Stepping Out for College of the Desert goes country for 2024
Country Western attire was suggested for attendees of Stepping Out for COD 2024, and the attendees did not disappoint. Cowboy hats, some studded with rhinestones, denim, cowboy boots, kerchiefs and concha belts abounded.
Event co-chairs Norma Castaneda and Jenell VanDenBos welcomed supporters of the College of the Desert Foundation to an evening of country music by multi-platinum country superstar Clay Walker.
For guests unfamiliar with the COD Foundation, they explained that through fundraising efforts the organization can eliminate educational barriers including tuition, textbooks, counseling, child care and food and housing insecurity. In addition, the foundation partners with local businesses that offer paid internships, so students have the best chance to achieve their dreams.
Both Castaneda and VanDenBos are COD alumni, and they shared their personal experiences.
Castaneda said: “At age 19 during my first year of college, my dad unexpectedly passed away and I had to be home to care for my mother. COD was my beacon of hope. Enrolling in COD allowed me to navigate both emotional and academic challenges propelling towards my educational goals to honor my father.” Her determination led her to a bachelor’s degree and an MBA, transforming her into the successful entrepreneur she is today.
VanDenBos then shared the story of her educational journey. “As a 35-year-old divorced, single mom with two kids, COD became a lifeline, offering free child care while I pursued my education.” She earned her bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, and today, she is a proud entrepreneur. She believes in the transformative power of education as the one thing no one can take away.
There were many sponsors who contributed to the success of the evening, and the event co-chairs recognized visionary presenting sponsors The Greene Family Foundation and Jim and Jessica Greene. Platinum sponsors Judy Allen and Jim Hummer, Eisenhower Health, Jordan Schnitzer and Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Desert Care Network, R.D and Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation and Diane Rubin and Lenny Eber. Media partners were News Channel 3 and BIG 106 family.
Thanks to the many sponsors, the event raised more than $650,000 to support the Fund for Student Success which enables 80% of COD’s low-income students to complete their studies because they have their essential basic needs met.
Applause erupted when the curtain was raised, revealing Clay Walker and his band. Walker has had a long career of smash singles, platinum albums and countless honors and acclaim. He entertained the audience with his songs of timeless country themes. Songs like “If I Could Make a Living,” “Dreaming with My Eyes Open,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Need a Bar Sometimes,” and even threw in a Jimmy Buffet song “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” Jubilant audience members were dancing in the aisle, singing along to the tunes and discreetly toe tapping. Between songs, he entertained the audience with stories about his 29-year friendships with band members and quipped: “If you don’t have an education you have to be a singer.” A nod to College of the Desert.
For more than 60 years, COD has made it possible for local students to pursue their academic dreams. These students become skilled nurses, firefighters, EMTs, chefs, hoteliers, architects, entrepreneurs and business leaders with 125,000 alumni strong, who give back to the community and generate nearly $400 million annually to our local economy.
To learn how you can support student success at COD, visit codfoundation.org or call (760) 773-2561.
Marge Dodge serves on several local nonprofit boards supporting her passions of education, literacy and the arts.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Stepping Out for College of the Desert goes country for 2024
