December 8–10, 2023

GivingTuesday happened last week and according to the Chronicles of Philanthropy, “Donors contributed $3.1 billion to U.S. nonprofits on GivingTuesday, roughly the same amount as last year, which marked a record high for the giving day.”

I received a dizzying number of solicitations, plus I’m being asked to donate food, toys and pet supplies by dozens of charities for the holidays. There’s a thought that if pay were equitable and tax loopholes did not favor the rich, there wouldn’t be such a need.

Non-profits are a big part the Coachella Valley, and I support many of them. But I certainly would like to see consolidation so that more dollars could go to services and not overhead. (And possibly fewer galas too.)

I was also dismayed at a leaked memo from Amazon reported in today’s Los Angeles Times chronicling “a stark look at the company’s carefully laid out plans to grow its influence in Southern California through efforts that include charity work.” You can read the AP article HERE. It’s disheartening to think that corporate giving is driven by calculated metrics and the goal of influencing policy makers.

But I will still be giving and providing our company’s sponsorship to local charities because there is such a need. I hope you will too. “Tis the season!

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs host

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We’re keeping you updated on the weekend’s Top Events: ‘Christmas with the Crawfords’ and ‘A Christmas Story,’ Best of Modernism Auction: Holiday Edition, Desert BrewFest, National AIDS Memorial Quilt Display, Zoo Families: Wildly Diverse!, Kinsey Sicks: Oy Vey in a Manger, Levi Kreis Home for the Holidays, ‘Summer Session with the Bones Brigade,’ Golden Grapes Wine Festival…and much more!