GivingTuesday happened last week and according to the Chronicles of Philanthropy, “Donors contributed $3.1 billion to U.S. nonprofits on GivingTuesday, roughly the same amount as last year, which marked a record high for the giving day.”
I received a dizzying number of solicitations, plus I’m being asked to donate food, toys and pet supplies by dozens of charities for the holidays. There’s a thought that if pay were equitable and tax loopholes did not favor the rich, there wouldn’t be such a need.
Non-profits are a big part of the Coachella Valley, and I support many of them. But I certainly would like to see consolidation so that more dollars could go to services and not overhead. (And possibly fewer galas too.)
I was also dismayed at a leaked memo from Amazon reported in today’s Los Angeles Times chronicling “a stark look at the company’s carefully laid out plans to grow its influence in Southern California through efforts that include charity work.” You can read the article HERE. It’s disheartening to think that corporate giving is driven by calculated metrics and the goal of influencing policy makers.
But I will still be giving and providing our company’s sponsorship to local charities because there is such a need. I hope you will too. “Tis the season!
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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Christmas with the Crawfords
Desert Theatreworks presents Christmas with the Crawfords at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs now through December 30. This riotous camp classic is based on the actual Christmas Eve live radio broadcast from the Crawford family’s Brentwood mansion in 1949. Filled with exaggerated silver screen icons, this mash-up musical parody is a loving homage to Hollywood’s “Golden Age” and features appearances of Tinsel Town divas such as Judy Garland, Carmen Miranda, Gloria Swanson, Hedda Hopper and the Andrews Sisters. Christmas With The Crawfords is a delightful alternative to the usual saccharine fare offered during the holidays and is guaranteed to make anyone who sees it feel much better about their own family this time of year. Get tickets
A Christmas Story
Desert Theatreworks presents A Christmas Story, playing now through December 21. Based on the classic 1983 holiday movie, A Christmas Story follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, a daydreamer from Indiana who spends his days counting down to the most exciting day in any kid’s life: Christmas. All he wants is an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle, but as his parents and teachers warn him, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” A Christmas Story charts Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that his perfect gift ends up under the tree on Christmas morning. The perfect funny holiday treat for all. Get tickets
Best of Modernism Auction: Holiday Edition
Modernism Week is offering an exciting online auction of unique and compelling experiences and intriguing and distinctive items with their Best of Modernism Auction: Holiday Edition running now through Sunday, December 10, just in time for the holiday season. The auction features more than 100 unique architectural experiences, exclusive VIP Modernism Week event tickets and packages, access to exclusive sold-out parties, and uncommon items not typically available to the public. See our event listing for a selection of highlights: More info
Desert BrewFest
Luchador Brewing Company presents the Desert BrewFest on Sunday, December 10 from 12–6 pm at the Cathedral City Amphitheater. The event will feature a variety of craft beers from local and non-local breweries, live bands, Lucha Libre wrestling, food trucks, Santa Claus, vendors and partners, and a toy drive. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to local charities. Get tickets
National AIDS Memorial Quilt Display
Sections of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt are on display at the Annenberg Health Science Building at Eisenhower Medical Center this week, December 4–8 from 9 am–3 pm. As the largest community arts project in the world, the AIDS Memorial Quilt is a teaching tool to help educate people about HIV/AIDS and its continued impact today, and to remember the 700.000 U.S. lives lost in the four decades since the first cases were reported. More info
Palm Springs Film Fest Announces Lineup
The Palm Springs International Film Festival has announced a diverse lineup of films screening from January 4–15, including international features, documentaries, and independent films. The festival will open with the U.S. premiere of Thea Sharock’s Wicked Little Letters, a film based on a true story about a 1920s scandal in England. Other highlights include the South Korean Focus, which will feature 10 films from the country, and the Family Day program, which will offer a selection of family-friendly films. The festival will also host a number of special events, including tributes to James Ivory and Greta Gerwig. Ivory, who has won three Academy Awards, will be honored with a screening of his films “The Bostonians,” Howards End, “Maurice, Merchant Ivory,” “Quartet,” and “Shakespeare Wallah.” Gerwig, who directed the critically acclaimed films Lady Bird and Little Women, will be honored with a screening of her latest film, “Barbie.” In addition to the films, the festival will also offer a variety of educational programs, including workshops, panels, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. More info
Zoo Families: Wildly Diverse!
