By Madeline Zuckerman
Olive Crest Desert Communities, known for its dedication to preventing child abuse, to treating and educating at-risk children and to preserving the family. . . “One Life at a Time,®” will host its highly-anticipated Annual “Power of ONE” fundraising dinner on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the beautifully remodeled Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California. This year’s event will feature an elegant dinner to celebrate and honor the extraordinary Olive Crest CHAMPIONS OF HOPE, individuals, as well as, companies, who have been dedicated to protecting and serving children and families in crisis. Registration, reception , and a live auction item review will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the dinner commencing at 6:00 p.m.
Karen Devine, KESQ TV’s well-known News Anchor, will once again serve as the evening’s Emcee.
“The Power of ONE reminds us that a single night — and a single act of generosity – can change the trajectory of a child’s life, ” said Tracy Fitzsimmons, Executive Director of Olive Crest Inland & Desert Communities. “ This event sustains Olive Crest’s vital work within the Coachella Valley, providing stability, protection, and real pathways to HOPE for kids and families who need it most.”
This year’s CHAMPIONS OF HOPE to be celebrated include:
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – WDC Kitchen & Bath Center
FAMILY OF THE YEAR – The John and Samantha Burns Family
DONOR OF THE YEAR – Bill and Barb Lindsey
“The Power of ONE is more than a gala – it is a lifeline,” said Bill Seals, Olive Crest Associate Development Director. “This annual celebration of Champions of HOPE fuels the transformative work of Olive Crest right here in the Coachella Valley, where so much is at stake for children and youth in crisis. Every gift and every seat filled helps ensure safety, security, and a future filled with HOPE for the most vulnerable among us.”
Olive Crest is proud to announce Alia Azariah as the Featured Speaker for this dinner, who is a nationally recognized expert on human trafficking, sex trafficking, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). As a survivor herself, Alia will deliver a powerful, not-to- be missed presentation reflecting her steadfast dedication to ending the exploitation of children and advancing best practices in survivors aftercare, with a focus on safety and comprehensive support. Her ongoing focus lies in creating safe and sustainable communities for youth trafficking survivors through education, advocacy, service, provision, and social justice.
Sponsorships are immediately available starting at $2,500 for Table Sponsorships on up to $25,000 for the Presenting Sponsor level. Individual tickets are $300.
Dinner Sponsors thus far include Lindsey Financial, Inc., Stonegate West Real Estate, K. Hinkle Painting, Sun Community Federal Credit Union, WDC Kitchen & Bath Center, Hydes AC and Electric, Albright Law, Walter Clark Legal Group, Associa Desert Resort Management, Southern California Energy, and JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.
Media Sponsors this year include THE DESERT SUN & LOCALiQ, Presenting Newspaper & Digital Media Sponsor; KESQ TV News Channel 3, Exclusive TV Media Sponsor; CONNIOSSEUR MEDIA, Exclusive Radio Media Sponsor; and INLAND EMPIRE MAGAZINE, Exclusive Magazine Media Sponsor.
For sponsorship and general event information, please contact Bill Seals, Olive Crest Associate Development Director at 760.895.0765 or at bill-seals@olivecrest.org You can also visit https://give.olivecrest.org/Desert2026
ABOUT OLIVE CREST
Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of over 200,000 children and their families. We
work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. Our 98% stability rate is a testament to the lifelong commitment and unwavering compassion that the Olive Crest family maintains to the children and families we serve, even after they have graduated from our programs.
Olive Crest serves 5,000 children and families each day throughout the Western United States.
For information, call 800.550.CHILD( 2445) or visit www.olivecrest.org
