Big Surprise Announced At Desert Classic Charities Event

PALM DESERT, CA — During an event hosted by Desert Classic Charities to distribute funds raised through the 2019 Desert Classic golf tournament, large and unexpected gifts were announced. Christopher McGuire, president of the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, surprised everyone by awarding each nonprofit in attendance at the event an additional $5,000 grant from the foundation.

“The best part of waking up is giving away money,” McGuire said to attendees representing dozens of local nonprofit organizations. “Since you all woke up and came this morning, the Berger Foundation wants to give each one of you an additional $5,000.”

The dining room at Classic Club in Palm Desert immediately echoed with applause, followed by a standing ovation.

“When Chris made the announcement, my heart just opened up. I thought, ‘Oh my goodness,’” said Scott Robinson, chief executive officer of the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club. “It was wonderful to be a part of the camaraderie and feel the joy in the room with so many people who, as Chris said, ‘show up’ to help kids and others in need.”

Through Desert Classic Charities, the Berger Foundation has supported the well-known golf tournament, originally named the Bob Hope Classic, for more than 20 years. Last year alone, the Berger Foundation’s contribution to Desert Classic Charities was $425,000. Tuesday, Desert Classic Charities presented $900,000 to local nonprofit organizations that serve children and strengthen the quality of life of families across the Coachella Valley.

The 29 groups that received Desert Classic Charities grants during Tuesday’s annual check presentation ceremony were:

• Academy of Musical Performance
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Desert
• Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City
• Boys & Girls Club of Coachella
• Boys & Girls Club of Indio
• Boys & Girls Club of La Quinta
• Boys & Girls Club of Mecca
• Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs
• Children’s Discovery Museum
• Coachella Valley Boxing Club
• Family YMCA of The Desert
• First Tee of the Coachella Valley
• The John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation for The Ophelia Project
• Pathfinder Ranch
• Tools for Tomorrow
• Pegasus Riding Academy
• Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
• Father’s Heart Ranch
• F.I.N.D.
• Food Now
• Galilee Center
• Martha’s Village and Kitchen
• Olive Crest
• Operation Safe House
• Shelter from The Storm
• The Well in The Desert
• United Cerebral Palsy, Inland Empire
• Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, Indio Clinic

• Angel View Children’s Fund

“The entire Berger Foundation team do amazing work that you never hear about, but they are there for the community, and we’re proud to be partnered with them,” said John Foster, president of Desert Classic Charities.

For 60 years, Desert Classic Charities has distributed more than $60 million to Coachella Valley nonprofits.