Many nonprofit organizations would be in a very different situation if it weren't for Kelly Levy. It has been her drive, passion and persistence in fundraising as director of charities for Bighorn Golf Club which supports Bighorn Cares, Bighorn Behind A Miracle and Bighorn Scholarships that she has raised millions of dollars to support children, families, health care, education and community organizations in the Coachella Valley over the last nine years. She truly exceeded expectations when R.D. Hubbard asked her to lead and revitalize the charitable giving efforts at Bighorn.
It is for these reasons and more that National Philanthropy Day named Levy this year's Outstanding Fundraising Professional.
From humble beginnings, Levy grew up in Hemet,
living in poverty and having several health challenges. She and her sister were raised by a single mom who worked several jobs. While in school she had a teacher who believed in her, and it made all the difference in her life. That simple act of believing in a child had a profound impact on Levy — and ultimately helped shaped the path she would take as an adult. After earning her Master's Degree, she became an elementary school teacher, a position she held for more than 20 years.
Her second career became one of raising millions of dollars to help others. According to Levy's husband, Josh, "Kelly lives and breathes giving. She has devoted her life beyond her family to helping others."
Levy shares proudly that she and her husband opened the first LGBTQ+ Assisted Living Community, Stonewall Garden in Palm Springs. This specific community was the first of many ways Levy helps some of the valley's most vulnerable residents. The care and compassion she had as a teacher working with children she has channeled into her charitable work.
Levy is also philanthropic in her own right, both giving from her own resources and volunteering her time with various organizations.
Levy is very proud of the growth and impact her fundraising efforts have had since she took the helm. She shared some impressive statistics: Bighorn Cares, from 2014 to 2026, has distributed $7 million through 706 grants to Coachella Valley nonprofits. The Bighorn Scholarships program has granted 1,200 scholarships to students attending community colleges, technical schools and four-year universities. And since 2007, Bighorn BAM has donated $15 million and 350,373 transportation miles.
Bighorn BAM's 2026 goal alone was to provide funding to support the following from their critical cancer wish list: Desert Regional Medical Center, $80,000; Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center, $404,000; Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Oncology Unit, $215,000; and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, $102,000.
Her bright blue eyes sparkle when she talks about the impact of the funding awarded to the numerous organizations over the years. Assisting them in meeting their mission in providing vital services is important to Levy. But she is also a great "connector," connecting people with needs to people who can help. She takes a thoughtful and strategic approach to working alongside Bighorn members, encouraging them to give generously while helping them understand the real-life impact of their generosity.
Josh N. Zahid, co-chair of National Philanthropy Day, shared another aspect of Levy's involvement in volunteering. "Kelly has proudly served as the Blue-Ribbon Committee chair for the past five years," he said. "As the committee works toward the final decision with input from community stakeholders and past honorees, her leadership, dedication and commitment have been truly appreciated."
On a personal note, Zahid said Levy is "someone whose kindness, passion and genuine heart makes her the kind of person who is always there for you. … She has a way of making you feel supported, encouraged and valued no matter what."
Additional traits she encompasses are consistency and commitment, hands-on involvement, leadership and initiative, the ability to inspire others, compassion and empathy, community impact, humility and selflessness, personal engagement with causes, collaboration and a passion for service.
When asked about the impact one person can have, Levy said: "Each individual can make a difference. When one does, it causes a ripple effect." It is a philosophy that defines Levy's life. She sees the Coachella Valley as the most loving and caring community and believes bringing people together creates an even greater impact.
The 20th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards will take place Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. with emcee Patrick Evans from KESQ News Channel 3 at Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage. For more information, visit afpcadesert.org or contact NPD co-chair Kristin Bloomer at 617-429-6070 or via kristinbloomer@gmail.com.
Eva Guenther-James currently serves as board secretary for AFP CA, Desert Communities Chapter and is an NPD Awards Committee member, as well as serving on two other local boards. She worked more than 25 years in the local nonprofit sector and eight years in city government.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: National Philanthropy Day names Outstanding Fundraising Professional
