Agua Caliente Tribe’s Annual Contributions Stir-Up Good Emotions

Ana Rascon Vasquez La Prensa Hispana

The Agua Caliente Tribe has contributed generously to the surrounding communities. Since 1995, the Agua Caliente Tribe has donated over 11 Million dollars to local groups; concentrating heavily on organizations serving the youth, seniors and many public service agencies including fire departments and police organizations.

Upon receiving their checks, many recipients were seen close to tears with joy. The contributions for many service organizations meant staying open one more year; being able to serve a greater number of needs or in some cases, actually giving a young child a new pair of shoes. The Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs saw their $50,000 check as the opportunity to feed 125 needy seniors per day instead of 50. There were veteran groups represented, youth organizations, women’s groups, and many, many others. Tribal Chairman Richard Milanovich summed up his feeling with three words, “it is unbelievably satisfying.”

Those who received the checks with no strings attached and could see the benefits these monies would bring to those segments of the community they serve could only echo those words. “It is unbelievably satisfying,” how true it is, one recipients was heard to say as she walked off the stage. Photos: Tribal Chairman Richard Milanovich with Agua Caliente Tribal Council Members and with 2005 recipients.