By Madeline Zuckerman
Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS), who has been supporting the social service needs of the Jewish and general community in our Valley for over 42 years, recently hosted two sold out evening performances of “A NIGHT AT THE CHI – CHI CLUB – A TRIBUTE TO HOLLYWOOD” at the renowned PS Underground in Palm Springs. The two back-to-back evening performances, magically transported guests back in time to the 1950s in Palm Springs, with singers and musicians performing songs from stars like Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Bing Crosby, and Louis Armstrong, who made the Chi-Chi Club the most famous night club west of the Mississippi. The three highly-talented performers included Francesca Amari, Dion Khan, and Tod Macofsky, who sang such well-known and memorable hits including Palm Springs Jump, I’m A Fool To Want You, Miss Otis Regrets, Just A Gigolo/Ain’t Got Nobody, Cuban Pete, Paper Moon, Cry Me A River, Makin’ Whoopee, It’s Not For Me To Say, and Jump Jive. Guests spontaneously sprung to their feet and got up to dance to these musical oldies but goodies!
Known for their culinary expertise, PS Underground’s highly-talented Chef Dave Horgen prepared a superb four-course themed dinner consisting of a Chi-Chi salad inspired by the original Chi-Chi Club, a White Velvet Soup from The Dollhouse Restaurant, a Duet of Chicken and Beef inspired by a retro menu from The Racquet Club, and topped off with a scrumptious Flambee inspired by Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn.
The highlight of the evening was Barbie Rogers and Gary Geske being honored with the 2025 Jewish Family Service of the Desert’s Humanitarian Award. This Annual Jewish Family Service of the Desert Humanitarian of the Year Award recognizes a person or a couple who generously support JFS’s efforts to promote the well-being of Coachella Valley residents through its social service programs, as well as, supporting other local agencies. Barbie Rogers and Gary Geske have been named the recipients of the 2025 Award, noting their support for Jewish Family Service of the Desert, as well as, for The Joslyn Center, Loving All Animals, and the McCallum Theatre’s Education Program, among others. Barbie and Gary exemplify the Jewish value of “Tikkun Olam.”
“It is with great pleasure that Gary and I serve our community as best we can,” said Barbie Rogers. “We take pride in the fact that we are able to help the less fortunate. During challenging times marked by high inflation, health issues, or the loss of a loved one, essential services and programs are crucial to support those in need. JFS stands out as one of the most exceptional services available to meet these needs. It doesn’t matter what faith you are; JFS is always willing to give a helping hand.”
“ JFS relies on the kindness of philanthropists like Barbie and Gary who see the value in our social services that are designed to prevent the onset of homelessness, reducing senior isolation, and offer much-needed tools to help mitigate the deleterious effects of mental health concerns,” said Kraig Johnson, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service of the Desert. “Without this support, many of our most vulnerable neighbors would face life-changing circumstances without help and hope.”
Another memorable highlight of the evening, although very emotional, was Palm Springs Holocaust Survivor, Goldie Jacoby, who shared her heart-wrenching story of survival by first hiding under floorboards and later in a barn to survive the War.
Seen in the crowd were JFS Honorees Barbie Rogers & Gary Geske, Holocaust Survivor Goldie Jacoby, Bill & Joanne Chunowitz, Ron & Aviva Snow, Sandy Hellman & Margo Hobkirk, Michelle & Don Carafiol, Renee Mayer, Carol Fragen, Maggie Simon, Reva Levy, Judy Wallis, Susan & Elliot Soloman, Joanne & Dr. Myron Mintz, Barbara Feldman, Teri Heyden, Phyllis Eisenberg, Kraig Johnson, Cheryl Scarlett, Simone Herman, Neil Smith, Scot Karp, Steve White, Lance Karp, Lenny Eber & Diane Rubin, Diane & Hal Gershowitz, Joy Silver & Atma Wiseman, Renee Glickman, Nancy Singer & Bob Schwarz, Linda Rider, Susan Gelman, Jack Newby, Dick Shalhoub & Tracy Smith, Shelley & Jeff Burretti, Debbie & Buz Cox, and Lilo & Les Cooper.
Media Sponsors for these two nights of performances included THE DESERT SUN/LOCALiQ, Presenting Newspaper & Digital Media Sponsor; KESQ News Channel 3, Exclusive TV Media Sponsor; and ALPHA MEDIA-PALM SPRINGS, Exclusive Radio Media Sponsor.
For additional information on Jewish Family Service of the Desert please call 760-325-4088 or visit www.jfsdesert.org
