4th Annual Event Acknowledges Charitable Vision and Work

Quietly and behind the scenes, Theresa Mike has been positively affecting the lives of Coachella Valley residents for more than a decade. Now, the Desert Samaritans for the Elderly are honoring her at their 4th annual Faith in Begorra!luncheon.

The annual event takes place March 17 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, and recognizes individuals who have a history of giving and service in the Valley.

Theresa Mike has been a leading charitable force in the Valley for years and has been a strong supporter of the Desert Samaritans for the Elderlys mission to share Gods love by providing assistance to elderly citizens in the Coachella Valley to enhance quality of life in their senior years.

Desert Samaritans for the Elderly CEO Michael Barnard said, We are honoring Theresa for the long-standing support she has demonstrated for seniors in the Coachella Valley. Spotlight 29 Casino and the 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians have sponsored several of our fund raising events over the past several years, and they are the only local casino to have contributed towards an innovative new program to train and certify gambling counselors, while providing treatment for seniors that are problem gamblers. This program is a partnership with the California Council on Problem Gambling.

Established in 1988, the Desert Samaritans for the Elderly has multiple programs seniors can rely on, including Advocacy, Buddy, Financial Aid/Medical Assistance, Referral and Transportation. The group assisted more than 2,500 seniors last year alone.

In addition to her work with the Desert Samaritans for the Elderly, Theresa Mike founded the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation, raising money so that needy, worthy students from across the western U.S. can go to college. She is also a leader of the Native American Land Conservancy, which has preserved more than 2,500 acres of land in the area surrounding the Coachella Valley.

For information about Desert Samaritans for the Elderly, its programs or the Faith in Begorra! event, call (760) 837-9066.