Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 5/9/26 – The ballroom at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel was filled with celebration, generosity, and community spirit as The L-Fund hosted its annual “Luck Be a Lady” Gala on March 14. More than 380 guests gathered for an evening dedicated to uplifting and supporting cisgender, transgender, and queer-identifying lesbians throughout the Coachella Valley, helping the organization raise more than $250,000 in what became one of its most successful fundraising events to date.
The evening brought together community leaders, advocates, philanthropists, and allies from across the desert and beyond. Among those honored during the gala were Imani Rupert-Gordon, Valerie Milano, and longtime L-Fund leader Mei Ling Tom, who has helped guide the organization through years of growth and impact.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came during the paddle raise, where attendees contributed more than $100,000 in direct donations alone. The overwhelming response reflected the deep connection many in the room feel toward The L-Fund’s mission and the growing demand for its services throughout the region.
Guests included influential figures in LGBTQ+ advocacy and local leadership, including marriage equality attorney Mary Bonauto, Ricardo Martinez, Grace Garner, and Andy Mills. Their presence underscored the significance of the organization’s work and the broad support behind its continued evolution.
(Photo: I Want to See Productions, courtesy L-Fund)
The gala also marked an important turning point for The L-Fund as leadership announced that the organization will officially become part of The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert beginning July 1, 2026. The transition is designed to strengthen and expand services while preserving the grassroots compassion and personal care that have defined The L-Fund since its founding.
Leading this next chapter will be Karyl Ketchum, who has been named the inaugural director of The L-Fund at The Center. Ketchum brings extensive academic and advocacy experience to the role, including her work as chair of gender and sexuality studies at California State University, Fullerton. Her background in LGBTQ+ education, representation, and community empowerment positions her to help guide the organization into a broader era of outreach and sustainability.
Founded to address gaps in support systems for lesbians and queer women in the Coachella Valley, The L-Fund has become an essential safety net for many in the community. The organization provides emergency financial assistance as well as grants supporting health and wellness, education, and the arts. Over the past year alone, The L-Fund distributed more than $100,000 in direct aid, helping local women with urgent housing needs, medical expenses, home repairs, dental care, and critical wellness support.
Throughout the evening, the atmosphere balanced celebration with purpose. Casino tables, heartfelt speeches, and emotional tributes created an environment that honored both the organization’s history and its future. More importantly, the gala reinforced a simple but powerful message: when community comes together with compassion and commitment, meaningful change becomes possible.
