Food Now, a Desert Hot Springs-based nonprofit that strives to improve the quality of life in the Coachella Valley by providing food assistance, community outreach and support services which strengthen families and build healthy communities, will hold a fundraiser Nov. 13 at Melissa Morgan Fine Art.
Titled "The Art of Giving," the event will feature a silent auction that showcases the work of local artists while raising vital funds to help tackle food insecurity.
"This event, now in its fourth year, has been immensely popular," said Tom Tragesser, executive director of Food Now. "The desert is home to a very large art community, and Melissa Morgan has been gracious enough to give us the gallery space for an entire evening. The whole staff stays
after hours and they install the art on the walls before the event. It's an incredible commitment on their part, and we are very grateful."
Tragesser says about two dozen local artists of all different mediums donated their work to the event. The artists will be on hand to greet guests and there will be live music and catering by Porto Via.
Artists expected to attend include Gary Gardner, Kim Halvorson, Jack Flanigan and Rod Halvorson.
While Desert Hot Springs is known for its healing mineral waters that people come from all over the world to bath in, beneath the surface there is tragedy. Nearly 34% of the local population live below the poverty line, more than twice the national average.
In addition to its core pantry services, community support helps sustain several critical Food Now programs, including Fuel for Success: Weekend Meals for Hungry Kids, a Homeless Meals Program and a Companion Animal Feeding Program.
Demand for Food Now's services increased by 74% from January 2024 to December 2025.
"The need to address food insecurity is greater than ever," Tragesser says. "We're currently at COVID level client numbers. Due to the cutbacks of SNAP benefits, the cutbacks in USDA distribution and some individuals having their insurance eliminated, there is a greater need than ever for our services.
Presenting sponsor for The Art of Giving is Sentinel Energy. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Melissa Morgan Fine Art is located at 73-660 El Paseo in Palm Desert. Tickets are $125 per person.
For more information, to purchase tickets or to make a donation, visit foodnowdhs.org.
About Food Now
Established in 1959 as Family Services of the Desert, Food Now has significantly enhanced the quality of life for residents of the Coachella Valley by providing food assistance, community outreach and support services that foster family stability and contribute to the development of healthy communities, according to its website.
In 2025, Food Now was recognized with the prestigious honor of Nonrofit of the Year by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. As a proud Feeding America partner agency and a registered USDA recipient organization, Food Now plays a vital role in ensuring nutritious food reaches those in need. In addition to these national affiliations, Food Now works with 14 local grocery stores and merchants to arrange weekly pickups of surplus food and essential resources, further enhancing its ability to serve vulnerable individuals and families. These strategic partnerships not only provide consistent access to healthy food but also fortify the social safety net, reinforcing Food Now's commitment to ending hunger in the community.
As philanthropy editor at The Desert Sun, Winston Gieseke writes about nonprofits, fundraising and locals who give back. Reach him at winston.gieseke@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Food Now to host 'Art of Giving' fundraiser
