The Desert Sun from Palm Springs, California • Page G5

DESERT SCENE THE DESERT SUN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2013 G5 Stroke Center supporters create a Wonderland The honorees, from left. Dr. Javed Siddiqu, Donna MacMillan, Harvey and Angie Gerber. PHOTOS BY SHERRI BREYERSPECIAL TO THE DESERT SUN Jamie Kabler shows the new trophy. Co-chairs Lee Appel and Harold Matzner By Betty Francis Special To The Desert Sun When annual events reach double digits in this case, 34 it can be challenging to maintain the decades of dedication and enthusiasm which brought them to that number.

But not at the Stroke Recovery Center's Winter Wonderland Ball! Co-chair and 34-year participant Lee Appel's voice rang with as much emotion and enthusiasm as the first time when she urged continued support for the center's ever-expanding free services to stroke and TBI patients and their families. Her co-chair Harold Matzner was equally enthusiastic. The center's CEO Beverly Greer spoke of this year's accomplishments and challenges, including a new building, upgraded exercise equipment, and changes that reflect a more inclusive look at the future. The center now covers many needs of the under-served patients of the Inland Empire Health Plan, but is still funded solely by voluntary grants and donations. This year's event drew about 370 guests at $350 each and is expected to raise about $200,000.

THE HONOREES Two individuals and one Melvyn Lef kowitz, David Lyons, Arlene Harold Schitzer. Silver: Robert Archer Charles Hilliar and First Foundation, Inc. Bronze: Eisenhower Medical Center, Amy Jo John D. Gottfurcht, SSI Investment Management, Lois Horvitz, Molina Healthcare of California and Pacific Premier Bank. THE MUSIC Last week's event also marked the fourth appearance of the Wayne Foster Entertainment group and one of our table mates gushed, "The cause is wonderful but I just LOVE this band." Foster's daughter, Bonnie, who sings, dances, and manages couple were honored at the event and presented with the center's new trophy, created by artist and Traumatic Brain Injury survivor Ginny Ruff ner, underwritten by Jamie Kabler.

Angie and Harvey Gerber were honored for their many years of high-level service, he as a former councilman and mayor of Rancho Mirage and she as a former paralegal, board and committee member. Harvey has also volunteered at the center, patiently helping speech therapy patients. Donna MacMillan was saluted for her more than 25 years as a local businesswoman and philanthropist, serving and supporting dozens of local charities, particularly in the world of art. Javed Siddiqu, MD, was celebrated as founder and medical director of "ICON" the Institute of Clinical Orthopedica at Desert Regional Medical Center and has been instrumental in bringing stroke treatment to higher levels in the Coachella Valley. The event's major sponsors were Platinum Plus: Donna MacMillan, the Angel Family and Harold Matzner.

Platinum: Community Wellness Foudation, Desert Regional Medical Center, Helene Galen, Rosalind Stan Hack, Joann McGrath, Dorothy Harold Meyerman and Patty Arthur Newman. Gold: Auen Foundation, Desert Oasis Heallthcare Medical Group, James R. Rouston, Gail Bryan Kocen, Dorothy The Stroke Recovery Center is located at 2800 E. Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262. INFORMATION: (760) 323-7676, www.strokerecoverycenter.org the group, can be reached at (858) 967-0167.

Others thanked for their participation were volunteers Mary Sinclair and Susan Wilder, who stood with the Gerbers as they accepted their awards. A special thank you was also extended to supporter Jamie Kabler who worked with artist Ruffner to create this crystal sculpture symbolizing a "helping hand offered from the heart." And Joey English was thanked for her off-stage Hearts swell for sick children MISSION: The Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild was founded in 2002 to raise awareness and support for Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, which provides life-saving care for critically ill or injured Coachella Valley children. NEXT EVENT: The next cooking demonstration and lunch will be held at the Vintage Country Club on Jan. 29. Contact www.bigheartsmembership.org or Josh Zahid at (909) 558-5384.

By Marge Dodge Special to The Desert Sun Paella for 55 people? "No problem," said Drew Davis, executive chef and owner of Catalan Restaurant, when Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild asked him to participate in a cooking demonstration and lunch. The Guild supports the critical needs of hospitalized children and their families at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital and has, during the past 11 years, funded a $1.5 million pediatric pharmacy for critically ill children. CBS Local 2 news anchor Jenifer Daniels they grow every year, while also supporting Loma Linda University Children's Hospital." Some seen at the table were Mary Ann La Bahn, Dee Wam-baugh, Adele Tavill, Marianne Braass, John Redford, Mary Ann Xavier, Dr. Jane Wooley, Mary Hansen-Faris, Lynn Nash, Jennifer Cruikshank, and Marianne Plaisier. emceed the event.

Davis prepared a three-course meal, including the paella, on the spot while also speaking of his farm-to-table philosophy and offering brilliant cooking tips. Guild President Joyce Engel said, "We have been hosting these lunch and cooking demonstrations for nine years and From left. News anchor Jenifer Daniels, Guild board member and chair of the luncheon Bonnie Timarac, Catalan chef Drew Davis, Cynthia Davis of Catalan Restaurant and Guild President Joyce Engel. marge DODGESPECIAL TO THE DESERT SUN Thank You '39 Changing For the better. College of the Desert, the Foundation, and the Academic Angels congratulate and thank this year's Women of Distinction.

Their contributions to higher education and our valley help us change lives, and our community, for the better. Read more of their individual contributions at: John Georges President, Saxony Capital Corp NMLS 237023 johngsaxonyusa.com 760-568-5626 CODFoundation.orgdistinction COLLEGE Eti DESERT FOUNDATION.