by Gloria Greer for Palm Springs Life
The Rancho Las Palmas Resort ballroom was filled with admirers of entertainer Jack Jones Saturday night, Nov. 20. The beloved and talented performer received the 2010 Good Samaritan of the Year Award from the Desert Samaritans for Seniors. Jones, recently returned from sold out singing engagements in Manila and New York, was thanked for his tireless volunteer contributions to worthwhile non-profits to improve life for those in need.
When he received his award, an unusual miniature piano with a microphone, he was visibly moved and spoke of his respect for Desert Samaritans for Seniors and all that the organization does to give disillusioned seniors “their lives back.” He spoke of the hundreds of elderly people in the valley who have lost the ability to deal with every day life.
“I recently Googled the phrase ‘Youth is wasted on the young’, and a young woman (photo and all) had added ‘Medication is wasted on the old.’ Thank you for helping us starve off that kind of society,” he said.
Jackie Lee and James Houston were Honorary Chairs and encouraged Jones to accept the evening’s honor. They also introduced him to the organization honoring him, an introduction that greatly impressed the caring Jones. The mission of Desert Samaritans for Seniors is to “serve as the premier non-profit advocacy agency on behalf of senior citizens in the Coachella Valley, utilizing “hands on” methods through effective social service programs that ensure the financial, physical and/or psychological well-being of every client served.” A video showed the impact that Desert Samaritans has had on some of its clients and those depicted in the video were invited guests at the gala function.
Brian Harnik welcomed attendees from the stage and The Rev. Lane Goodwin Hesley, Rector St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, gave the invocation. Bill Seals, Executive Director, gave acknowledgments and introduced the video. Guests were enthralled with entertainment by Mike Ostaski’s Art Explosion. The artist made his fast strokes to the beat of music and danced as he finished his on stage portrait of Jones.
Barry K. Williams, president, Michael Andrew Duvall, vice president, Mary Hansen-Faris, treasurer, and Kay Hanson, secretary, head desert Samaritans for Seniors. Other board members are Suzy Friedland, Jean Ann Hirschi, and Judy Vossler. Gold Angel sponsors were Jackie Lee and Jim Houston and Harold Matzner. Wells Fargo Advisors and Mary Hansen and Daryl Faris were Premier Sponsors.
