The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission invites the community to celebrate “Over Five Decades of New Beginnings” with CVRM’s 54th Anniversary Rhinestone Rodeo Gala live and silent Auctions, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
The inspirational and fun celebration will benefit CVRM’s commitment to “Helping Seniors find Home and Hope.” There will be a special video presentation highlighting personal stories of seniors who have come to CVRM to find shelter and hope and hopefully a new home to call theirs.
“The economy has taken its toll on everyone, but especially seniors, and especially those on a fixed income. Seniors are being regularly priced out of their homes or lack access to affordable housing. They also face challenges such as chronic health issues, loss of family support, abuse, etc.,” said Executive Director Darla Burkett. “The needs of homeless seniors aged 55 and over are distinct from other homeless populations due to their age-related vulnerabilities, health concerns, and social challenges. Chronic illnesses, mobility issues, isolation, limited income, employment barriers, nutrition,” she said. Seniors can stay in CVRM residential programs for up to 6 to 9 months, sometimes up to one year depending on their needs.
The cost of a 12-month stays at a daily rate of $85, which is $31,000 a year.
“That is why generous donations are so important through events like the gala,” Burkett said.
The Gala will begin with a reception with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and silent auction. A Western styled buffet styled dinner and program follows with music and dancing by DJ Zypher.
Auctioneer extraordinaire Brad Kinney will host the event. Seats are $200 with tables of 8 or 10 available now at Early Bird pricing is available until Dec. 3. Tables of 8 are $1,600 and tables of 10 are $2,000. Individual tickets are $200. After Dec. 31 tables of 8 are $2,000 and tables of 16 are $2,500. Individual tickets are $250 starting Jan. 1. Reservations can be made at https://www.cvrm.org/gala/ Deadline for reservations is Feb. 7.
The Indio based Rescue Mission was founded in 1971, offering food, clothing, and safe shelter to anyone in need. CVRM is the only emergency shelter between Blythe and San Diego that offers over 320,000 meals and 108,000 bed nights of shelter. CVRM helps people end their cycle of homelessness with extensive counseling, job training, and job placement services.
CVRM’s success rate for those entering residential programs and emerging employed and having housing is 80 percent.
To learn more about the Rescue Mission or to donate, visit https://www.cvrm.org
