Representatives from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation surprised a local nonprofit organization with a $10,000 grant check – while on News Channel 3’s Live Facebook Feed. The grant – presented to CREATE Center for the Arts – is an extension of the partnership between the Berger Foundation and News Channel 3, where each month, a local nonprofit receives a $25,000 grant. But this grant was a complete surprise to the nonprofit organization that offers space, tools and classes to artists and aspiring artists.
“We were stunned,” said Debra Mumm, Founder and Director of CREATE Center for the Arts. “As a fairly new organization this grant will really help us make improvements to our new facility, elevate our art programs and spread the word about what we offer.”
Last December, CREATE Center for the Arts was among 69 local nonprofits that received a letter of regret that they were not selected to receive one of the monthly Coachella Valley Spotlight grants for 2019.
“It is so difficult to choose only 12 nonprofits to receive the Coachella Valley Spotlight each year from so many worthwhile nonprofit applicants,” said Catharine Reed, Program Director for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “Giving these surprise $10,000 grants is an exciting extension of our partnership with News Channel 3, and it allows us to shine a spotlight on more great organizations in the valley!”
With a mission to offer and promote community enrichment through the arts, CREATE Center opened a small studio space in Palm Desert in February 2018. Since then, use of the space and equipment was so great, that the CREATE Center moved to a larger space, which is currently in need of renovations to accommodate the more than 5000 individuals who have used this creative space. Artists range from 5-95 years-old from all socio-economic backgrounds. CREATE Center provides accessible classes, workshops and exhibitions in a variety of mediums. CREATE supports other arts organizations, provides free and low-cost services in addition to paid programs.
“Spotlighting organizations, such as CREATE Center of the Arts, is so rewarding,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates News Channel 3. “We are proud to partner with the Berger Foundation in presenting these additional Coachella Valley Spotlight grants and providing them media exposure.”
CREATE Center for the Arts is located at 73-733 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 100. For more information call 760-834-8318 or visit www.CREATECenterForTheArts.org. To learn more about the Coachella Valley Spotlight grant, go to kesq.com, and click on the Coachella Valley Spotlight logo near the bottom of the home page. Grant applications for 2020 will be available at kesq.com from July 15-September 9, 2019.