Theresa A. Mike Scholarship funds raised with '80-themed gala

The Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation was established in the memory of the fourth of seven children born to Dean and Theresa Mike, Theresa A. Mike, who died unexpectedly in 1997 at the age of 23.

As a way to honor their daughter, the Mike family established the nonprofit to award scholarships to full-time enrolled tribal members of any tribe across the United States as well as full-time non-native students from the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin.

Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million to help deserving students fulfill their educational dreams.

Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage was the venue for this year's fundraiser, held June 29, which was a 1980s-themed fashion show, sale and dinner. The Cahuilla Ballroom was filled to capacity with not one extra seat available.

The evening's program began with the TM Bird Singers, who performed for the guests in traditional native style. Following remarks from emcee Haley Clawson and board member Leanna Mike, the catwalk lit up and the fashion show began. Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, all wearing clothes from JC Penney, strutted their stuff in delightful throwback-to-the-'80s style and charmed everyone with their swagger and cuteness.

In addition to two fashion shows — one featuring families, the other with only adults — the enthusiastic and supportive crowd was also treated to local kids performing scenes from "Ghostbusters." Even Clawson got in on the act, which was fun and entertaining.

A dinner of delectable chicken and vegetables provided a break from the fun. Dan McGrath presided over the live auction, where guests bid on items, including the latest in home media, computers and tickets to Knott's Berry Farm.

As the evening came to a close, board vice president Leanna Thomas shared scholarship goals and remarks. Board treasurer Robert Paull thanked everyone for their support and presented Clawson with a huge bouquet of flowers, ending a successful and enjoyable fundraising event.

The Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation board members include Dean Mike, president; Theresa Mike, founding board member; Paull, treasurer; Thomas, vice president; Makeyli Marroquin, executive director; and Anna Martinez, secretary.

The event's presenting sponsor was the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.

Scholarship partners for the event were Southern California Edison, Desert Healthcare District, Anderson Children's Foundation, One Future Coachella Valley, Women Leaders Forum, California Indian Nations College, City of Coachella Community Based Grant and JCPenney Communities Foundation.

Thanks also to Cord Media, Banc of California, BuzzBox Premium Cocktails, Twenty-Nine Palms Band Mission Indians, News Channel 3, McDonald's, Tribal First, Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, The Printing Place and C&C Events.

Fashions were courtesy of JCPenney and White House Black Market.

For more information on the Theresa A. Mike Scholarship Foundation, to make a donation or to volunteer, visit theresamike.org .

Carole Stephen-Smith began writing in Scotland for a woman's weekly at the age of 15 and then covered American celebrities for the London Evening Echo. Arriving in the desert, she wrote for Desert Woman in the 1990s. Carole focuses on charities that help women as well as medical causes, especially breast cancer awareness, and all aspects of child abuse.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Theresa A. Mike Scholarship funds raised with '80-themed gala