"Stepping out for the College of the Desert" at the McCallum Theatre was an inspiring, exciting, and entertaining evening organized by The College of the Desert’s Foundation, the fundraising element of the school. The COD Foundation has raised more than $65 million to support student services, and manages endowments and other assets of more than $20 million.
A pre-show dinner, catered by Lulu’s California Bistro, gathered Foundation Board members and major supporters in the Founder’s Room and patio.
The opening segment of the evening in the McCallum Theatre presented videos and live presentations by students who shared their experiences at COD. They were part of the 80% of the student body who are first generation college students, arrive with very limited finances, and have serious doubt that they will complete their college program.
Their success stories related tales of their biggest challenges such as paying for books, childcare, fear of success and fear of failure. Diane Gershowitz, Chairwoman of the event, was featured in a video that explained the "You Can" campaign, which the Foundation launched last November to help provide scholarships, academic support and career counseling. Also, the campaign contributes to expanding programs and services designed to help students stay and succeed in school.
Major sponsors and supporters knew they would be in for an energetic and unique musical experience with the evening’s entertainment. Smokey Robinson presents Human Nature: The Motown Show is Australia’s top selling pop vocal group and a Las Vegas favorite. The handsome and dapper quartet re-imagined the sounds of Motown to present a show that was as unexpected as amazing. They performed such songs as Dancin’ in the Street, Sugar Pie, Stop in the Name of Love as well as other hits by The Four Tops, the Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and more. The sold out crowd sang and danced in the aisles and were delighted that they all remembered the words to these favorites.
Key event sponsors for the evening were The Goodfriend Foundation, Donna MacMillan, Harold Matzner, The Helene and Louis Galen Family Foundation, JoAnn and Mark Nickerson, Prime Time International and Wells Fargo Private Bank.
Other guests included Diane and Hal Gershowitz, Gary Hall and Jerry Green, Claire and Jamie Gagan, Wendy Goodfriend, Jane Saltonstall, Michael Childers, Jan and Brian Harnik, Peggy Cravens, Marc Byrd and Al Jones, Jim Hummer, Marjorie Victor, Diana and Irwin Yablans, Barbara and Gene Berlanti, Sherri and Ron Auen and Joel Kinnamon, Superintendent/President of College of the Desert.
McCallum Theatre
73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-340-2787
www.mccallumtheatre.com
Photography by Loretta Vlach