Olive Crest hosted its highly-anticipated Annual Power of ONE Dinner at the beautifully remodeled Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. This year’s event featured an elegant dinner to celebrate and honor the extraordinary Olive Crest CHAMPIONS OF HOPE, individuals, as well as, companies, who have been dedicated to protecting and serving children and families in crisis.
“The Power of ONE reminds us that a single night — and a single act of generosity – can change the trajectory of a child’s life, ” said Tracy Fitzsimmons, Executive Director of Olive Crest Inland & Desert Communities. “ This event sustains Olive Crest’s vital work within the Coachella Valley, providing stability, protection, and real pathways to HOPE for kids and families who need it most.”
This year’s CHAMPIONS OF HOPE included:
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Hydes Air Conditioning & Electrical
FAMILY OF THE YEAR – The John and Samantha Burns Family
DONOR OF THE YEAR – Bill and Barb Lindsey
“The Power of ONE is more than a gala – it is a lifeline,” said Bill Seals, Olive Crest Associate Development Director. “This annual celebration of Champions of HOPE fuels the transformative work of Olive Crest right here in the Coachella Valley, where so much is at stake for children and youth in crisis. Every gift and every seat filled helps ensure safety, security, and a future filled with HOPE for the most vulnerable among us.”
KESQ TV’s Karen Devine served as the evening’s Emcee.
Alia Azariah was the Featured Speaker for this dinner, who is a nationally recognized expert on human trafficking, sex trafficking, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). As a survivor herself, Alia delivered a powerful presentation reflecting her steadfast dedication to ending the exploitation of children and advancing best practices in survivors aftercare, with a focus on safety and comprehensive support. Her ongoing focus lies in creating safe and sustainable communities for youth trafficking survivors through education, advocacy, service, provision, and social justice.
Dinner sponsors included Stonegate West Real Estate, K. Hinkle Painting, Sun Community Federal Credit Union, Hydes Air Conditioning & Electrical, Albright Law, Walter Clark Legal Group, Associa Desert Resort Management, Highland Street Foundation, Southern California Energy, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, and JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Denise Francis, and Solis Wealth Management Inc.
Media Sponsors included THE DESERT SUN & LOCALiQ, Presenting Newspaper & Digital Media Sponsor; KESQ TV News Channel 3, Exclusive TV Media Sponsor; CONNIOSSEUR MEDIA, Exclusive Radio Media Sponsor; and INLAND EMPIRE MAGAZINE, Exclusive Magazine Media Sponsor.
For additional information on Olive Crest please contact Bill Seals, Olive Crest Associate Development Director at 760.895.0765 or at bill-seals@olivecrest.org You can also visit https://give.olivecrest.org/Desert2026
ABOUT OLIVE CREST
Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of over 200,000 children and their families. We
work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. Our 98% stability rate is a testament to the lifelong commitment and unwavering compassion that the Olive Crest family maintains to the children and families we serve, even after they have graduated from our programs.
Olive Crest serves 5,000 children and families each day throughout the Western United States.
