By Madeline Zuckerman
Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) recently hosted over 200 elegantly attired guests at its highly anticipated 22nd Annual Patron Party, which was held this season at a unique Tropical Oasis in Palm Desert. This signature event celebrates and honors key patrons who support this nonprofit’s life-impacting services and programs offered to the Coachella Valley community. Some, but not all, of these crucial services and programs include mental health counseling, emergency financial assistance for families and seniors, senior socialization programs, camp scholarships for deserving children, case management, and programming for local Holocaust survivors.
Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) has been supporting the social service needs of the Jewish and general community in our Valley for over 42 years. The organization this year has provided over 15,000 services to approximately 2,000 people in our Valley, and has offered crucial financial support in the amount of $172,000 to our most vulnerable Coachella Valley residents.
“The Annual Patron Party provides an opportunity for patrons to gather with like-minded philanthropists who understand the need and benefits of JFS programming,” said Kraig Johnson, Executive Director of JFS. “Special thanks to our Patron Party hosts, Lindi Biggi and Lori Loftis, who graciously made their beautiful and unique home available for this year’s event. The setting, participants, music, and fare combined to make this event very special. This annual event gives us the opportunity to speak directly to potential donors, who accompany our patrons, sharing an understanding of why JFS should be considered as they plan their charitable giving.”
Guests in attendance enjoyed the live musical performance throughout the evening by singers Tim Burlsen and Maureen McDonald, who sang well-known hits including Time To Say Goodbye, The Prayer, Evergreen, Sunrise Sunset, Summer Wind, Santa Baby, and Unforgettable. Guests were treated to a sumptuous feast catered by Willie Rhine’s Eight4Nine Restaurant, starting with tray passed hors d’oeuvres including potato latkes, chicken skewers, mini Reuben sandwiches, in addition to a carving station featuring prime rib and turkey, a pasta station, a salad and soup station, and topped off with an assortment of petit fours for dessert.
“I would like to thank our Patron Party Committee for planning this wonderful event, along with Willie Rhine for the outstanding catering at this cocktail supper,” said Joanne Chunowitz, President of the Board of JFS. “I would also like to thank Lois Gold and the JFS Auxiliary for volunteering their assistance, and many thanks to Cheryl Scarlett, Director of Major Gifts & Fundraising for her expertise in planning all of our events.”
Seen in the crowd were Bill & Joanne Chunowitz, Sherrie Auen, Judy Allen & Jim Hummer, Don & Michelle Carafiol, Diane Rubin & Lenny Eber, Barbara & Bernie Fromm, Phyllis Eisenberg, Lee Erwin & Tim Jochen, M.D., Wendy & Bob Goodfriend, Margo Handelsman & Barry Kaufman, Gerry & Sandra Ostroff, Rachel & Ed Gubman, Aviva & Ron Snow, Loren & Howie Friend, Raju & Jaishri Mehta, Barbie Rogers & Gary Geske, Nancy Levine, Lois Gold, Gail Scadron, Renee Mayer, Meri Nielsen, Maggie Simon, Lance Karp, Niki Karp & Scott Karp, and Linda & Mitchell Wexler,
Event Media Sponsors 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.
About Jewish Family Service of the Desert
Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) is a nonsectarian agency founded on the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam (“Healing The World”), supporting the social service needs of Coachella Valley residents for more than 42 years, by providing over 10,000 in-person and telecare services annually in mental health, case management, emergency assistance, camp scholarships, reducing senior isolation, food support, and special programming for the community. Jewish Family Service of the Desert is committed to promoting the well-being of people of all ages, incomes, and lifestyles. Today, Jewish Family Service of the Desert has evolved into an organization of professionals and volunteers, providing a broad range of support and services to Coachella Valley residents each year, including our local Holocaust survivors.
To learn more about Jewish Family Service of the Desert, attend an event, donate or volunteer, please call 760-325-4088 or visit www.jfsdesert.org
