Philanthropy wasn't what Hal and Diane Gershowitz were thinking about while living in Chicago. Instead, they had "a desire to simply be involved."
While the generous couple was selected earlier this year
by AFP CA, Desert Communities Chapter as Outstanding Philanthropists, Hal says they don't think of themselves in terms of philanthropy. Rather, they believe in organizations' missions as worthwhile and deserving of their time and financial support.
Events that took place, which they responded to, evolved into relationships with the organizations. Developing an interest in helping one nonprofit led to meeting other people, which led to meeting even more; all the while the couple learned about other causes and were then asked to lend their support. Their passion and dedication for helping others, especially children, inspires others to give of their time, talent and treasures.
While they have accomplished much in an extraordinary way, the couple says they don't plan ahead which organizations they support — instead the organizations "choose them." Their enthusiasm for what they do is absolutely contagious.
When Chicago was still home for them, Diane served on the women's board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. And upon relocating to the Coachella Valley, she began serving on the Palm Springs Art Museum board, then College of the Desert and then the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center. While volunteering with COD, she co-chaired its annual fundraiser, "Stepping Out for COD" at the McCallum Theatre, with top name actors and artists performing stellar shows.
And for Hal, prior to the Desert, after losing a son many years ago to Tay-Sachs disease, a rare genetic disorder, he teamed up with medicine researcher Dr. Michael Kaback. As a result of the funds he raised, the first mobile community testing was conducted, which led to thousands of couples tested, and this disease — which most affected the Jewish community — has been almost eliminated. For Hal, its been the most important project in which he's been involved.
Hal also served as chairman of the midwestern region of the Anti-Defamation League, the U.S. Holocaust council board and the U.S. Holocaust Museum board. During time time, he also authored a handful of historical fiction novels; royalties from his first book were donated to the Holocaust Museum.
The Gershowitzes are beyond passionate when it comes to the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center for Abused Children. Hal serves as board president and Diane as board member and campaign chair. Together, they have raised funds for several projects, among them expanding services with the future construction of the A.C. and Shaughne Warnack Pavilion. Diane has surpassed the $10 million goal, raising $12.8 million as chair of the capital campaign that started two years ago. The pair are proud of the center's prevention element, fightchildabuse.org, which offers child-friendly videos for kids to watch on topics of abuse and what to do. There are now more than 300 centers nationally dealing with child abuse.
Strong art advocates and longtime supporters of the McCallum Theatre, Hal has served as vice chair and is now emeritus status. He is proud of the work the McCallum does with school children, providing them with experiences they normally wouldn't have.
"There is so much joy watching the children experience an event with such excitement and enthusiasm," he says.
"Philanthropy is a misnomer of giving," Diane says. "People involved in philanthropy, especially (those) helping children, derive positive feelings and are greatly nourished by the experience."
"We are very fortunate to be in a position to do what we do," Hal says. "Philanthropy is time and thought, it broadens community view and world view."
The 20th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards will be presented Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage. For more information, visit afpcadesert.org or contact NPD co-chair Kristin Bloomer at 617-429-6070 or 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 2026 Outstanding Philanthropists
