By Madeline Zuckerman

Desert Arc, whose mission is enhancing the quality of life and creating opportunities for people with disabilities, hosted its highly-acclaimed 15th Annual Golf Classic fundraiser on an absolutely beautiful day on the links at the renowned Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.  A full flight of golfers along with180 dinner guests lent their unwavering support for this charitable human social services organization, who has championed the rights of people with disabilities since 1959.

Serving 700 adults, Desert Arc is celebrating 66 years of providing vocational training and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The organization offers programs designed to give each individual a safe and supportive, person-centric resource base to reach their highest potential to live, work, and socialize in the community.

Co-emceed by Jay Chesterton, Fantasy Springs Interim General Manager and former Desert Arc Board Member, and Brooke Beare, Emmy® Award-Winning Journalist, who is Vice Chair of the Desert Arc Board, the event featured a scrumptious BBQ Lunch, followed by a Shotgun Scramble, Cocktail Reception, and Golf Awards Banquet Dinner, lovingly prepared by Fantasy Springs’ infamous Chef Freddy.

“To quote famous golfer Arnold Palmer, “Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you, “ said Desert Arc Board Chair Doug Watson.  “Desert Arc is celebrating 66 years of turning disability into ability in fulfillment of our mission and service to adults with disabilities who benefit from our programs. The proceeds from our Golf Classic fundraiser furthers the vital cause our nonprofit organization has championed since 1959.”

“It was my honor again to chair this Annual Golf Classic

fundraiser to benefit the many outstanding programs offered by Desert Arc, which are not funded by the State of California,” said Nancy Singer, Event Chair and Secretary of the Desert Arc Board of Directors.  “We are grateful for the support of the community, as well as, staff members, as we continually strive to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chef Freddy once again prepared an amazing BBQ lunch and Buffet Awards Banquet for all guests to enjoy.  A special thank you goes to the companies who donated the many incredible raffle prizes.”

A special champagne toast was made during the dinner in honor of Richard Balocco, who is retiring from Desert Arc after serving as its President/CEO for almost 18 years.

This year’s coveted Golf Awards went to:

First Place Team:  Rivco Mechanical

Second Place Team:  Richard Balocco

Women’s Closest To The Pin:  Cathy Condon

Men’s Closest To The Pin:  Nick Prudhomme

Women’s Longest Drive:  Wendy Beerbower

Men’s Longest Drive:  Nick Prudhomme

Raffle prizes included two VIP passes to Coachella Festival 2025, two VIP passes to Stagecoach Festival 2025, four tickets to a CV Firebirds Game at Acrisure Arena, two Electric Bikes donated by Hot Purple Energy, Dinner for four at The Bistro at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Golf for four at Eagle Falls Golf Course, an autographed Eagles Band Photo, a signed Golf Lithograph by Sam Sneed, two Cases of Wine from Bello Winery, and $500 worth of Gift Cards for Dining In The Desert.

Event sponsors included Hot Purple Energy, Presenting Sponsor; the Beneto Foundation, Dinner Sponsor; Decorators Depot, Registration Table Sponsor; SA Recycling, Hole #18 Sponsor; H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, and Nancy Singer, Cart Sponsors; Richard Balocco, Banc of California, Burrtec, Charles Schwab, Eisenhower Health, and Strategy/Innovation Co., Greens Sponsors.

Media Sponsors included DESERT SUN & LOCALiQ, Presenting Newspaper & Digital Media Sponsor; KESQ News Channel 3, Exclusive TV Media Sponsor; ALPHA MEDIA-Palm Springs, Exclusive Radio Media Sponsor; and DESERT GOLF & TENNIS MAGAZINE, Exclusive Magazine Media Sponsor.

Please Save The Dates of April 6, 2026 to support Desert Arc’s 16th Annual Golf Classic, and Desert Arc’s 8th Annual Champions of Change Recognition Awards Luncheon on February 5, 2026.

For information on Desert Arc please call 760-404-1368 or visit www.desertarc.org

  • (left to right) Stephen Beneto, Edgar Falomir, Paul Maloney, and Janine Auker. The Beneto Foundation was the Tournament's Awards Dinner Sponsor. PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan Castellon.

  • (left to right) Kaleb Welmas, Doug Welmas, Chairman of the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians, Junior Rocky, and Seth Morales. PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan Castellon.

  • BANC OF CALIFORNIA, the Tournament's Greens Sponsor (left to right) Matt Rifkin, Tracy Tremblay, and Brian McGuire. PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan Castellon.

  • (left to right) Nick Prudhomme, Guido Portante, Ty Peabody, and Richard Balocco. PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan Castellon.

  • (left to right) Doug Watson, Chair of Desert Arc's Board of Directors and CEO of Strategy I Innovation Co., a Greens Tournament Sponsor, and Michelle Peters, newly-appointed President/CEO of Desert Arc. PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan Castellon.

  • SA Recycling Golf Foursome, who was the Tournament's Hole #18 Sponsor (left to right) Eddie E. Reyes, Andreina Reyes, Maritza Frausto, and Ozzy Frausto.

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