Giving roundup: Opera singers advance to Plácido Domingo Operalia plus donations and more

Here's a quick look at what's happening on the philanthropy front.

Opera guild singers move forward in Plácido Domingo’s Operalia

The Palm Springs Opera Guild announced that two young Palm Springs Opera Guild artists who recently competed in the Palm Springs Opera Vocal Competition have been chosen to compete in Plácido Domingo’s Operalia.

Operalia was founded in 1993 by Domingo to discover and help launch the careers of the most promising young opera singers of today. Singers between the ages of 18 and 32, of all voice types and from all over the world, audition and are heard by a panel of distinguished international personalities in the prestigious and competitive showcase.

Tenor Anthony León was a runner-up finalist in the opera guild’s annual competition in 2018 while tenor Anthony Ciaramitaro placed second in 2021. Both artists are thriving and have promising careers ahead. León’s most recent engagements include singing Remendado in "Carmen" at Santa Fe Opera and Ernesto in "Don Pasquale" at New England Conservatory. Later this year, Ciaramitaro will make his professional and house debut in the role of Giorgio as part of Ricky Ian Gordon’s world premiere "The Garden of the Finzi-Continis" with New York City Opera and will join the roster at The Metropolitan Opera. palmspringsoperaguild.org

City of Rancho Mirage allocates $103,000 for charitable contributions

The City of Rancho Mirage is now accepting applications for Special Assistance Funds (SAF) for the fiscal year 2022-23. The City Council has allocated $103,000 for support of nonprofit organizations that have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

SAF guidelines as well as an application are available on the city's website at ranchomirageca.gov. Completed applications may be submitted by email to gloriag@ranchomirageca.gov or mailed or hand delivered to City Hall, attention: Gloria Griego, senior management analyst, 69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California 92270.

For more information, call (760) 324-4511, ext. 265.

Bank of America awards $560k to Inland Empire nonprofits

Bank of America announced June 29 that it had awarded $560,000 in grants to 32 Inland Empire nonprofits to help drive economic opportunity for individuals and families. The funding will support programs focused on job reskilling, food insecurity, affordable housing/shelter, youth education, employment and health care.

By focusing on supporting a range of workforce development and educational opportunities, Bank of America strives to help vulnerable individuals and families stabilize and advance economically.

Grant recipients in the Coachella Valley included Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, College of the Desert Foundation, Cove Communities Senior Association (The Joslyn Center), DAP Health, Desert Arc, FIND Food Bank, Galilee Center, Hidden Harvest and OneFuture Coachella Valley.

“Putting our youth on a promising career path towards a stable financial future while meeting the needs of local employers is critical for a thriving economy,” said Sheila Thornton, president and CEO of OneFuture Coachella Valley. “The more students we reach, the more we can expand and enhance the local workforce so our youth and economy thrive.”

For additional information about Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation, visit about.bankofamerica.com.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians benefits Olive Crest

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has awarded Olive Crest Inland and Desert Communities a $200,000 grant to support the organization’s “Child Abuse Stops Here” initiative to benefit at-risk children and their families in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The tribe has enjoyed a long-standing 21-year relationship with the nonprofit; San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman Ken Ramirez says it has been an honor to partner with Olive Crest.

“For many years, Olive Crest has focused on healing and improving the lives of children in our community who have suffered from abuse,” Ramirez said.  “The tribe is proud to have partnered with Olive Crest since 2005 to invest in the health of our youth for generations to come and to support the development of healthy and resilient communities.”

This funding will support the nonprofit’s many vital programs, including many safety-net services as well as after-care services, all of which provide much-needed stability for vulnerable local children and their families.

Speaking of the tribe, Tracy Fitzsimmons, an executive director of Olive Crest, said: "We’re so grateful for their trust and belief in the services of Olive Crest.” sanmanuel-nsn.gov, olivecrest.org

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Giving roundup: Opera singers advance to Plácido Domingo Operalia