Home #Hwoodtimes A Night to Remember: Celebrating Community and Connection

A Night to Remember: Celebrating Community and Connection

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By Valerie Milano

Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/20/24 – What a night! Reflecting on last evening’s Center Stage event fills all our hearts. It was a truly magical experience, as the Palm Springs community united to create moments of connection and joy.

The Hollywood Times was privileged to hear from the incredible Kate Kendell, whose passion and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community shined brightly. Her words resonated deeply, reminding us of the strength and resilience within our community.

The Center of the Desert also had the honor of presenting the Legacy Award to John McDonald and Rob Wright, recognizing their unwavering support and philanthropy over the years. Additionally, they celebrated Arnie Kassoy for his visionary contribution to The Center, ensuring that the LGBTQ+ desert community continues to thrive and connect with vital resources.

And let’s not forget the show-stopping performance by Abi Carter! Her talent left a lasting impression, adding an unforgettable touch to the magical evening.

Check out our interviews and photos of this fun filled, philanthropic evening.

 

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Valerie Milano
Valerie Milano is a well-connected Senior Editor and entertainment critic at The Hollywood Times, where she covers film, television, music, and the people who bring stories to life. Over the years, her work has appeared in Communications Daily (Washington, D.C.), Discover Hollywood, Hollywood Today, Television International, and Video Age International in New York. Valerie is deeply committed to giving back and stays actively involved with organizations close to her heart, including the Human Rights Campaign, DAP Health, The LGBTQ Center of the Desert, LAMBDA Legal, and The L Fund. She’s also a proud member of the Los Angeles Press Club and previously served as a lay minister at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hollywood. A natural connector who truly loves meeting people, Valerie often brings together creatives, friends, and community leaders at her Palm Springs getaway, where conversations tend to flow as easily as the sunshine. She’s an active supporter of the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Palm Springs Cultural Center, and DAP Health, where she is a Partners for Life member. Behind the scenes, Valerie spent many years volunteering as a board member and one of the key organizers of the Television Critics Association Press Tours, helping bring together journalists and the entertainment industry twice a year in Beverly Hills and Pasadena before the pandemic.