Orange, purple, and green were the colors of the day at the “See Me Loud & Clear!” Luncheon and Fashion Show, held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Indian Wells Country Club in Indian Wells.  Chairperson Modela Kurzet and her team of four coordinators, Barbara Goldman, Richard Hill, Mary Anne Pugin, and Philip Rubin, put together an event that was colorful, vibrant, and fun for all.  The fashion show itself, which ran for about 45 minutes, was produced by Susan Stein, a noted fashion expert who is the fashion editor for the Palm Springs Life magazine and the owner of FASHIONCONNECTION!  The gorgeous deaf and hearing models were Matthew Baker, Rachel Braver, TL Forsberg, Tommy Korn, Elizabeth Lutrell, Kristi Mahe, Cindi Safford, and Jody Stevenson.  For a colorful splash of cute and adorable, three child models brought out the ohhhs and ahhhs and hand-waves.  Also gracing the runway, in sleek and form-fitting clothes, was William Squire, a professional model and fashion guru.  Modela, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, presented the grand finale in a gorgeous floor-length red dress. 

A live auction followed the fashion show with Richard Ray showcasing his skills as auctioneer.  The program concluded with a special guest appearance by singer, dancer, and actress, Judy Bell.  Now in her 80s, Ms. Bell still sings and dances as a performer at the famous Palm Springs Follies.  She gave brief remarks and brought the audience to a standing ovation with her sign language rendition of “God Bless America.” 

Guests returned to the country club on Sunday the 3rd to enjoy a buffet breakfast and to participate in the “Your Signature Style” seminar.  Presented by William Squire, who has extensive modeling and fashion experience, the seminar included a powerpoint display of photographs of celebrities before and after the application of make-up, a make-up demonstration on a volunteer from the audience, and tips on how to pose and how to walk with class.  The casual atmosphere was light and fun and even the men in the audience learned a thing or two!

DSF-PS received, through a year-long partnership with O’Bayley Communications, extensive publication about the fashion show, including newspaper and radio announcements.  Philip Rubin, DSF-PS President, was interviewed by a reporter from the Palm Springs Channel 2 (CBS) network during the fashion show and the news clip featured footage of the event.  

Coordinated by Guy Wonder, a “Cross Dressing Ball” was held on October 29 at the Cathedral Center.  About 20 people showed up and nearly everybody took the cross-dressing spirit to heart!  Prizes were awarded to the best female and male cross-dressers.  In lieu of games, guests participated in a creative art contest.  A lot of creativity was displayed, indeed!  Folks munched on sandwiches and cupcakes and enjoyed good company.                                                                                                   

About 20 people participated in an Easter Brunch on April 24, 2011 at the Date Palm Country Club in Cathedral City.  In addition to the good food and warm fellowship, awards were presented for the best Easter egg decoration and the funniest Easter hat. 

Deaf Seniors Foundation of Palm Springs (DSF-PS), through the coordination of Co-Chairs Stephen and Eileen Schultz, hosted its first semi-formal gala - A Nostalgic Evening at the Riviera -on January 29, 2011, at the prestigious Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs.  The fundraiser gala, which attracted over 140 people from California and elsewhere, included a presentation of awards, a skit by two actors from the Russia based TOYS Theatre, and a Silent and Live Auction.  The affable and always entertaining Herb Larson served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.  Betty Ludwick, a long-time resident of Palm Springs, was recognized for her many years of service to the region’s deaf community as a sign language interpreter.  Tributes and awards were presented to three deaf women for their outstanding achievements in the film and television industries – Marlee Matlin, who received an Academy Award for Best Actress for Children of a Lesser God; Julianna Fjeld, who received an Emmy Award for co-executive producing Love Is Never Silent; and Linda Bove, who is world renowned for her many years on Sesame Street.  Auctioneers Mel Carter and Richard Ray were ably assisted on the stage by Liz Tannebaum of Chicago.  The gala received media coverage, print and local television both, prior to and following the event.  Interpreting was provided by The Sign Language Company, based in Los Angeles.  DSF-PS also hosted a social on Friday evening at the Riviera’s swanky Starlite Lounge and a Sunday morning brunch at Old Creek House in Palm Springs.

Click here to see a video of the Gala, courtesy of Seth Gerlis, i DEAF NEWS

All photos are courtesy of Richard Hill (Friday Social), Joseph McRoberts (Saturday Gala), and Mike Lemley (Sunday Brunch).

Over 40 people gathered on October 17, 2009 to celebrate “Oktoberfest” at the Date Palm Country Club in Cathedral City.  In addition to some fun apple bobbing and pumpkin carving contests, the group enjoyed a German dinner fare provided by the country club.  In the spirit of Oktoberfest, Barbara Goldman and Darol Nance gave a two-in-one ASL performance about “going to the bar.”  A live auction was also held with Richard Ray serving as auctioneer.

Deaf Seniors Foundation of Palm Springs (DSF-PS) and the Palm Springs Chapter of the California Association of the Deaf co-sponsored “A Deaf Day at the Park” picnic on May 9, 2009.  Held under and around a pavilion at the Civic Park in Palm Desert, about 50 people attended the event.  Grilled burgers and hot dogs were prepared by Feast on This after which a good number of hardy folks formed two lines to compete in egg and water balloon tossing matches.  Sorenson Communications, represented by Chris Preston who gave brief remarks, made a donation to the event.  Net proceeds went to PS-CAD which will use these funds in support of future senior citizen programs.

Chocolate was the theme of the day on October 4, 2008 at the Seven Lakes Country Club in Palm Springs.  Extolling the wonders of “chocolate,” DSF-PS president and emcee, Philip C. Rubin, and Gary Aghabalian, a local Coachella Valley resident, enthralled the audience of nearly 50 people with facts and other interesting information about chocolate and the cocoa bean.  A prize of chocolate pieces was presented to Heidi Booth who got most of the trivia questions correct.  Entertainment, in the form of a two-in-one ASL rendition of the hilarious “Lucy at the chocolate factory” television episode, was provided by Barbara Goldman and Darol Nance.  Following a live auction of selected art works and other items of interest, dinner was provided by the country club.

Over 80 people attended a Wine Appreciation Workshop & Wine Tasting which was sponsored by DSF-PS and held on March 29, 2008 at a private residence in Cathedral City.  Led by Rusty Wales, a deaf vintner from Vancouver, Washington, the participants learned about wines, winemaking, and the fine art of wine tasting.  A reception, preceding the workshop, and a dinner that followed, were both provided by Matt Baker, the deaf owner of Feast on This, based in San Diego, CA.  The event also included an auction of several baskets of wine and assorted foods. 

Deaf Seniors Foundation of Palm Springs (DSF-PS) kicked off its official founding with a social gathering and silent auction on November 3, 2007.  Held at a private residence in Palm Desert, the affair attracted over 80 people.  In addition to remarks from Emcees Linda Bove and Ed Waterstreet, and a short skit provided by Sister Rubba Willie Duck and Sister I Can’t Hear Ya, President Philip C. Rubin was honored and pleased to introduce the Board of Directors and describe the organization’s purpose and goals.  Catering was provided by Jonathan Weiss, the deaf owner of Big Mango, Inc., based in Santa Monica, CA.