Palm Springs Life hosted an intimate release party for its December issue at the historic Gerald Ford Estate in Rancho Mirage, welcoming guests for a festive celebration and a closer look at the magazine’s latest edition featuring Jane Lynch. Homeowners John McIlwee and Bill Damaschke hosted the gathering, opening the doors to the storied residence for a relaxed poolside evening. The celebration took place on the eve of Lynch’s appearance at The Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs.
John McIlwee and Jane Lynch.
Catering by Lulu Catering and Events included a carving station, pasta station, and salad station, along with passed hors d’oeuvres, mocktails, cocktails, and wine.
Designed in the late 1970s by architect Welton Becket of Welton Becket & Associates, the home served as President Gerald Ford’s post–White House retreat. Completed in 1979, the single-story compound features flat roofs, expansive glass, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, later brought forward through a restoration by Marmol Radziner with interiors by Darren Brown.
Jay Nailor, MiShell Modern, and Lynda Keeler.
Dawn McCoy.
Lori Rodgers.
Ellen McCollum, John McIlwee, and Roger McCollum.
Eddie and Shauna Jones.
Mary and Joseph Elisha.
Julie Freguia, Anna Kula, and Isabelle Freguia.
Emily Chavous Foster and John McIlwee.
Karen Morris and Pat Camacho.
Eunice Garcia and Michael Felci.
Amanda Avila and Jen Martens.
Nelda Linsk, Gary Johns, and Annalisa Capurro.
Julie Freguia and Isabelle Freguia.
Lynda Keeler and Bob Merlis.
Brooke Beare with Amber and Joe Portolesi.
