On behalf of the College of the Desert Foundation, we want to thank everyone who sponsored Stepping Out for COD 2023. The evening was absolutely spectacular, with the crowd dancing in McCallum Theatre’s aisles to Motown music performed by Australian pop vocal group, Human Nature! We are proud to announce that more than $550,000 was raised for COD Foundation’s Fund for Student Success!
How Supporting Basic Needs Makes The Difference Between A Diploma Or Dropping Out
While tuition remains low at community colleges, non-tuition costs make up the majority of student expenses. Combined with California’s higher cost of living, students are experiencing significant financial barriers to college completion, including tuition, technology, textbooks, childcare, and food and housing insecurity. Your donations to the Fund for Student Success enable thousands of low-income students to complete their studies because they have their essential basic needs met, allowing them to begin their climb up the economic ladder.
When we provide comprehensive access to education, we produce a professional workforce to strengthen our Valley’s social and economic infrastructure. We believe that no student should miss out on a class or find they are unable to complete an assignment due to a lack of supplies, books, or equipment. You, too, can Empower COD Students to Spread Their Wings.
We invite you to join us for a Campus Tour and meet some of the incredible students attending College of the Desert. Or you can watch some of the students’ incredible journeys here, or read their stories from our program here (PDF).
We thank you all for supporting our COD students and celebrating our 40th Anniversary with us. Over the 40 years, we have raised more than $100 million dollars for students and programs including EDGE/plEDGE Tuition Assistance program, the Fund for Student Success, Student Scholarships, Internships, our Foster Youth Program, and more, making it possible for thousands of students to pursue their education and chosen careers.
Your financial support is changing the trajectory of our students’ lives and creating incredible tomorrows. To learn more, please contact Catherine Abbott at 760.773.2561 or by email.
Bill Chunowitz, Rob Moon, and Tom Minder
Stepping Out for COD 2023 Co-Chairs
Thank You To Our Generous Stepping Out Sponsors
VISIONARY PRESENTING SPONSORS:
Alan and Helen Greene & James and Jessica Greene
DIAMOND SPONSORS:
Carol Fragen
Jordan Schnitzer, Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
Harold B. Matzner
Lu Schulz
GOLD SPONSORS:
Bob and Wendy Goodfriend
Peggy Jacobs, Howard Charitable Foundation
Connie and Bob Lurie
RUBY BUSINESS SPONSORS:
Cerity Partners
Jeremy Hobbs, Western Wind Foundation
John P. Monahan Foundation
SUITE DEAL SPONSORS:
Harold and Diane Gershowitz
Suz Hunt
Edeltraud McCarthy Foundation
Rosemary Ortega
SILVER SPONSORS:
Bob Archer and Chuck Hilliar
Dean L. and Rosemarie Buntrock Foundation
Bill and Joanne Chunowitz
Marge Dodge
Tom Minder and Duke Kulas
Robert Moon and Bob Hammack
Diane Rubin and Lenny Eber
Sherrill B. Schroeder
Diane and Gerald Wendel
EMERALD BUSINESS SPONSORS:
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
David Cohan and Rene Bernard, PeaksCo, LLC
Gary and Phyllis Schahet, Schahet Hotels
CRYSTAL SPONSORS:
Christine and Tony Anderson
Kelly Brower
Lindell Campbell and Mohamed Samir
Norma Castaneda, HR Advantage and The Competitive Advantage
Patricia Clinton
Stephen and Sharon Edelman
Phyllis Eisenberg and Barbara Feldman
Jane Emison and Mike Tierney
First Republic Wealth Management
Barbara and Bernie Fromm
Ella and Scott Goldstein
Bill Haines and Ed Oehler
Gerri and Dr. Paul Hinkes
Cathy and Dr. Richard Hirschmann
Debbie and Arthur Jacobson
J. McLaughlin and Lesley Ramirez
Barbara Kaufman, ROI Consulting
Louise Kermode
Marjorie and Stephen Kulp
Carole and Dale Landon
Debbie and Barry Lipsett
Merrill Lynch, Edwards, Harris, Clerkin and Suafoa
Barbara and Michael Monachino
Robert Reeder and Marcie Maxwell
Jane Saltonstall, Ph.D.
Gail and Robert Scadron
Pamela Smallwood
Mr. and Mrs. Ron E. Snow
Dr. and Mrs. Barry Usow
Marjorie Victor
JoAnn Wellner
Cynthia and Jim Williams
ROADRUNNER SPONSORS:
Ed and Carol Bell Dean
Rebecca Benaroya
Sheri and James S. Borax
Sera and Gary Brill
Stephen and Linda Dyer, Ph.D.
Suzanne and Dr. Laurence K. Gorlick
Angie Gerber, H&A Gerber Trust
Candice Connell Morse and Dr. Barry Morse
Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad
Willie Rhine, Eight4Nine Catering and Events
Nancy and Alvin Siwak
Shari and Marc Stewart
Aurora Wilson
MEDIA SPONSORS:
News Channel 3 – The Desert’s News Leader
Palm Springs Life
The Desert Sun | LocaliQ
HONORARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Jan Harnik, City of Palm Desert Council Member
Charles Townsend, City of Rancho Mirage, Former Mayor
College of the Desert Foundation is a 501(C)3 registered nonprofit organization. The mission of the COD Foundation is to act as advocates for the college and to secure financial support enhancing the educational opportunities for all students.
