By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 2/10/26 – With elegance, urgency, and heart, The L-Fund’s leadership gathered via Zoom to discuss final preparations for what promises to be one of the most meaningful galas in the organization’s history.
Joining me from Palm Springs were Co-Chairs Robbin Burr and Mei Ling Tom, along with Board Member Dr. Karyl Ketchum, each bringing clarity and conviction to why this year’s event carries extraordinary weight.
As Robbin Burr shared during our conversation, “Gala has always long been our largest fundraiser for the year… It’s where we put most of our coins in that basket to try to be sure that we have enough resources to continue the work throughout the entire year.”
But this year is different.
The 2026 Gala marks the final year The L-Fund will operate solely as a volunteer-led board of seven before transitioning into The L-Fund at The Center, a structural evolution that will include a formal development team and staff support.
“This is the last time seven volunteers on a board of directors will be doing all the work,” Burr emphasized. “The coffers really need to be full so that we can have the momentum to continue to reach more people, touch more lives… and move us forward.”
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For those unfamiliar, The L-Fund provides financial assistance and grants to lesbians and queer women in the Coachella Valley, focusing on emergency support, health and wellness, education, and the arts.
Dr. Karyl Ketchum spoke passionately about what resonates most deeply with guests. “It’s always the stories. The women that we are helping, those stories are incredible. You can’t hear them and walk away unmoved.”
In today’s political and social climate, that storytelling feels even more urgent. “Hearing these stories of lesbians and queer women taking care of lesbians and queer women is incredibly hopeful,” Ketchum added. “We need to take in all the hope we can find right now.”
Mei Ling Tom echoed the importance of awareness. “People know that we raise money and give it away… but what they don’t understand are those stories. Our mission is really to give someone a leg up over a temporary struggle.”
Ketchum offered perhaps the most powerful metaphor of the afternoon. “I think of The L-Fund like spokes on a wheel, and The L-Fund is at the middle of that wheel. Those spokes go out to all these micro-communities in the Coachella Valley.”
For many older lesbians and queer women in the desert, some without children, some estranged from family, some without traditional support systems, The L-Fund steps in where others cannot.
“The L-Fund kind of steps in where there is no social safety net… and lifts up women in our community,” she explained.
That impact will be front and center during the evening, including a featured health and wellness recipient, Brina Simon, sharing her story, as well as storyboards placed throughout the ballroom highlighting past recipients and the real-life outcomes of donor generosity.
Guests can also expect a paddle raise led by auctioneer Lenny Broberg, a robust silent auction with online bidding available prior to the event, a lively casino experience where chips turn into raffle tickets, entertainment by Marissa Corvo and her band, a sit-down dinner with entrée selections, and plenty of dancing.
As Burr joked, “After all of those things… they should lift a lot of weights and be ready to raise their paddles.”
This year’s Gala will also celebrate extraordinary women in the community. Mei Ling Tom will receive the first-ever L’s Angel Award in recognition of her 8 years of service.
“We always say there are angel wings behind her,” Ketchum shared warmly. “You can’t see them, but I promise you they are there.”
I am deeply honored to also be recognized this year and look forward to celebrating alongside these remarkable leaders.
One concern that sometimes keeps people from attending fundraisers is not knowing anyone. The board wants to eliminate that worry.
“If you’re single or you’ve just moved into the Valley and don’t know anyone,” Ketchum explained, “we will make sure you sit at a great table with a great group of people so you can have fun too.”
This is not just a gala, it’s a welcoming gathering of 350–400 lesbian, trans, queer-identified women, allies, and friends. And yes, it sells out.
The L-Fund is still accepting monetary donations, silent auction items, and event sponsorships. For general inquiries, contact info@l-fund.org. Robbin Burr can be reached at robbin.burr@l-fund.org, Mei Ling Tom at meiling.tom@l-fund.org, and Dr. Karyl Ketchum at Karyl.ketchum@l-fund.org.
The Gala takes place at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, an elegant venue befitting what many call the best party of the year.
What struck me most during our conversation wasn’t the logistics, it was the tone. Even while navigating illness, sick pets, Zoom glitches, and the weight of national headlines, these women showed up with purpose and joy.
There is something profoundly moving about a community that gathers not only to celebrate, but to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.
As Dr. Ketchum said so simply, “You will walk away wanting to be involved… because it is just that kind of a heart project.”
And that, truly, is what The L-Fund Gala is all about.
For tickets and event information, visit www.L-Fund.org.
