Desert Arc, a Coachella Valley nonprofit currently celebrating its 65th anniversary, is proud to announce Angelique Ontiveros, Desert Arc’s vice president of business development, was named Volunteer of the Year at the 2024 State of the City of La Quinta Business Awards and Expo, which took place on Thursday, Sept. 19.
Presented by the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, this prestigious award honors outstanding achievements and notable contributions to the community by local business leaders.
“Everyone at Desert Arc is very proud of Angelique’s accomplishments, including her volunteer engagement and contributions to our community,” said Richard Balocco, president and CEO of Desert Arc. “Her leadership role in developing and growing our Business Services Program has been a driving force of our success. Desert Arc’s shredding and recycling, janitorial, landscape maintenance, and fulfilment divisions provide excellent service offerings to residents and companies alike, and … these micro-enterprises employ our clients: people with disabilities served by our mission.”
Ontiveros said she’s a proud resident of La Quinta who’s been with Desert Arc for 25 years.
“My clients at Desert Arc inspire me each and every day, because working alongside people with disabilities is so rewarding,” she said. “They give back so much, and are such a strong part of our community. How could anyone not want to volunteer and become more involved?”
Ontiveros has led the development of Desert Arc’s social innovation initiatives under the umbrella of its Business Services Program.
Ontiveros’ dad was her “giving back” role model. He served in the Rotary Club and the chamber of commerce for many years. She serves on the board of directors of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. She is currently board president of the Rotary Club of Palm Desert, and serves as an ambassador for the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. She is an alumna of Leadership Coachella Valley.
“Everyone needs to give back to their community,” Ontiveros said. “Not only do you get involved, but you get to know your neighbors and your local business owners. Everybody together makes a community. Volunteering is what everyone needs to do. As a Rotarian, our motto is: “Service Above Self.” This award should be a group award. I am honored that I was chosen; however, we do it as a team. Not only is it a team effort, but we have fun giving back at the same time.”
For more information on Desert Arc, call 760-346-1611. For information on Desert Arc’s Business Services, call 760-404-1370. For information on Desert Arc’s fundraising events, call 760-404-1368 or visit www.desertarc.org.
