PALM DESERT, CA – Inland SoCal United Way will host its annual fundraising gala on Friday, March 15, 2024, 6:00 p.m., at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. This will be the first gala held by Inland SoCal United Way since merging with United Way of the Desert last spring.

Hosted by KESQ TV Emmy-award winning anchor Peter Daut, the gala will bring together those who support United Way’s mission to break the cycle of poverty and improve the quality of life for every person in the community. Inland SoCal United Way reaches close to half a million households and serves over 1 million people annually, with the anticipation of expanded scope of services provided within the Coachella Valley from the merger. Funds raised at the event will go towards programs and services within the Inland SoCal region.

The event, produced by Palm Springs-based Momentous, will honor the First 5 Riverside County Children and Families Commission with the 2024 John J. Benoit Community Impact Award. Inland SoCal United Way client Sharmesa Winston will be honored with the 2024 Lisa Wright Spirit of Determination Award and 25-year United Way of the Desert volunteer and former board president Kris Hopping will receive the inaugural Desert Legacy Award.

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by dinner and the program which includes an exciting live auction featuring one-of-a-kind Coachella Valley experiences, exciting trips, and other unique items. The gala will conclude with dancing to the Citrus College Night Shift Orchestra whose repertoire includes high-energy hits from pop, classic rock, R&B and more. The evening’s theme is United Together, representing the efforts and impact of the combined organizations.

“We are so excited to be ‘United Together,’” said Inland SoCal United Way President & CEO Kimberly Starrs. “Now that United Way of the Desert and Inland SoCal have combined forces, we have a better ability to provide assistance and offer services throughout Southern California to those who need it most. Everyone attending this gala will have a direct impact on their neighbors’ lives as we continue our mission with their support.”

Event sponsors include US Bank, RBG, El Paseo Jewelers and the City of Rancho Mirage. KESQ-TV is the lead media sponsor. The Desert Sun and Local IQ are media partners.

Tickets to the gala are $295 per person. For additional information, sponsorships, tables, and tickets contact Kristal Granados at KristalG@ISCUW.org or (760) 323-2731 ext. 1004.

Inland SoCal United Way serves 1 million people in Riverside, San Bernardino, and east Los Angeles counties. Established in 1931, Inland SoCal United Way in the last two decades has focused on providing direct services to disrupt cycles of inequity. Their team of more than 150 employees operates 40 programs to improve health, housing, education, and financial stability. They work together with communities, representatives, and leaders to bring awareness, resources, and greater quality of life to every corner of Inland Southern California.

Learn More at https://inlandsocaluwgala.org

RIVERSIDE, CA – Inland SoCal United Way launched a highly anticipated guaranteed income pilot for Riverside and San Bernardino Counties on Thursday.

First announced in November 2022 with the California Department of Social Services award of $5 million, Inland SoCal United Way’s pilot leverages $10 million total in diversified funds to disrupt inequity and test the new solution. Other funding support includes Riverside County’s Children & Families Commission, the Guaranteed Income Pooled Fund, the James Irvine Foundation, US Bank, and private donors. Inland SoCal United Way is the largest of seven sites in California’s first-ever state-funded guaranteed income pilot program. The pilot champions community voice by incorporating feedback from focus groups and community advisory councils that began in October 2023.

Inland SoCal United Way will provide unconditional cash payments of $600 per month for 18 months to 500 pregnant individuals and $750 per month to 120 former foster youth. The pilot uses a randomized controlled trial and will also have a control group that does not receive payments but will receive an incentive to help compare results in the statewide and local evaluations, bringing the total number of participants to 1,240. All participants will receive support with resources and financial stability.

"Today, we take a bold step towards a more equitable future for Inland Region residents,” said United Way CEO, Kimberly Starrs. “The launch of our Guaranteed Income Pilot embodies our commitment to eradicating the barriers that hinder the pursuit of dreams. With the support of our board, funders, and partners, we are sowing seeds of change that will grow into a harvest of empowerment for generations to come."

“A child's health and future success begins in the prenatal stage, and it is crucial that we support parents from the very start. This pilot program focuses on an evidenced, informed, yet innovative approach to creating meaningful change in the lives of Riverside County children and families. Supplemental income for new parents supports a strong foundation for a healthy infancy, childhood, and adulthood,” said First 5 Riverside County Commission Chair Zachary Ginder, PsyD.

“As state-funded guaranteed income pilots launch across the state, we look forward to the opportunity to assess the impact of economic interventions during key life transitions,” said California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Director Kim Johnson. “We are excited to partner with Inland Southern California United Way, who will serve pregnant individuals and former foster youth.”

Inland SoCal United Way serves 1 million people in Riverside, San Bernardino, and east Los Angeles counties. Established in 1931, Inland SoCal United Way in the last two decades has focused on providing direct services to disrupt cycles of inequity. Their team of more than 150 employees operates 40 programs to improve health, housing, education, and financial stability. They work together with communities, representatives, and leaders to bring awareness, resources, and greater quality of life to every corner of Inland Southern California.

Learn More at https://inlandsocaluw.org/guaranteed-income