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Charitable Gift Will Grant More Wishes to Local Children
H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation presents Impact Grant in Partnership with News Channel 3
Palm Desert, Calif., (January 30, 2024) – An unexpected $30,000 gift from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation will grant wishes to children in the area through the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish nonprofit organization. The funding was awarded through a newly launched partnership between the Berger Foundation and News Channel 3, which will provide funding and media exposure to worthy nonprofit organizations.
“Impact Grants are awarded on the concept that through service, funding, and awareness, we are ‘Making a Difference Together,’” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3 and KPSP CBS Local 2.
Through this new grant program, representatives from the Berger Foundation and News Channel 3 will identify local 501(c)3 nonprofits to recognize for their outstanding work. The Berger Foundation will present Impact Grants of various amounts to selected nonprofits, and each organization will also receive media coverage about its mission across a variety of News Channel 3’s platforms.
“This new grant program will honor nonprofit organizations when we see them doing extraordinary work and also respond to needs in our community as they arise,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “With funding and media exposure, we believe we can help nonprofits make an impact – just as the name of the grant implies.”
In the case of Make-A-Wish, 25 children with critical illnesses are currently awaiting wishes in the Coachella Valley. Wishes range from play equipment to out-of-state trips and typically cost approximately $10,000 each.
“Wishes have the power to create better health outcomes and better odds of beating an illness,” said Melissa Gallagher, Vice President of Mission Delivery for OC/IE Make-A-Wish Chapter. “We were surprised and absolutely ecstatic about receiving this gift to help many children in the Coachella Valley. And, we hope that the media exposure will raise awareness about what people can do to also give hope to children who are fighting for their lives.”
The area chapter of Make-A-Wish was established in 1983. To date, the chapter has granted more than 8,000 wishes to children in the Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange Counties. Local donations and local volunteers help wishes come true in the Coachella Valley.
Make-A-Wish was featured on a variety of News Channel 3 media platforms including News at 4 and kesq.com. To learn more about Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org. To learn more about Impact Grants, go to kesq.com/life/impact-grants.
About Gulf California Broadcast Company
Gulf California Broadcast Company owns and operates five TV stations in the Palm Springs market including the local ABC affiliate (KESQ) and CBS affiliate (KPSP). GCBC is committed to providing the community with local news and information along with the connectivity that brings people and organizations together. As part of this ongoing commitment to the community, GCBC is proud to partner with the Berger Foundation to present the Coachella Valley Spotlight, which supports local charities.
About the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation
The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation is a private foundation that generously supports educational and other charitable projects.
