Corks & Cuisine raises more than $170k for Desert Cancer Foundation
Desert Cancer Foundation's Corks & Cuisine 2021 was a wonderful comeback, a spectacular setting at Ironwood Country Club’s outdoor patio with string lights, deliciously crafted bite-sized food, cocktails and wine tasting from the Boisset Collection. Every bite was for savoring with live entertainment by the Gand Band.
The event welcomed a total of 250 guests, many of whom are generous long-time supporters and partners of Desert Cancer Foundation. Among them were Sherrie Auen and Catharine Reed of the Auen and Berger foundations and elected officials Mayor Linda Evans of the City of La Quinta and council member Jan Harnik of the City of Palm Desert.
Members of the media community included Dr. Stephen O’Connell from Desert Orthopedic Center, Michele Finney from Desert Care Network, Katie Schnaser from the Lucy Curci Cancer Center and Brian Hodgkins of Desert Oasis Healthcare.
The auction boasted more than 100 bottles of wine, ranging from minis to magnums, and included wine that is rare to acquire — including Grace Family Wine and a 30-bottle "piano lot” of pinot from Michael Browne. Additional items included special gifts and exclusive golf packages from Ironwood Country Club, PGA West and Desert Horizon, and live auction items included a special private mountain home getaway and diamonds from El Paseo Jewelers. From ambiance and food to the festive guests, the evening was a hit.
Desert Cancer Foundation’s Executive Director Eevet Edens called the event “a celebration of our work, collaboration and commitment to support our local community. The foundation’s grantors, community supporters and health care partners show up every day to support our work.”
After sharing a video to highlight the organization’s work and local impact on cancer patients in need, Edens continued to thank the many guests, stating that "this important work happens because of your generosity.”
Committee members took to the stage as well. Co-chair Teresa Whipple thanked the many generous sponsors for the evening, committee member Richard Weintraub thanked the wine donors whose generosity helped to ensure a successful auction and co-chair Rob Bernheimer was alongside event emcee and auctioneer Adam Voss for a humor-filled paddle raise.
The evening raised more than $170,000 to support the Desert Cancer Foundation. With the strategic partnerships inn place, this translates to about $1.5 million in cancer care services for local residents.
Sponsors
Corks & Cuisine was presented by the Tweten Foundation, along with sponsorships from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, El Paseo Jewelers, Eisenhower’s Desert Orthopedic Center and Lucy Curci Cancer Center, Desert Care Network’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, Desert Oasis Healthcare and Union Bank.
About
Desert Cancer Foundation pays for cancer care on behalf of local residents who need the financial assistance. For individuals in need, the organization covers the cost of insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays for treatment of cancer, including chem and radiation therapies.
For more information or to make a donation, visit desertcancerfoundation.org or call (760) 773-6554.
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris Clemens has resided and practiced public relations in the Coachella Valley for 20 years. She is the founder of ClemensPR, working with nonprofits and a variety of clients in varied industries.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Corks & Cuisine raises more than $170k for DCF
