By Madeline Zuckerman
Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS), a leading Coachella Valley nonprofit who has been supporting the social service needs of the Jewish and general community for over 41 years, has announced plans for its 22nd Annual Patron Party on Sunday, December 8, 2024. This fun and always enjoyable event will take place at a “Unique Tropical Oasis,” in Palm Desert from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
This signature event is the organization’s annual party and celebration honoring key Patrons who have loyally and unwaveringly supported Jewish Family Service of the Desert. JFS Patrons attending this year’s soiree will be able to mix, mingle and enjoy live music, while also enjoying a scrumptious cocktail supper catered by the highly regarded Eight4Nine Restaurant in Palm Springs.
“I look forward to each year’s Patron Party because it’s an opportunity to engage with many of our Patrons at one time, giving me the chance to learn more about them and why they support our agency,” said Kraig Johnson, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service of the Desert. “Invariably, they appreciate the significant improvements our programs offer. Counseling helps individuals or families better deal with life’s many difficulties. Case managers help keep clients housed and fed, while helping clients map out potential long-term solutions to help stabilize the household. And, community outreach offers interactive programs for our local seniors, including our Holocaust survivors and children of Holocaust survivors, to help reduce isolation, preserve cognition, and to help our seniors age in dignity.
“The Patron Party is a not-to-be-missed exclusive event to thank our JFS Patrons for their generous support,” said Cheryl Scarlett, Director of Major Gifts & Fundraising. “Please consider supporting JFS at the highest level possible. Benefactor Patrons and above receive VIP reservations to all of our three wonderful events for the 2024-2025 season, including our “Brunch & The Brain” Luncheon on November 17, 2024 featuring Dr. Marc Milstein, and our “A Night At The Chi Chi” in March of 2025 at P.S. Underground, honoring Barbie Rogers and Gary Geske.”
Jewish Family Service of the Desert’s Patron levels include Visionary Patron at $25,000; Angel Patron at $10,000; Champion Patron at $5,000; Benefactor Patron at $3,000; and Advocate Patron at $1,200.
“When I decided I wanted to volunteer and give back to our community, I had hundreds of choices,” said Joanne Chunowitz, President of the JFS Board of Directors. “Every charity is wonderful and worthwhile, but I decided that JFS was the organization I wanted to give my time to because it provides so many different services to so many people here in the Coachella Valley regardless of race, religion, or persuasion.”
Exclusive event Media Sponsors include THE DESERT SUN & LOCALiQ, Presenting Newspaper & Digital Media Sponsor; KESQ News Channel 3, TV Media Sponsor; and ALPHA MEDIA-PALM SPRINGS, Radio Media Sponsor.
For reservations and any additional information, please call Cheryl Scarlett at 760-325-4088 ext. 107 or email her at cscarlett@jfsdesert.org
ABOUT JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF THE DESERT
Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) is a nonsectarian Agency founded on the Jewish principal of Tikkun Olam (“Healing The World”), supporting the social service needs of Coachella Valley residents for over 41 years by providing over 10,000 in-person Telecare services a year in mental health, case management, emergency assistance, camp scholarships, reducing senior isolation, food support, and special programming for the community. The Agency’s mission is to provide for the social service needs of the Jewish and general community throughout the greater Coachella Valley, with a commitment to promote the well-being of people of all ages, incomes, and lifestyles. Today JFS has evolved into an organization of professionals and volunteers providing a broad range of support and services to Coachella Valley residence each year, including our Holocaust survivors.
For additional information on Jewish Family Service of the Desert, please call 760-325-4088 or visit
