National Philanthropy Day names Outstanding Philanthropic Organization

With support spanning organizations from A-Z, Desert Oasis Healthcare exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond for the community. Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC), a doctor-owned medical group serving 60,000 members in the Coachella Valley and high desert communities of the Greater Morongo Basin, is committed to supporting numerous local nonprofit organizations ensuring the entire community can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

"It is such an honor to be recognized as Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation," said Marc Hoffing, MD, MPH, DOHC's medical director. "Desert Oasis Healthcare gives not only for the satisfaction of giving, but because we know it's the right thing to do. We all live, work and play here and we want to do our part to help make our community a better place for all."

Equipped with a broad vision of health care, wellness and its important role in the community, Desert Oasis Healthcare's generosity extends across two dozen community organizations, annually granting more than $240,000 in financial support to benefit organizations including Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association, Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, Desert Cancer Foundation, FIND Food Bank, LifeStream, family and youth organizations and numerous senior centers.

In addition to financial support, DOHC's commitment to the community includes employee volunteerism, in-kind services and innovative partnerships.

With a two-county service area, Desert Oasis Healthcare regularly provides its mobile health clinic to numerous community sites and health fairs ensuring that those who are most vulnerable in our community can receive low- to no-cost health care screenings, vaccinations and critical health information.

DOHC's innovative approach to giving back is exemplified in their newest initiative, The Pulse, a 30-minute local TV program that highlights many of the nonprofit organizations DOHC supports. The uplifting and informative program is filled with expert advice and patient stories aimed at sharing important information with our local community. The recent Empowering Seniors episode featured three valley senior centers DOHC supports — Cathedral City Senior Center, The Joslyn Center and Mizell Center — highlighting the critical role these centers serve for our elderly population and giving these organizations a platform to broadly share their services.

Recognized as a top employer and place to work, DOHC encourages their employees to be an active part of the philanthropic community. The 2024 Employees Choice $30k Giveaway gave staff the opportunity to nominate, champion and vote on local organizations to receive sizeable donations. Employees awarded $15,000 to the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, $10,000 to Desert Cancer Foundation and $5,000 to FIND Food Bank. This additional amount provided a total support of $30,000 to FIND Food Bank in 2024 alone. DOHC staff actively participates in fundraising events throughout the Coachella Valley including the Heart Walk, Palm Springs Pride parade and the Palm Springs Health Run. Throughout the year, DOHC employees volunteer for organizations such as FIND Food Bank, Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and others.

"We invite everybody to give with an open heart, whether you're an individual or a company; there is so much need, so just give," Hoffing said. "There are so many great causes, and if you can benefit them by giving a few hours of time, serving on a board or writing a check — do any or all of those things because at the end of the day, we're all in this together."

The 18th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards will be presented on Friday, Nov. 1, at 11:30 a.m. by emcee Patrick Evans from KESQ News Channel 3 at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage. Special thanks to NPD’s exclusive TV media sponsor KESQ News Channel 3, presenting magazine and virtual media sponsor Palm Springs Life and presenting newspaper and digital media sponsor The Desert Sun and LOCALiQ.

For more information, visit afpcadesert.org or contact co-chair Josh N. Zahid at (909) 226-1085 or jnzahid@llu.edu.

Erin Scott, a passionate marketing, communications and media relations professional, is committed to providing brands and organizations strategic, thoughtful and creative support in sharing their stories. She's worked with attractions, nonprofit organizations and small businesses.