Generosity, volunteerism, and advocacy fuel an undeniable spirit of philanthropy in the Coachella Valley. That dedication to giving back takes center stage every fall at National Philanthropy Day in the Desert. On Nov. 7, at the 19th annual awards luncheon at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, the Desert Communities Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will honor six local philanthropic heroes.
“Each year, National Philanthropy Day offers the opportunity to celebrate those who exemplify the event’s theme of changing the world with a giving heart,” event chair Kristin Bloomer says. “This year’s honorees reflect the generosity of a giving heart, not only through financial support, but also with their actions, time, and passionate commitment to causes that improve the lives of many here in our valley.”
Since 2007, the Desert Communities Chapter has recognized 106 individuals and organizations on National Philanthropy Day. The annual luncheon is “dedicated to ensuring the Coachella Valley is a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy community for all,” says Cindy Burresson, AFP board president. More than a celebration, it’s a reminder that generosity, when shared, is one of the desert’s most powerful forces.
Congratulations to the 2025 honorees.
OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST
Angie Gerber
A lifelong commitment to advocacy and community service drives Angie Gerber’s support of children, healthcare, and the arts.
Gerber, the immediate past president and a current board member of Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, played a key role in developing and launching FightChildAbuse.org. The global campaign, viewed more than 700 million times and translated into 11 languages, addresses child abuse prevention and awareness through age-appropriate videos. “Although this is a very difficult subject to talk about, I know that it can save lives, and that makes it all worth it,” Gerber says.
Her support of the Palm Springs Art Museum spans nearly 35 years: She’s held numerous leadership positions, serving on the board of trustees and Museum Associates Council, and as gala chair. She also supports College of the Desert, Eisenhower Health, McCallum Theatre, and the Stroke Recovery Center, among other organizations.
Guided by a deep commitment to better the lives around her, Gerber says that “philanthropy is multifaceted — it keeps you active in your community and gives you the opportunity to serve, helping to improve or even save someone’s life.”
OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER
Dona Nixon
With a passion for giving that stems from personal experiences, Dona Nixon has supported Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital by serving as a board member, developing innovative programs, and fundraising tirelessly for its local fundraising arm, Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild.
Nixon believes philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks but about giving your time, ideas, and heart. “I didn’t start volunteering until I was 65,” she says. “It’s never too late to make a difference. You get back so much more than you give — in friendship, in joy, in healing, and in purpose.”
Her steadfast dedication to making a difference has shown how one person’s compassion can ripple through a community. “I truly believe we all have the opportunity to be angels on this Earth,” she says.
OUTSTANDING NONPROFIT FOUNDER
Rachel Druten
Rachel Druten has dedicated her life to the arts and the children of the Coachella Valley. In 1999, she founded Tools for Tomorrow, a nonprofit arts literacy program that offers Coachella Valley students exposure to drama, creative writing, music, and art. The initiative, which started with four Desert Hot Springs schools, has grown to serve more than 22,000 students across the valley’s three local school districts.
“It is my dream that all children in the Coachella Valley can go through the Tools for Tomorrow program,” says Druten, an accomplished artist in a variety of mediums and a published author of numerous novels and short stories.
The Tools for Tomorrow curriculum, taught by qualified teaching artists, offers students in grades three to five hands-on creative experiences that develop and encourage artistic self-expression, along with literacy-based activities that promote success in the classroom.
OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONAL
Heidi Maldoon
As executive director of Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert, Heidi Maldoon has expanded services for children with special needs and helped the organization earn recognition as a Certified Autism Center.
Variety provides life-changing programs and resources to children across the Coachella Valley who are underserved, living with disabilities, or facing serious medical conditions. The nonprofit supports these children and their families with mobility equipment, early childhood development resources, outreach, and community programs. “At Variety, we don’t just meet needs — we nurture potential,” says Maldoon, whose nearly 20-year nonprofit career reflects a deep belief in mission-driven work.
“Philanthropy is truly love in action,” she continues. “My path to Variety was deeply intentional — its mission resonated with my values. Supporting children and their families, especially those underserved, is not just work to me: It’s a calling.”
OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC CORPORATION
The Roost Foundation
In the heart of Cathedral City, The Roost Lounge and its nonprofit foundation are a powerful example of what’s possible when community and compassion come together. Founded by Jeff McDonald, Charles Thomas, and John Shyrock, The Roost Foundation has raised more than $300,000 annually through creative events that benefit numerous Coachella Valley nonprofits and schools, including the Cathedral City Boys & Girls Club, Lucy Curci Cancer Center, Tools for Tomorrow, Voices for Children, and several elementary schools.
It all began with a tour of the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City. “I wish I had a place like that when I was a kid,” McDonald says. “We knew we had the space to help support, and everything has just grown from there.”
Through events like Christmas in July, toy and backpack drives, and chili cook-offs, The Roost Foundation not only raises funds but also sparks a culture of giving across the community. “It’s not just about writing a check,” McDonald says. “It’s about bringing people together to care.”
OUTSTANDING YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY
Dior Halum
At the tender age of 11, Dior Halum proves that anyone — no matter how young — can make a difference for others. Her compassion started early. When she turned 6 years old, she asked for toy donations instead of birthday gifts to support patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital’s Indio Clinic. “I didn’t think it was possible for some kids to not have any toys,” Dior says. “Everyone should feel special.”
That single act of kindness and selflessness grew into Little Hearts for Little Hearts, an initiative encouraging young people to give $10 a year to help buy Lego sets, teddy bears, and books for hospitalized children. So far, Dior has raised $3,000 and continues to inspire many young givers.
“Starting Little Hearts is what I’m most proud of,” she says. “It helps more kids get involved in giving — and that helps more kids in the hospital feel better.”
