Mrs. Ford always found time to do hands on work at everything she did. When President and Mrs Ford came to the Coachella Valley their tireless work did not end. Even in retirement they were always active in Church, Schools and charities. They had a hand in many services in the desert such as the McCallum Theatre, the Rancho Mirage Library and St. Margarets School to name a few.

They also left indelible marks at Eisenhower Medical Center, Betty Ford Center & Gerald Ford Elementary School as well as the Bob Hope Chrysler classic Golf Tournament in which President Ford played golf many times. Their dedication to those in need also included causes such as HIV-Aids, Addiction, Cancer, Domestic Violence, Education and Heart Disease. The people of our Valley endeared them into their hearts for all their service. Their faith in God and involvement in politics will be remembered always.

Most recently the City of Rancho Mirage Post named their post office branch after President Ford. It is now the President Gerald Ford Post Office. President Ford’s funeral was held here in the Desert before it was completed in Washington, D.C.. I believe that President Ford always considered the Desert his home. He and Betty loved this valley and Betty still makes this her home most of the year.

Over 100 guests attended this luncheon. The Palm Desert High School Chamber Singers opened the event by signing the Star-Spangled Banner. The Right Reverend James Mathes, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, presented the Honoree Award to Susan Ford Bales. The Ford's daughter.

The Chairman for this event was Rev. Dr. Joseph Lund. The Episcopal Community Services honors outstanding people in the Coachella Valley that have made their mark by contributing many years of helping the most needy and vulnerable.

For more Pat Krause Photos of the Luncheon Honoring President and Mrs. Ford, click here.

Legend for the Pat Krause Photos:

01    Lily & Rudy Safran sign the guest book
02    Joe and LeAnn Labelle
03    Palm Desert High School Chamber Singers
04    Guests
05    Guests   
06    Jean Ann Hirshi signs the memory book with Harry Heyligers holding the book
07    Exec Director, Leslie Keller, Joseph Lund-Event Chair and Kay Bell
08    Cash Baxter, Katheryn Myier and Andy Duvall
09    Steve Sharp, Alyssa Osian & Harry Heyligers
10    Susan Ford Bales, President Ford's Daughter, & Leslie Keller
11    Rev. Joseph Lund, Susan Ford Bales and Leslie Keller
12    Maury & Jean Kemp Sponsors of the event   
13    Guests register
14    Guests register
15    Piano Player
16    Guests mingle
17    Arthur & Patty Newman

For more information on the The Betty Ford Center in Palm Desert, Ca., click here.

For more information on the Betty Ford Breast Cancer Center in Washington, DC., click here