Saturday, November 21, 2009
Westin Mission Hills Resort &Spa
Rancho Mirage, California

Hors d'oeuvers and refreshments were served during the cocktail hour. During dinner, there was a slideshow on large screens on both sides of the room. The photos shown were testimonials from men and women who have been helped by this very worthwhile charity.

Scott Kiner was the master of ceremonies with Judy Vossler and Jack Fitzgerald announcing the award, Vossler and Fitzgerald came up with a poem, which they asked the audience to participate, that told of Daly Caruso's life. Then they presented Daly Caruso with a special plaque honoring her. State Sen. John Benoit sent a proclamation honoring Daly Caruso.

Daly Caruso came on stage to accept her award. She thanked the Desert Samaritans for all their good work in the community and many others that were so instrumental in nominating her for this award. Then she thanked her family and said she was so glad that they took time from their busy lives to attend this event that was bestowed on her. She hoped her grandbabies would someday become Samaritans. A few of her close relatives came from far away to be with her on this special day. She mentioned that her grandmother told her to always be joyful and gracious. She took that advice to heart and thanked her grandmother for those words.

Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries provided entertainment. The band played popular music from the '60s, '70s and '80s. The songs of the era brought people to the dance floor. A few brave souls started the dancing and soon the dance floor was full of dancers.

Desert Samaritans for the Elderly is a nonprofit organization and all donations are 100 percent deductible. Kiner mentioned that many elderly live on less that $800 a month. They get 200 to 300 calls a month for help with utilities, food, rent, medications, transportation, glasses, dental care, wheelchairs and other medical supplies. These are all services provided by Desert Samaritans for the Elderly, plus so many other amenities. If they get a call and are unable to provide that service, they will find a charity or service that can help. On one occasion, a woman needed to move to a cheaper apartment and had no furniture. They found a business that was willing to donate furniture. There were other stories of Samaritans helping with other necessities of life to the elderly.

That is what they do.

For more Pat Krause photos of the Desert Samaritans for the Elderly Gala, click here.

For more about Desert Samaritans for the Elderly, click here.

For more about Pattie Daly Caruso, click here.

For more about the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa, click here.