Jingle bells rocked the festive, expanded Roost Lounge for the third annual “Christmas in July” event, benefiting Tools for Tomorrow’s arts literacy program.
David Hirsch, TFT’s recently retired program director, welcomed more than 160 guests with holiday tunes on his keyboard at the July 23 event. A delicious brunch was provided by Lulu California Bistro’s catering and events. The delightful Ethylina Canne hosted the drag show, with Paris costumed as a white and silver reindeer, complete with furry ears and antlers. Blond bombshell Kalista performed “Jingle Bell Rock” while Marina Mac topped off the show as The Grinch—with a prosthetic nose and green skin!
Roost co-owner Jeff McDonald and TFT event co-chair Robin Nugent held a Fund-a-Need paddle-raise and auctioned off baskets of Esparza Fresh Salsa, Ketel One Vodka and CVRep subscriptions to raise funds for Tools for Tomorrow.
The spotlight shifted for the dinner concert, featuring renowned singer/actress Lindsey Alley, accompanied by Emmy Award-winning composer John William Kavanaugh. Arriving from Princeton, N.J., Alley entertained the crowd with her stunning voice, witty songs and anecdotes about her theatrical career (starting as a Mouseketeer for six years!). One of Alley’s songwriters, David Epstein, was in the audience to cheer her on.
Following a scrumptious turkey dinner with all the trimmings, catered by Trilussa Ristorante, paddles were raised to underwrite Tools for Tomorrow’s free after-school program, reaching 8-to-11-year-olds throughout the Coachella Valley. Guests raised paddles to fund teaching artists, individual art supply boxes for all students, healthy snacks, theater performances and art shows.
All-holiday wreaths, created and donated by community members, were auctioned off, raising additional funds for Tools for Tomorrow. Wreaths featured wine corks, flamingos, crochet, gingham checks, Pride rainbows, soaps, Rock Hudson, Marilyn Monroe and much more! Rainer Bergmann and spouse Carolyn Izu won the fierce bidding war for Cherie Liebelt’s first-prize-winning dragon wreath. Second prize was awarded to Terry Wicks, and third prize went to Tom Maccarone.
“The Roost Foundation’s generous donations help TFT nurture the children’s creativity, enhance their self-esteem and expand their cultural horizons through our free, after-school and online programs integrating creative writing, art, music and theater,” said Tools for Tomorrow board president Judith Antonio.
Tools for Tomorrow seeks volunteers to assist teachers in the classrooms and to help with special events, social media, photography, videography and office work.
VISIONARIES supporters will be invited to Welcome Par-Tee at Shadow Mountain Golf Club on Oct. 28; Picasso-level VISIONARIES will also be invited to TFT’s 25th Anniversary cocktail party at a private home Dec. 3. The “Celebrate Friendship!” Dinner Concert honoring Joe Giarrusso will be held Feb. 26 at Agua Caliente Casino Resort in Rancho Mirage.
For info, memberships, tickets, sponsorships or tribute ads, visit toolsfortomorrow.org, or call 760-601-3954.
This was submitted on behalf of Tools for Tomorrow by Suzanne Fromkin.
