1st ‘Richard M. Milanovich Hike for Human Rights’ takes place in Palm Springs
Hikes took place Friday morning in Palm Springs’ Indian Canyons to benefit the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ museum and the Human Rights Campaign.
The inaugural Richard M. Milanovich Hike for Human Rights, named for the late Agua Caliente tribal chairman, started at 7 a.m. Hikers could select a trail, ranging from one to four miles, according to organizers.
News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 went along for the hike.
A sculpture donated by the 2012 Palm Springs High School welding class in honor of Milanovich was also unveiled.
“We chose to create the event in honor of our late Tribal Chairman Richard M. Milanovich because he was a leader who demonstrated great character, courage, humility and selflessness,” Chairman Jeff Grubbe said.
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum preserves the history of the tribe and other Cahuilla peoples. The Human Rights Campaign is a national LGBT rights group.
Milanovich, the Agua Caliente chairman for 28 years, died of cancer in 2012 at age 69.
Hikers registered to get special hotel rates through the event.
The price was $25 for adults 18 to 54, and $5 for adults 55 and older, Hikers 17 and under and for those who only wanted to attend the post-hike ceremony. Hikers were given a cooling towel and medal.
