| Jackie Lee Houston Plaza Unveiled |
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 Monday, January 4, 2010Palm Springs Convention Center Palm Springs, California Story and photos by Pat Krause For more Pat Krause photos of the event, click here. The city of Palm Springs held an unveiling of the Jackie Lee Houston Plaza on Friday, Jan. 4, 2009. The Plaza is directly across from the Palm Springs Convention Center on Amado Road. The Plaza took one-and-one-half-years of planning. Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet said that meetings were held almost every week so that the Plaza could be done in time for this year’s 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. The Red Carpet Awards Gala, with many celebrities in attendance, will be held Tuesday, Jan, 5, at the Convention Center. This is the start of the PSIFF that is held on Tuesday, Jan. 5-18. Jim Houston attended almost every meeting to add his input into the creation of the Plaza. The Plaza garden is sustainable using drought tolerant plants and landscaping. It is a demonstration in the saving of water, as the Houstons are both involved in preserving our water resources.  In most cases, things like this take several years, but this moved very quickly, as it is such a welcome addition to the city of Palm Springs. Pougnet mentioned he Googled “Jackie Lee Houston” and found pages and pages of her accomplishments through the years. One of his biggest opportunities as mayor is to honor all the special people in the community for all their good works. Palm Springs is blessed to have someone like Jackie Lee, the “First Lady of Palm Springs.” She has given of her time and donated more than any one will ever know. The Houstons donated the sculpture that stands in the Plaza. Aqua Caliente Tribal Chairman Richard M. Milanovich spoke about a young lieutenant who came through the area in 1821 and found only 11 people as the original. Look at it now. He stated that Jim and Jackie Lee came to the desert 40 years ago and became the bedrock to many charities. She is the mentor for giving. This Plaza is a public living legacy to honor her for her philanthropic work in the desert. She is always looking out for the underdog. It is a lasting tribute, a beautiful garden plaza for a beautiful lady whose beauty runs inside and out. Milanovich said he was honored to be her friend. Marc Trost from Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack’s office gifted her with a flag that has flown over the White House. John Benoit, former state senator and current Riverside County Supervisor, gave her a proclamation from Riverside County to honor the occasion. Harold Matzner, Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) said there was no one he admired more than Jackie Lee Houston. He works with her sometimes on a weekly basis. She is the driving force in all she does. She has helped raise $1 million at the PSIFF for the past three years. It is never,” can we,” it is always, “we will,” and she will have people dig deep into their pockets to help. She is the chief fund raiser, cheerleader and strategist. Jackie Lee took the stage with tears in her eyes. She was overwhelmed by all the accolades. Hundreds of guests filled the chairs and stood for a standing ovation to this wonderful woman. Prominent figures, city officials and dignitaries from the area were present for this unveiling. The event climaxed with a reception held inside the Convention Center with drinks, hors d’ouvres and desserts. Guests walked a lavender carpet lined with vases of flowers to the hall. Entertainment was also provided as nothing is ever overlooked when it involves Jackie Lee Houston.For more Pat Krause photos of the event, click here. For more information about the Palm Springs International Film Festival, click here. |
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