PALM SPRINGS – All nine Coachella Valley cities and the County of Riverside will honor 11 outstanding senior citizen volunteers who inspire others through their actions.

The 11 will be feted at the 27th annual Senior Inspiration Awards at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 22.

More than 500 people annually attend the luncheon, which will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros.

This major event was established in 1992 by then-Supervisor Corky Larson to recognize the community’s unsung heroes, senior citizens 65 years of age and older who inspire others through their volunteerism and contributions to the community.

“This luncheon recognizes our honorees’ fascinating life stories and their ongoing service to organizations across the Coachella Valley,” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said in a prepared statement. “Their exemplary volunteer spirit inspires us to be active. Please join us in this beloved tradition that has honored over 300 phenomenal senior citizen volunteers!”

The 2019 honorees are: Cathy Claborn and Rosa Lucas (Riverside County), Frank Sardone (Cathedral City), Baudelio Sanchez (Coachella), Larry Buchanan (Desert Hot Springs), Shelly Fraser (Indian Wells), Nettie Washington (Indio), Juan Salas (La Quinta), Margaret “Peggy” Leo (Palm Desert), Dr. Diane Ross (Palm Springs) and Claudia Fausett (Rancho Mirage).

You may read biographies of each award recipient by clicking here.

Brooke Beare of KESQ News Channel 3/CBS Local 2 and Kitty Alvarado of NBC Palm Springs will serve as the masters of ceremonies.

Tickets are $30 per person and include salad, choice of chicken or vegetarian entrée, and chocolate marquis dessert. For tickets/reservations,  call 760-863-2556.

The Senior Inspiration Awards is hosted by Supervisor Perez and the cities of the Coachella Valley (Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage).

Perez represents the eastern two-thirds of Riverside County on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Stretching from Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs, south to the Salton Sea and east to Blythe and the Colorado River, the 4th District is the largest geographical district in the county.

Image Sources

  • Time to Inspire: Pixaby