The 19th Annual Celebration will Recognize the Community’s Most Outstanding
Philanthropists, Volunteers, and Nonprofit Professionals
The Association of Fundraising Professionals CA Desert Communities Chapter (AFP) is proud to recognize and celebrate six honorees who are changing the world with a giving heart this Friday, November 7th. The sold-out National Philanthropy Day Awards luncheon, emceed by Patrick Evans, KESQ’s Chief Meteorologist, will be held at Agua Caliente Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage.
“We are excited to recognize and honor six exceptional philanthropists and community volunteers whose work has influenced non-profit organizations across the valley. This year’s honorees are shining examples of the positive impact of philanthropy,” shared Kristin Bloomer, 2025 National Philanthropy Day Event Chair. “To date, AFP has recognized over 106 individuals and businesses who have transformed the Coachella Valley with their generosity.”
When: Friday, November 7, 2025
10:30am-11:30am – Registration and Networking
11:30am – Ballroom Doors Open
12:00pm – Program and Luncheon Begin Promptly
Where: Agua Caliente Resort Casino, Cahuilla Ballroom, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA
National Philanthropy Day 2025 is generously presented by US Bank. Award Sponsors include: Desert Oasis Healthcare, H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, and the RAP Foundation/NPO Centric. Luncheon Sponsors include: Allianza, Angie Gerber, Chandi Group USA, Contour Dermatology, Dona Nixon, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, and the McCallum Theatre. Media Sponsorship provided by KESQ News Channel 3, Desert Sun, and Palm Springs Life.
The 2025 National Philanthropy Day Award Honorees Are:
Outstanding Philanthropist: Angie Gerber
A demonstrated leader and passionate champion, Angie Gerber’s lifelong dedication to philanthropy, advocacy, and community service has enabled her to create a meaningful impact across the Coachella Valley. Her passion for supporting the arts, healthcare, and vulnerable children spans organizations including the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, Palm Springs Art Museum, Stroke Recovery Center, Eisenhower Health, Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild, College of the Desert, and McCallum Theatre, among others.
Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer: Dona Nixon
Dona Nixon is a dedicated volunteer and generous donor with a lifelong passion for supporting healthcare initiatives and children’s causes. As a board member of the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild supporting Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, she led and championed numerous initiatives to secure transformational financial support for the organization. Dona also generously supports the Angel Light Academy, Bighorn BAM, Eisenhower Health, Loma Linda University Health, and Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert.
Outstanding Nonprofit Founder: Rachel Druten
Author, artist, advocate, visionary, leader, and non-profit founder – just a few words that describe Outstanding Nonprofit Founder Rachel Druten. Rachel founded Tools for Tomorrow in 1999 to bring free, after-school arts literacy programs to students in the Coachella Valley, and to date, Tools for Tomorrow has served more than 22,000 local students helping to develop self-confidence, positive social networks, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation: The Roost Foundation
The Roost Lounge and it’s nonprofit arm, The Roost Foundation, have created more than just a fun and friendly gathering spot; owners Jeff McDonald, Charles Thomas, and John Shyrock have fostered the spirit of community and philanthropy by creating a space for patrons to connect with community causes that matter. Through creative fundraising events, like their Christmas in July campaign, The Roost Lounge supports numerous organizations including the Cathedral City Senior Center, Tools for Tomorrow, Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City, Rio Vista Elementary School, Voices for Children, Palm Springs Animal Shelter and more.
Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Heidi Maldoon
As the Executive Director of Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert, Heidi Maldoon improves the lives of local Coachella Valley children and families every day, and through her vision and leadership, has grown Variety’s programming, financial capacity, and community impact in just a few years. With over 20 years of serving as a nonprofit leader, Heidi’s deeply personal commitment to philanthropy is also fulfilled through service as the Awards Committee Chair for National Philanthropy Day and with the Riverside County Local Child Care and Development Planning Council.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Dior Halum
Giving back can start at any age – just ask eleven-year-old Dior Halum. Bringing joy and smiles to those in need motivates Dior. At just six years old, she began donating her birthday gifts to patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and now has launched an initiative called Little Hearts 4 Little Hearts, encouraging other young people to help brighten the lives of LLUCH’s youngest patients through gifts of LEGO™ sets and teddy bears.
