Oscar watch parties benefit local charities

It wasn’t just Hollywood who rolled out the red carpet for the Academy Awards. People walked the red carpet at several events in the Coachella Valley Sunday night to not only watch the Oscars, but raise money for charity.

“Oh my gosh, it is just glamorous and fun and for a great cause and we are so excited to be here,” said Susan Murphy.

The Shops on El Paseo hosted a Red Carpet Gala in Palm Desert.

“I am so glad I’m not in Hollywood. Why not be in the Coachalla Valley? We roll out the red carpet for everyone,” said Palm Springs Councilmen Paul Lewin.

Complete with Paparazzi, and live entertainment, it was an Academy Awards watch party desert style.

“There are fun people. There is a contest to see who can get the most correct answers for what is going to happen in Hollywood, and a lot of friends here we know. It’s so fun to see everyone dressed up,” said Murphy.

“The main dinning room with two 8 1/2 by 12 foot screens to watch the Oscars now they are going to be bigger than we are,” said Patti Gribow, president of Palm Springs Women in Film and Television.

The dinner inspired by the nominated films.

“I just like the people watching, everyone here, there is so many glamorous people that live in the desert just to see what all of the women are wearing to the event tonight, even the men look fantastic,” said Steven Henke.

“I think its exciting, I hope they do it again next year because this is a major fundraiser,” said Murphy.

The event benefits Palm Springs Women in Film and Television,- a non-profit that mentors both men and woman in the entertainment industry as well as students in the Coachella Valley. It’s talent Palm Springs Councilmen Paul Lewin wants to attract more of to the valley.

“When you bring talented people together with interested people, magic happens and that is what the film industry is all about,” said Lewin.

“We live in a really magical valley, tonight is another example of that,” said Henke.