Guests will be “singing in the rain” when Tools for Tomorrow (TFT) honors KESQ News Channel 3 Chief Meteorologist Patrick Evans on Monday, Feb. 24, at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage.
Emceed by KESQ’s Karen Devine and directed by actress/author Joyce Bulifant, the dinner show will feature the singing Carothers Brothers and TFT’s Theatre Troupe. Funds raised will benefit TFT’s free after-school arts-literacy program for children ages 7 to 11 throughout the Coachella Valley.
TFT will pay tribute to Evans, who broadcasts KESQ’s weather in the morning and hosts KESQ’s popular Eye on the Desert cultural program; he also hosts a show on 103.1 MeTV radio. Evans gives back tirelessly as a current board member of Animal Samaritans; Read With Me; and Variety, the Children’s Charity of the Desert. He previously served on the boards of the Desert Symphony, the Family YMCA of the Desert and the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital Foundation.
As a result of his work with philanthropic organizations, Evans was awarded a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. In addition, he earned an Emmy Award and was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Silver Circle. TFT will present Evans with the Vision for the Future Award sculpture created by Tony and Karen Barone.
Prior to the three-course dinner with wine, guests will enjoy a champagne reception and silent auction, as well as a boutique selling jewelry and Swarovski crystal-covered purses. Unique auction items include a Fender guitar signed by American Idol (and TFT alum) Abi Carter; a cocktail party at the Barones’ home/art studio; resort stays at Marquis Los Cabos and Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage; McCallum Theatre tickets for Kelli O’Hara, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Leslie Odom Jr.; necklaces by Sally Lanivich and Alexis Hunter; a family portrait by photographer Nathalie Boisvert; tickets to La Quinta Art Celebration, The Living Desert and the Palm Springs International Piano Competition concerto final.
Sports fans will have a chance to place winning bids on premium box seats at BNP Paribas Open; golf and lunch at Big Horn Golf Club; San Diego Padres tickets with Marriott hotel stay; and golf rounds at Mission Hills Country Club and Gardiner’s Bay Club. Foodies will want to bid on dinners at Big Horn Canyon Steak House or Foxy’s; catered dinners by chefs Reese Murakami and Mitch Battersby; premium wines; a luxury in-home wine tasting; gift certificates for Ristorante Mamma Gina’s, Mitch’s on El Paseo, Tiramisu, Wally’s Desert Turtle, Willie’s Modern Fare, Eight4Nine Restaurant, June Hill’s Table, The Nest, Sweet Basil, Wildest and more.
Founded in 1999, TFT’s Creative Clubs and Theatre Troupes will reach more than 1,000 children in 2024-2025 with their integrated program of art, creative writing, music appreciation and theate., TFT’s Theatre Troupe at Rio Vista Elementary School recently performed The True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk for an enthusiastic crowd of their fellow students and families; it was not only their first time in a play but also the first time they had ever seen one! Despite learning setbacks from COVID-19, the Troupers memorized their lines, hit their marks, handled mistakes calmly and performed proudly in front of their supportive classmates.
David W. Bryant is the “Over the Rainbow” event sponsor. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage is the gala venue sponsor; KESQ is the media sponsor. Additional major sponsors include the Auen Foundation, Linda Rider, Bob Wernick and Nan Shipp. Wine is donated by Boisset Collection ambassador Judy Mathes.
To become a gala sponsor, place a tribute ad or buy $250 gala tickets, visit toolsfortomorrow.org, or call 760-601-3954.