Two valley organizations in the valley hosted a Gala in support of people with special needs
Two valley organizations in the valley hosted a Gala in support of people with special needs. The Fenixia Foundation and Building Bridges for Special Needs called it The GALA-Special Stars Come Out Tonight.
The event started with students from Elite Cosmetology, Desert Sands Unified School District, supporting almost 50 people with special needs and one of their caregivers. "I've been really doing like updos and curls," says Amariss Garcia, a 12th-grade student from La Quinta High, also a member of the Elite and Desert Sands Cosmetology program. "So I've done like a slicked back hair back, I've done a ponytail with curls." The hairstylist and makeup artist of Dishwater Blonde Salon in Palm Desert also supported almost 35 people doing hair and makeup.






Each special needs participant can bring one of their caregivers to attend the gala. "I'm very appreciative for all their volunteer work, and it's an experience for them as well as us," says Cheryl Cervantes, who plans to accompany her friend's niece, Katie White to the gala.
An elite staff member shares that all of the services are being paid out-of-pocket, as well as Desert Sands unified financial assistance.
"You're helping, and you're making other people feel good about themselves," says Garcia.


"Katie's been very, very excited to go," says Cervantes. "And she really loves to dance."





Gala attendees and their caregivers were chauffeured in a limousine around the community before arriving at Palm Valley Country Club. Guest in their evening wear walked the red carpet and received corsages and boutonnières. Professional photographers are at the gala now, still snapping pictures of the gala's special stars.
Event day schedule:
9 AM- 2 PM Hair and Make-up at Elite Cosmetology at the Shops at Palm Desert and Dishwater Blond in Palm Desert
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM Arrival on the Red Carpet, Receive Corsage & Boutonniere & Picture Taking - Music by DJ Javier
5:45 PM - 6:30 PM Dinner & Music - Music by DJ Javier
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM & 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Live Music by the Mix
7:30 PM - 7:45 PM Intermission - Thank You to Our Sponsors, Volunteers & Hosts
7:45 PM - 8:00 PM Music by DJ Javier
8:55 PM - 9:00 PM Conclusion of the Night - Give-Aways Handed Out