Piece of Presidential History Featured in CSOD Auction
A chair that once belonged to former President Dwight D. Eisenhower will be auctioned as part of the Christian Schools of the Desert's 19th Annual Auction Gala, the "Thanks for the Memories" event, taking place on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
"We know that the President enjoyed this chair while relaxing in the desert during the winters after his presidency," says Michael Landes, Eisenhower Medical Center Foundation President. "We like to imagine him sitting down in it as he read the newspaper in the morning, feet up on the ottoman, perhaps talking with important people worldwide. It's a wonderful living example of history, and we are so proud it is going to help generate money for a cause we know the President would be proud of."
The President's chair is army green in color and was donated to Eisenhower Medical Center by Dan and Carol Finnane, owners of the President's former home at Eldorado Country Club. It had been on display at the hospital for the last year and a half.
In each of the past four years, CSOD has raised more than $300,000 in its annual auction. Last year's auction raised $397,000, the highest amount ever.
"We are always blessed by the amazing generosity of our contributors," says Dave Fulton, Founder and CEO of CSOD. "Some of this year's auction proceeds will be used for the development of our new campus being planned for the southwest corner of Washington Street and Avenue 38, north of Interstate 10. We will also use some of the proceeds to fund our athletic department, establish a $100,000 endowment account for our support staff and upgrade our computer lab."
The theme of this year's Auction Gala is "Thanks for the Memories: a Salute to the Greatest Generation." Dinner will be catered by Morton's Steakhouse, with a silent auction beginning at 5 p.m., and dinner and live auction taking place at 7 p.m.
"We are thrilled to be taking part in this," says Randy Araiza, sales and marketing manager for Morton's. "This is the first year we've participated, and it's a great cause. So many of our guests have children who attend CSOD, and we're flattered to be a part of such an important event for them."
CSOD Auction Chair Deborah Alward says it was important that this year's Gala attendees recognize the sacrifices of the men and women who fought in World War II.
"It's sad to think about, but this might be the last �thank you' they ever receive," Alward says. "We just hope they attend so that we can say it in person, and shake their hands and give them a big hug!"
If you would like information about making reservations, or if you are interested in donating an auction item or becoming a sponsor, contact Stacey Galindo at 345-2848.