Desert Best Friend's Closet Brings Fashion and Philanthropy to Rancho Mirage

A Palm Desert nonprofit that helps struggling residents dress for success is holding its biggest fundraiser of the year next month — and NBC Palm Springs' own Kai Beech will be co-hosting.

Desert Best Friend's Closet is putting on its 12th Annual "Put Your Best Shoe Forward" Luncheon and Fashion Show on Friday, April 10 at the Westin Rancho Mirage. The event raises money for programs that provide free professional clothing and job-training skills to Coachella Valley residents trying to get back on their feet.

The organization offers two core programs: an Interview Attire Program, which connects people with donated professional clothing through one-on-one wardrobe consultations, and a Bridge to Employment Program that helps clients write resumes, fill out job applications, and prepare for interviews. The group says it has helped nearly 2,000 clients since opening its service site in 2010.

The fashion show will spotlight success stories from clients whose lives were changed by the program. The event will also include a silent auction, a $10 pop-up boutique, local vendors, and a signature dessert. Early bird tickets are $125 through March 27, rising to $150 after that.

For those who can't attend, organizers say donations of gently used professional clothing are always welcome — because, as they put it, sometimes a new outfit can truly change a life.