Art enthusiasts and philanthropists alike are in for a treat as Food Now, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the western Coachella Valley, prepares to host its second annual gallery night fundraiser, "The Art of Giving." This captivating event, set to take place on November 15th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Melissa Morgan Fine Art Gallery on El Paseo, promises to be a celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of giving.

Bridging the Gap Between Art and Compassion

Showcasing Local Artistic Talent

The Art of Giving will feature the work of 20 talented local artists, each of whom has generously donated their creations to be auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting Food Now's mission. From watercolor masterpieces to oil paintings, sculptures, and stunning glass art, the event promises to offer a diverse and visually captivating array of pieces. The participating artists, including Chloe Allred, Robert Ballantyne, Brian Brodowsky, and many others, will be on hand to engage with guests, sharing the stories and inspirations behind their work.

A Collaborative Effort

The success of The Art of Giving is a testament to the strong partnerships and community support that Food Now has cultivated. The Melissa Morgan Fine Art Gallery has been instrumental in the event's success, not only donating their space and time but also ensuring that all of their staff members attend the gala. "The staff from Melissa Morgan is tremendously generous," says Tom Tragesser, the director of operations for Food Now. "They even display all the artwork on their walls the evening of the event for the auction."

A Multifaceted Celebration

In addition to the art auction, The Art of Giving will feature a range of other exciting elements to enhance the experience. Guests will be treated to catering provided by Porta Via, top-shelf liquor from Bar One, and live entertainment, creating a truly immersive and enjoyable atmosphere. A silent auction will also be held, offering attendees the opportunity to bid on additional unique items and experiences.

A Resounding Success

Last year's inaugural Art of Giving event was a remarkable success, with over 120 guests in attendance and all of the donated artwork finding new homes. "Last year's event was extremely successful," Tragesser proudly states. "All the local artists this year, as with last year, will be present to talk with our guests about their artwork and participate in the event, so that makes it a lot of fun."

Addressing Food Insecurity in the Western Coachella Valley

Food Now's mission extends far beyond the Art of Giving event, as the organization works tirelessly to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in the western Coachella Valley. Each week, Food Now serves approximately 350 families, providing them with essential food assistance. Additionally, the organization serves around 50 homeless individuals four days a week, ensuring they have access to daily meals.

Empowering Children and Families

One of Food Now's most impactful initiatives is its weekend meal program, which provides meal kits to children in eight local elementary and secondary schools in Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, and the surrounding areas. "There are families that cannot afford to give a balanced meal to their children on the weekends," Tragesser explains. "We provide more than 200 meal kits every week to children throughout the western valley, which is a tremendous program."

Partnering for Greater Impact

To make this program a reality, Food Now has forged a valuable partnership with Desert Arc, a local organization that helps package the meal kits. "It's an incredible partnership we have with Desert Arc," Tragesser says. "We could not do it without them."

Caring for Pets in Need

Food Now's commitment to the community extends beyond just human welfare; the organization also self-funds a pet food program. "What we found was that two-thirds of all the families that come in and get a weekly meal supplement have a pet," Tragesser explains. "And if they don't have enough food to feed their pet, they end up feeding that dog or cat table scraps or some of their own food, which it's not healthy for the pet. Plus it's taking away from their food. We identified that there was a need, so we are self-funding, with assistance from the Palm Desert Rotary and other donors, to give a weekly supplement of pet food as well."

Empowering the Community Through Volunteerism

Food Now's impact is made possible through the dedication of its volunteers. The organization is actively seeking volunteers aged 18 and above to help with packaging and distributing food to local families. Volunteers can contribute their time on Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., playing a vital role in strengthening the community.The Art of Giving is a testament to the power of art to inspire and transform lives. By harnessing the creativity of local artists and the generosity of the community, Food Now is not only raising funds to support its essential programs but also fostering a sense of unity and purpose. As the event approaches, art lovers and philanthropists alike are invited to join in this celebration of art, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need.