First award of new ‘Impact Grant’ to help Make-A-Wish

KESQ and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation launched the Impact Grant Saturday at the Palm Springs Health Run and Wellness Festival. The Coachella Valley chapter of Make-A-Wish received $30,000.

"We see that Make-A-Wish is making an impact in our community by granting life-changing wishes for children and their families," the Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, Catharine Reed said. "This renewed partnership with News Channel 3 is important to us. We believe that through service, funding, and awareness, we are making a difference together."

KESQ General Manager Jerry Upham said he is excited about what's ahead for the Impact Grant. "Through this program, we will select nonprofit organizations to feature on our various media platforms, and those nonprofits will also receive a grant from the Berger Foundation."

Joining Reed and Upham on stage for the check presentation: KESQ anchor Peter Daut, and member of the Berger Foundation Board Mike Stutz.

"Local donations and volunteers help these wishes come true for children with critical illnesses in this area. Wishes have the power to create better health outcomes and better odds of beating an illness. We are honored to receive the first Impact Grant!" Melissa Gallagher, the Vice President of Mission Delivery for Make-A-Wish, said.