.CHILD( 2445) or visit www.olivecrest.org For information on Olive Crest’s new Children and Family Resource Center please visit www.olivecrest.org/coachella-valley/
