The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation awarded a $31,150 Impact Grant to the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild—providing the final donation needed to fulfill the Guild’s $1 million fundraising pledge in support of pediatric cancer treatment and research at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH).
“We’re so appreciative of the Berger Foundation for this grant to take us over that $1 million mark,” said Guild President Angie Nelson. “And receiving news coverage about the Guild to share our advocacy for children’s health is incredible.”
Since 1993, 170 members of the Desert Guild have advocated for Coachella Valley children in need of specialized pediatric healthcare by organizing community events, patient enrichment activities and major fundraisers. In 2022, the Guild pledged the ambitious $1 million goal as part of Loma Linda University Health’s Stronger Together campaign, which is expanding access to advanced diagnostics and personalized treatments for childhood cancers. These efforts focus on precision medicine, minimally invasive procedures, and cutting-edge research to save young lives.
“The Guild works so hard and had come so close to its goal, we wanted to help,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “It was very rewarding to see these volunteers’ and donors’ faces when we surprised them with the grant that will impact kids in our valley.”
Each year more than 2,200 children from the Coachella Valley receive specialty care at LLUCH in Loma Linda. In 2018, LLUCH opened a Children’s Health Clinic in collaboration with SAC Health in Indio to serve the community with holistic healthcare—from general pediatrics to pediatric sports medicine, gastroenterology, and pulmonary/allergy.
“The Desert Guild is extremely inspiring, and we’re thrilled to showcase how its members’ advocacy and fundraising efforts are making a difference at our area’s children’s hospital,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3.
The Berger Foundation presents Impact Grants through a partnership with News Channel 3. Representatives from both entities look for local 501(c)3 nonprofits to recognize for their outstanding work to improve people’s lives and help those in need. Impact Grants are awarded on the concept that through service, funding, and awareness, we are “Making a Difference Together.” Beyond the funds, each organization also receives media coverage about its mission across a variety of News Channel 3’s platforms, including News Channel 3 News at 4 and kesq.com.
To learn more about Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guilds, visit www.lluch.org. For more information about Impact Grants, go to kesq.com/life/impact-grants.