Winston Gieseke

California, Palm Springs

Philanthropy and Special Sections Editor at The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA)

Writer, performer, aspiring circus freak, and a thoroughly nice fellow who clearly believes in the serial comma.

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Articles

Desert Scene guest reporter honored for volunteer work

1 week ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

Those who don't believe that angels walk among us are probably not familiar with the Angel Light Academy. The nonprofit's mission is to teach leadership, team building, problem solving, conflict resolution, drug and gang resistance and communication skills to young people and adults in the Coachella Valley. And on March 15, the organization held its annual Above & Beyond Desert Gala, where it honored 10 "Angels on Earth," individuals who make our local community better by going above and beyond.
Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage launches Giving Tuesday Dinners

2 weeks ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is making it very easy to support a local nonprofit. The resort recently launched a philanthropic dinner series to benefit Olive Crest. Once a month on select Tuesdays, the resort will donate $5 to the charity from each entrée purchased that evening at State Fare Bar & Kitchen. Olive Crest is dedicated to preventing child abuse in the Coachella Valley.
Palm Springs Writers Guild to host book festival of local authors

2 weeks ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

Book lovers, mark April 26 on your calendar as the Palm Springs Writers Guild will be holding a highly interactive book festival designed to give readers the opportunity to meet and hear from local authors, among other exciting events. This will be the guild's biggest book festival to date and will feature 40 authors across a range of genres.
Hollywood-style cocktail party to raise funds for Sanctuary, The Bent

3 weeks ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation along with Michael Norpell and Bryan Fisher will present House Party PS: Lights! Camera! Action!, celebrating stars of the silver screen, on April 12. The event, which will raise money for Oak Grove Sanctuary Palm Springs and The Bent theater company, will be an elegant Hollywood-style summer evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, a silent auction and other surprises.
Don't miss Food Now's annual Chili Cook-Off Roundup to End Hunger

1 month ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

How many hot dogs can you eat? Let's find out. On March 28, Food Now will hold its 13th annual Chili Cook-Off Roundup to End Hunger at the Palm Springs Air Museum from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.Tickets are $45 for adults; kids under 12 will be admitted for free. The ticket includes access to the museum. In addition to chili tasting, there will be all-you-can-eat hot dogs, pulled pork, chips, sandwiches and more.
Nest Fest at The Roost March 7-9 to benefit LA wildfire relief

1 month ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

If you're planning to attend California's first Pride event of 2025, the 9th annual Cathedral City LGBT+ Days the weekend of March 7, be sure to check out Nest Fest at The Roost Lounge for live shows that not only entertain but give back. Nest Fest typically raises funds for a local nonprofit, but this year organizers have chosen to support Los Angeles wildfire relief. The entertainment kicks off Friday, March 7, with Adore Delano and Jai Rodriguez.
Masquerade ball to benefit new Palm Springs mental health facility

2 months ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

Coachella Valley resident Mädchen Amick is giving the mental health industry a piece of her mind.
Enjoy 'Hollywood's Biggest Night' and raise money for AAP – Food Samaritans

2 months ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

Whether you're rooting for "Wicked Part I," "Dune: Part Two," "Emilia Pérez" or "A Complete Unknown," most of us can agree that the Academy Awards are best enjoyed in a group setting. Let's face it, making fun of what people are wearing or cheering when your favorite celebrity wins is just not as fun when you're alone.
Voices for Children needs male volunteers in RivCo to advocate for foster kids

2 months ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back in 2025? Are you a male, 21 years or older, who can spare 10 hours or less per month, knowing that these hours could make a lifetime of difference for a child who doesn’t have a permanent home or access to their parents? According to research provided by Voices for Children, "the benefits of a positive, reliable adult male figure in childrens’ lives, especially boys," have been proven.
Coachella Valley Has Sole receives generous shoe donation

2 months ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

Judy and Mike Wexler run an organization called Coachella Valley Has Sole. Their mission is to collect gently used shoes from local retailers and from shoe drives held at gated communities and various businesses throughout the valley and then clean and donate them to worthwhile organizations and schools. Beneficiaries have included the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Well in the Desert and Desert Hot Springs schools.