By Madeline Zuckerman
The American Association of University Women Palm Springs recently hosted their first-time and outrageously successful Purse Auction, raising $15,000 for scholarships for 25 Coachella Valley Junior High School girls to attend in person and virtual the organization’s Tech Trek STEM Summer Camp Programs at several State Universities. The sold out crowd of 65 elegantly attired ladies enjoyed an afternoon of fashion, food, and fundraising at Kiki’s La Quinta, all for a very worthwhile cause.
“We are thrilled at the response and support of our first Purse Auction fundraising event,” stated Gina Rotolo, event co-chair and co-vice president of fundraising for American Association of University Women (AAUW). “We will be able to send all 25 Coachella Valley Junior High School girls to STEM camp this summer, thanks to local grants, member contributions, local businesses donating items for our events this season, and to the generous support of all the patrons who attended our event.”
Guests at the event had an awesome time bidding on vintage, as well as, new purses filled with gift cards, jewelry, health, and wellness services, in addition to other surprise items. The evening’s live auction featured exclusive packages and experiences from Acrisure Arena, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the JW Marriott Spa, Gift Cards from Kiki’s La Quinta, and much more.
A special highlight of the evening was a drawing for a stunning diamond tennis bracelet, generously donated by El Paseo Jewelers, which brought in over $4,000 towards the organization’s fundraising efforts.
American Association of University Women Palm Springs has raised approximately $45,000 to date, in order to provide scholarships for local girls participating in Tech Trek STEM, Tech Trek Alumnae, GOV Trek, and NCWSSL college programs.
The American Association of University Women’s highly-successful Tech Trek STEM initiative is focused on creating inspiration, excitement, and confidence for young women interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. The organization believes fostering a love of learning for young women through these key areas is necessary to cultivate a more diverse, inclusive, and robust workforce with the potential to create impact and change for years to come. Throughout the year, AAUW works to pair young women with a variety of online and in-person learning opportunities, as well as, to provide mentorship for Coachella Valley girls and young women to support and challenge them through their formative educational years in Junior High and High School. The success rates of this program speak for themselves:
- 96% of Tech Trek Alumnae go to college
- 82% of girls chose to take more science classes in High School because of Tech Trek
“For AAUW’s Palm Springs Tech Trek Summer Weeklong Camp Program 2024, there will be 8 girls going to UC San Diego, 12 girls going to Whittier College, and 5 girls going to a hands-on virtual Tech Trek Camp,” said Janet Hartzler Braslow, Head of the Tech Trek Selection Committee.
American Association of University Women Palm Springs thanked the following local businesses for their support of this first-time Purse Auction including El Paseo Jewelers, Acrisure Arena, Coachella Valley Firebirds, JW Marriott Hotel, Kiki’s La Quinta, Lulu California Bistro, La Petite Salon Deux, Palm Springs Air Museum, Art By Design, Avondale Golf Course, Clark’s Nutrition & Natural Foods, Desert Island Country Club, Ben & Jerry’s, The Wax Plant Custom Gifts, Fit in 42 Personal Training, RD RNNR, Kalology Medi-Spa at the Hyatt Indian Wells, SkinnyGlow, and Dave & Busters.
“We intend to reach our $50,000 fundraising goal before we break for the summer, and are hopeful to be able to have additional funds left over to build upon the success of this year’s events, as we look to create even more educational opportunities for local women and girls in the 2024–2025 season,” said Amy Dailey, event co-chair and co-vice president of fundraising for the organization.
About the American Association of University Women
The mission of the American Association of University Women is to enhance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. The organization’s Tech Trek Program is an impactful venue that makes technology available to female students. In 1998, the first Tech Trek Camp was held at Stanford where 151 girls from 134 branches spend one week in the program. Due to the success across California, Tech Trek has now become a national program with camps in Florida, Alabama, New Mexico, Oregon, Iowa, Washington, New Jersey, and Ohio.
The American Association of University Women Palm Springs is actively seeking new members who are eager to get involved and make a difference in the Coachella Valley. For more information on the local branch and Membership, please visit https://palmsprings-ca.aauw.net
