Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 8/29/26 – One of the Coachella Valley’s most anticipated LGBTQ+ community events returns this fall as The Center presents Center Stage 2026 on Friday, October 16, an inspiring evening celebrating community, resilience, philanthropy and the people helping shape a more inclusive future.
As a proud media partner of The Center, The Hollywood Times is pleased to support this important annual event and help spread the word about opportunities for individuals, businesses and community leaders to become sponsors.
Center Stage is The Center’s biggest fundraising night of the year, bringing supporters together for a cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, entertainment, an exciting auction and the presentation of its prestigious Legacy Award. Funds raised through Center Stage support The Center’s extensive programs and services throughout the Coachella Valley.
This year’s 2026 Center Stage Legacy Award will recognize five remarkable women whose work has made a lasting impact on the region’s lesbian and LGBTQ+ community: Betty Berrysmith, Barbara Carpenter, Ruth Debra, Sharon Siegel and Kate Ullman, the five living founders of The L-Fund.
The L-Fund began in 2012 when a small group of friends started contributing $20 at their social gatherings with one simple goal: helping lesbians in need. What began as that intimate act of community generosity grew into an organization providing critical financial assistance in areas including housing, health and wellness, education and the arts.
In 2026, The L-Fund merged with The Center, allowing its mission and programs to continue while expanding its ability to serve cisgender, transgender and queer-identifying lesbians throughout the Coachella Valley.
The Legacy Award recognizes not only the founders’ vision but also the enduring power of community members stepping forward to care for one another.
For businesses, organizations and individuals seeking a meaningful way to support the Coachella Valley LGBTQ+ community, Center Stage sponsorships and tables are now available.
Proceeds from the evening help sustain The Center’s programs and services and allow the organization to continue building spaces where LGBTQ+ people can find connection, resources, assistance and a genuine sense of belonging.
Eisenhower Health serves as the Presenting Sponsor for Center Stage 2026.
Becoming a sponsor is more than placing a name alongside an event. It is an opportunity to stand visibly with the community and invest in the work taking place throughout the year.
Center Stage 2026
Friday, October 16, 2026
Those interested in sponsorship opportunities or reserving a table may contact:
Raul at raul@thecentercv.org
Sponsorship, table and ticket information is also available through The Center’s Center Stage 2026 website.
At a time when community, visibility and mutual support remain vital, Center Stage offers an opportunity to celebrate how far the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ+ community has come — while helping ensure that The Center can continue its essential work for years to come.
The Hollywood Times is proud to serve as a media partner of The Center and Center Stage 2026.
