3/10/2008 The 8th Annual "Day of Games" charity event benefitting DesertArc drew nearly 200 people. Held at the Mission Hills Westin Resort and Spa on February 13, the event featured an elegant luncheon and card games including bridge, mahjongg, pan and euchre. The day’s activities included a raffle for gift baskets, a silent auction and music. A video featuring DesertArc’s clients enrolled in its programs highlighted the lunch program.

The $28,000 in proceeds from the event entirely benefit DesertArc . DesertArc , formally known as Foundation for the Retarded, serves developmentally disabled people residing in greater Coachella Valley. DesertArc provides a broad range of programs including occupational training, job placement, job coaching, adult day care, behavior modification and counseling, independent living assistance, respite, social recreation, hot meals and transportation. Six hundred and thirty clients are enrolled in its programs and DesertArc employs more than 300 people. DesertArc also employs its clients in its on-site businesses available to the general public: embroidery, silkscreen, assembly, packaging and Pentel internet order-filling.

Co-sponsors of the event were Eisenhower Medical Center, Nancy and Ed Singer, Catherine Duke, Jeanie Blum, Mary McConnell, Greg and Alexsa Gobel, Jim and Jackie Lee Houston, and Dr. Bruce Chisolm. Ken Phillips performed piano music to complement the luncheon.

Board Treasurer Nancy Singer, chair of the event organizing committee, was gratified about the amount of money raised. "The event achieved its primary objectives. It increased awareness about DesertArc, it was classy and fun, and most importantly it raised fund to benefit DesertArc clients. The members of the organizing committee are to be commended for their outstanding work."

Contact: Barbara Workman, Fund Development and Communications Director: 760.346.1161