Patti LaBelle Steps Out in Grand Fashion for College of the Desert

Ann Greer Current Digital, Social Scene

Bill Chunowitz, Nancy Stone, Diane Rubin, and John Mosser, Ph.D., from the College of the Desert Foundation.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY LORETTA VLACH

Stepping Out for College of the Desert Committee co-chairs Diane Rubin and Nancy Stone, aided by committee members Bill S. Chunowitz, Dominique Shwe, Barbara Foster Monachino, and Madeline Zuckerman, delivered a terrific show that had the entire audience on its feet, waving its arms and singing along at the McCallum Theatre.

The 100-minute show delivered non-stop rhythm and blues/rock infused jazz led by the “Godmother of Soul”, Patti LaBelle. The audience responded to the sentimental favorite “Over the Rainbow” and a stunning tribute in memory to fallen singers and LaBelle’s immediate family rounded out the emotional wallop.

The show followed a lovely donor reception at Cuistot Restaurant. College of the Desert President Joel Kinnamon and COD Foundation President Bill Chunowitz acknowledged the major donors who contributed to the evening’s $725,000 intake. All funds raised will help COD students receive all the support they need in order to succeed. Entertainment Presenting Sponsor Jordan Schnitzer represented the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation. Ariana and Josh Grossman represented Chancellor Level Stepping Out Sponsor Donna MacMillan.

As in years past, Chancellor Level Stepping Out Sponsors Alan and Helen Greene with son Jim and spouse Jessica Greene from The David and Alan Greene Family Foundation enjoyed the festivities. Other major donors were Sherrie Auen and Catharine Reed from The Auen Foundation, Nancy Harris of the Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation and Joel Smilow. COD musicians provided entertainment.

College of the Desert Foundation
43500 Monterey Ave.
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-773-2561
collegeofthedesert.edu

College of the Desert Foundation, 43500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert, 760-773-2561; collegeofthedesert.edu