Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa
December 5, 2008

Story and photographs by Pat Krause

The “Reaching for the Stars” black-tie gala was held on Sat., Dec. 5, 2008, at the Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa. This year’s gala celebrated two very important anniversaries — the 50th “Gold” Anniversary of College of the Desert (COD) and the 25th “Silver” Anniversary of College of the Desert Foundation. The Foundation’s mission focuses on raising endowment funds for long-term financial stability. It strives to enhance the quality of higher education here in the Coachella Valley.

COD provides great educational opportunities to gain for students the tools needed to further their careers in their chosen profession. COD has sent many nurses out into the world to help others. Policemen and firefighters also help the community. Many other vocational school subjects are found at this college. Opportunities abound at this vocational and technical college. Some of the facilities on campus are the Hilb Student Center, library, Theater One, math and social sciences departments, Family Child Development and Training Center, Center for the Arts, nursing and health sciences, and Public Safety Academy. The Peggy and Donald Cravens Student Services Center was recently built.

A live auction was held before dinner was served. Many items were auctioned off to raise funds for scholarships to deserving students at COD.

Guests entered the gala with nursing students at the college forming a red-carpet line. A human dummy was there so nursing students could show the guests how they are learning their trade.’

It was fun to see all the white nursing outfits and others in Public safety uniforms among all the black tie suits and beautiful gowns.

This year’s COD president is Jerry Patton and the COD Foundation president is Dr. Ward A Fredericks. Peggy Cravens and Penny Mason were co-chairs for this “Gold and Silver” event.

The Pat Rizzo Orchestra and impersonator Scott Record provided entertainment.

Special thanks go to the Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa, College of the Desert Foundation, College of the Desert Student helpers, and the Pat Rizzo Orchestra and Scott Record.

For more Pat Krause photos of the College of the Desert Gala 2008, click here.

For more information about College of the Desert, click here.

For more information about the College of the Desert Foundation, click here.

For more information about the Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa, click here.

For more information about Scott Record, click here.