Dusty Wings of the Desert’s season-closing luncheon at Sun City Palm Desert’s lovely Ventana Room on Monday, June 10, was the scene for its charity presentation to Tools for Tomorrow, funded by proceeds from Dusty Wings’ April fashion show luncheon, co-chaired by Gayle Hodges and Felicity Binkow.
Dusty Wings incoming board president Diane Backovich led a standing ovation and champagne toast to Jean Carrus for outstanding leadership during her presidency. Carrus then presented a check for $15,000 to Tools for Tomorrow board president Judith Antonio and executive director Andrea Hecht. Combined with the proceeds from the previous year’s fashion luncheon, chaired by Althea Heagy, Dusty Wings has donated a total of $23,000 to Tools for Tomorrow.
Antonio thanked Dusty Wings for its support of TFT’s free Creative Clubs, serving 1,200 children annually throughout the Coachella Valley. The after-school program for children ages 8 to 11 integrates art, music, theater and creative writing. TFT’s hands-on arts experiences promote self-esteem, collaboration, creativity and social-emotional learning.
During dessert, special guest Rose Hunter was introduced. A 100-year-old former stewardess, Hunter flew for American Airlines and shared interesting memories about her time in the air.
In its 35 years as a nonprofit, Dusty Wings of the Desert’s fellowship of airline flight attendants has raised more than $1 million for local charities.
To inquire about membership, contact lindy.mcgowan@yahoo.com.
—This was submitted on behalf of Tools for Tomorrow and Dusty Wings of the Desert by Jeri Hamilton.
