ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 AT THE RENOWNED EAGLE FALLS GOLF COURSE AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO DESERT ARC HAS BEEN CHAMPIONING THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL & INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES FOR OVER 62 YEARS IN OUR VALLEY
By Madeline Zuckerman
Desert Arc, established in 1959, to provide vocational training and services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, has announced plans and a new name for its 11th Annual Golf Classic Fundraiser on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.
“We are pleased to announce that Desert Arc has renamed its annual golf fundraiser to honor the memory of a longtime benefactor,” proclaimed Richard Balocco, President/CEO of Desert Arc. “It will now be called The Steve Beneto Annual Golf Classic.”
Desert Arc Board Member Nancy Singer will serve as this year’s Event Chair, along with Mistress of Ceremonies Brooke Beare, Emmy award-winning journalist, Board Member and immediate Past Chair of the Desert Arc Board.
“It is my honor once again to chair this year’s golf tournament to benefit the many outstanding programs offered by Desert Arc,” stated Nancy Singer, Event Chair and Past Board Chair of Desert Arc. “Each and every year we are grateful for the support of the community, as well as staff members, as we continually strive to enhance the lives of over 700 developmentally disabled adults,” Singer continued.
This event will feature a continental breakfast at Registration beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Shotgun Scramble at 11:00 a.m. with Lunch pre-set on the carts and complimentary snacks and drinks served on the course throughout the day, and will conclude with a Golf Awards Dinner and Opportunity Drawing immediately following the golf tournament at 4:30 pm. Renowned Architect Clive Clark designed the par 72,6715 yard Eagle Falls Golf Course with challenging water features, for the enjoyment of all golfers who participate.
“It’s so terrific to continue the legacy Desert Arc has created over the past 62 years for developmentally disabled adults and their families in our community,” stated Brooke Beare. “The services and opportunities Desert Arc provides are due to the generous contributions of the players and sponsors, who participate annually in this fun golf tournament for a very good cause,” Beare continued.
Entry fee to participate in this year’s event is $ 375 per person, which includes a round of Golf, a delicious Continental Breakfast, Box Lunch, Awards Dinner and Opportunity Drawing. All players will receive one complementary drawing ticket for a chance to win an electric bike and other great prices. Golf Foursomes are priced at $1,250. Awards Dinner with open bar tickets only are $85 per person. Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $ 200 for a Tee Sponsorship, all the way up to $ 10,000 for a Presenting Sponsor. Proceeds raised support the various Desert Arc programs and services that are not funded by the State.
“The community’s participation in this important fundraiser for Desert Arc will have an immediate and profound impact on the people we serve,” stated Richard Balocco. “Some of the players are new to Desert Arc, and we are grateful for their involvement and look forward to our continued friendship. Many of the golfers are longtime friends, like Steve Beneto, who have played a significant role in our 62-year history of making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. All in all, our donors’ belief and generous support of our mission means the world to us!” Balocco continued.
For additional information on Desert Arc and this significant fundraising event, please call 760-404-1368 or visit www.desertarc.org/golf-tournament-classic
ABOUT DESERT ARC
Desert Arc is a leading nonprofit, with an impressive 62=year history of providing comprehensive services for over 700 adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities within the Coachella Valley, the Morongo Basin, and outlying cities. Since its founding in 1959, Desert Arc has been offering life-changing programs designed to meet the needs of its clients including: an adult day center, vocational training, job development, job placement and employment, nutrition, social and recreational programs, support and training for self-help and independent living, case management and personalized coordination of services, and advocacy for community integration. Desert Arc has been recognized within the community for enhancing their clients’ quality of life and creating opportunities for them. Dedicated to social innovation, Desert Arc has also created a variety of enterprises providing business services to area companies including their Shredding, Recycling, Landscape Maintenance, Janitorial, and Fulfillment Divisions. These are growing micro-businesses developed to provide employment for the clients, as well as, an earned income revenue stream for Desert Arc. Pathways to Employment is the umbrella for the organization’s vocational, on-the-job training, and supportive job placement service programs, working directly for Desert Arc or within their fellow employer network. Over it’s consistent and financially sound 62-year history, Desert Arc has been making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities!
Desert Arc’s main headquarters is located on Country Club Drive in Palm Desert, consisting of three buildings totaling 50,000 square feet of space. In addition, Desert Arc has a Recycling Center in Indio and a satellite facility in Yucca Valley. A robust transportation system provides their clients with daily curb-to curb service to get to and from home to Desert Arc, worksites, and volunteer opportunities.
For more information on how you can assist Desert Arc with its vital programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, please call 760-404-1368 or visit www.desertarc.org
