For more than 30 years, the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation has been bringing people together through the power of live performance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Founded by two remarkable mothers who believed that compassion, generosity and the arts could change lives, REAF has remained true to that vision.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of performers, audiences, sponsors and volunteers, REAF has distributed more than $5 million to more than 32 nonprofit organizations, providing HIV services, hunger and food insecurity programs and support for homeless youth and underserved seniors. Organizations that have benefited include Project Open Hand, Raphael House, Shanti, Meals on Wheels and more.
REAF also provides small
emergency grants to individuals facing unexpected crises, helping them regain stability during some of life's most difficult moments.
On Oct. 24, REAF will host Pride in Paradise 2, a pre-Pride tropical adventure fundraiser at the Andreas Hills home of Bob Valentine and Steve Bolton.
Special entertainment will be provided by Billboard top 10 recording artist Debby Holiday, drag performer Billy L'Amore, jazz and cabaret diva Keisha D, dance troupe SOS Entertainers and go-go dancers Desert Studs. Sound will be provided by DJ Galaxy and KGAY DJ John Taylor will serve as emcee.
The event will benefit the LGBTQ Center of the Desert's Food Bank program and The L-Fund, which is now a program of the LGBTQ Center, and will feature a silent auction, a raffle drawing, an open bar and hors d'oeuvres.
About The Center's Community Food Bank
Since 2008, The Center's Community Food Bank has provided fresh produce, baked goods, proteins, pantry items, dairy and more to residents in need of food assistance. The food bank is open every Thursday evening throughout the year to offer free, nutritional food in a clean, safe setting, with more than 26,594 people served over the last 12 months. Food donations are accepted Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more at thecentercv.org/en/community-food-bank.
About The L-Fund
Founded by lesbians for lesbians in 2012, The L-Fund empowers cisgender, transgender and queer-identifying lesbians in the Coachella Valley with financial assistance to get through an immediate crisis, as well as assistance in the areas of health and wellness, the arts and education. Earlier this year, The L-Fund merged with The Center to expand its reach and ensure its programs can continue to aid lesbians in need well into the future.
Donations designated for The L-Fund at The Center directly support its grant programs, including Lesbians in Need, which provides assistance for housing, car repairs, food insecurity and other high-risk situations; the Health and Wellness Fund, which offers support for medical, dental, vision, mental health and other out-of-pocket costs; the Debra I. Moore Grant for the Arts, which assists artists in moving projects forward; and the L-Fund Education Assistance Program, which provides assistance for vocational school, certification classes, college and university tuition, books and other educational expenses. Learn more at thecentercv.org/en/l-fund.
Pride in Paradise 2 will take place Oct. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. Learn more at reaf.org/upcoming-events. To purchase tickets, visit prideinparadise2.eventbrite.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: REAF's Pride in Paradise 2 fundraiser to benefit The Center, L-Fund