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens presents Zoo Families: Wildly Diverse! on Saturday, December 9 from 9:30 am–12 pm. Not all animal families look alike! This family program invites you and your pride to learn about the animal families at The Living Desert. The event includes an up-close animal experience, story time, a craft, tram tour, and admission to the zoo afterwards. Get tickets
Kinsey Sicks: Oy Vey in a Manger
The Kinsey Sicks, America’s Favorite Dragapella® Beautyshop Quartet, come to The Purple Room Supper Club this weekend, Friday and Saturday, December 8 & 9. In their show, Oy Vey in a Manger, we find Angel, Winnie, Trixie, and Trampolina trying to sell off their manger – yes, that manger – before it’s foreclosed upon. Crises arise, secrets are revealed, Jewish-Gentile tensions surface, and mayhem ensues – all in glorious four-part harmony. Oy Vey boasts The Kinsey Sicks’ Dragapella® reinterpretations of holiday classics, such as “Vanna White Christmas,” “Anchor Baby,” and “Lusty the Snowman.” PLUS, indulge in hilarious Jewish satiric fare, including “Don’t Be Happy, Worry,” the Chanukah spa classic “I Had a Little Facial” and, of course, the requisite and new Christmas cuisine standard, “Soylent Night.” Get tickets
Sand Stars & Guitars: Levi Kreis – Home for the Holidays Tour
The Sand, Stars and Guitars Series is back for an all-new season with the very best in Americana, Country, Bluegrass, NewGrass, Country Gospel, American Folk and even a little bit of ole time Blues. On Friday, December 8 at 7 pm, Tony Award-winner Levi Kreis presents the 9th annual Home for The Holidays Tour. A seamless blend of jazz, gospel, country and rockabilly, Levi gives a fresh and unique perspective to a flawless collection of Christmas classics and holiday favorites. From uproarious storytelling to soul-stirring renditions, Kreis will leave you laughing, crying, and filled with the spirit of the season. Get tickets
Summer Session with the Bones Brigade
CVRep presents the world premiere of the powerful new play, Summer Session with the Bones Brigade by Kirby Fields, playing now through December 17. As part of the ORIGINS New Works Development Program, Summer Session with The Bones Brigade tells the story of four teenage skateboarders and their two female friends. When one of them mysteriously disappears, the gang fears the worst and directs their guilt and shame about his disappearance against one another. Skate alongside as they explore the often-complicated challenges of friendship, youth, overbearing parents, loss and the coming of age. Get tickets
Golden Grapes Wine Festival
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club, in partnership with Wine + Rock, presents the return of their Golden Grapes Wine Festival on Saturday, December 9 from 12–5 pm. This fourth annual wine-soaked bacchanalia celebrates the best winemakers, grapes, and grape lovers in California with over 25 participating wineries lovingly pouring the sweet elixir all day. Admission includes unlimited tastings, small bites, and expert insights from the winemakers. The festival covers both floors of the clubhouse, starting at noon for VIP ticket holders and 1 pm for general admission. Get tickets
Parents As Heroes Toy Give Away
The American Legion Auxiliary Post 519 presents the Parents As Heroes Toy Give Away from December 7–11. Parents are invited to shop for free at a Toy Bank located in the American Legion Auxiliary Post located at 400 N. Belardo Road, Monday–Friday from 1–6 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 12–5 pm. More info
Artist-Made Gifts at Desert Art Center
The Desert Art Center presents: Holiday Shop: Artist-Made Gifts, now through December 31. Don’t miss the finest artist-made giftables in the valley. You’ll find fine ornaments and decor, jewelry and wearables, prints and wall art, greeting cards, and much more. More info
