An Evening of Liberace: Celebrating Legacy and Philanthropy in Palm Springs
On October 13, the vibrant community of Palm Springs came together for a night of glamour, music, and philanthropy at the annual fundraiser hosted by the local nonprofit, Amy’s Purpose. Titled "An Evening of Liberace: A Party Celebrating the Legacy of Palm Springs’ Premier Dog Lover," the event was a tribute not only to the legendary entertainer Liberace but also to the mission of Amy’s Purpose in promoting pet safety and education.
A Night to Remember
The evening commenced with an intimate dinner at Eight4Nine, a chic restaurant known for its culinary excellence. Guests were treated to a sumptuous meal crafted by Chef Willie Rhine, featuring a delectable duo of braised short rib and Chilean sea bass, accompanied by a refreshing citrus fennel pollen vinaigrette salad, and a delightful mango passion fruit mousse for dessert. Among the attendees were notable figures such as Riverside County 4th District Supervisor Manuel Perez, local philanthropists, and members of the Amy’s Purpose executive board, including co-chairs Elaine Church and David Sullivan.
Following the dinner, guests were whisked away to the historic Casa de Monte Vista estate, a venue steeped in Hollywood history, where the award-winning film "Behind the Candelabra" was filmed. The estate, once home to actor Robert Stack, provided a stunning backdrop for the evening’s festivities.
Entertainment and Celebration
As the night unfolded, attendees were treated to a variety of entertainment options. Local cabaret artist Francesca Amari performed a pre-concert show, showcasing her talents through one-woman acts that paid homage to icons like Linda Ronstadt and Gilda Radner. Guests also enjoyed the unique offerings of numerologists and psychics, as well as a fashion show featuring models from Lorie’s Unique Boutique. The evening was further enhanced by cocktails served at a tequila bar, famously known as the location where George Clooney filmed a commercial.
Bruce Fessier, the event’s producer, emphasized the dual purpose of the evening: to celebrate Liberace’s legacy as a musician and animal advocate. "We’re heralding Liberace’s pageantry and animal advocacy," he stated, highlighting how the entertainer’s influence paved the way for modern music legends like Elton John and Queen.
The entertainment for the evening was hosted by Jere Ring, a celebrated Liberace protégé, and featured David Maiocco, America’s No. 1 Liberace tribute artist, who captivated the audience with his performance.
Honoring a Canine Hero
A special highlight of the evening was the recognition of Dinah, a three-year-old black standard poodle from the District Attorney’s office in Indio. Trained as an emotional support K9, Dinah has become an invaluable member of the crisis response team, providing comfort and support in critical situations. This event marked the first time Dinah was honored, and she will now wear her Amy’s Purpose medallion during future presentations.
The Mission of Amy’s Purpose
DeAnn Lubell, the founder of Amy’s Purpose, expressed her gratitude for the successful event, noting the perfect weather, stunning venue, and the overall enjoyment of the guests. She emphasized the nonprofit’s mission: to raise awareness about the dangers of predators to pets and to provide scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in veterinary science. "In two short years, we have provided more than 20 scholarships," Lubell stated, underscoring the organization’s commitment to addressing the shortage of animal health care workers.
While the final accounting for the event is still underway, Lubell estimates that the proceeds will allow Amy’s Purpose to sponsor three or four full scholarships for the College of the Desert Partnership and Community Education (PaCE) veterinary assistant program.
Community Support and Sponsorship
The success of "An Evening of Liberace" was made possible through the generous support of various sponsors, including Casa de Monte, Green Room Theatre Co., Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, and many others. Their contributions not only helped create a memorable event but also reinforced the community’s commitment to animal welfare and education.
About Amy’s Purpose
Amy’s Purpose is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to pet safety and predator awareness through community-based education programs. The organization also offers scholarships to local students interested in veterinary science, aiming to alleviate the current crisis in emergency veterinary care.
To learn more about Amy’s Purpose or to make a donation, visit amyspurpose.net.
As the evening came to a close, attendees left with not only a sense of joy and entertainment but also a deeper understanding of the vital work being done by Amy’s Purpose to protect and advocate for pets in the community. The legacy of Liberace, intertwined with the mission of this nonprofit, continues to inspire and uplift the lives of both animals and their human companions.