Local & Community

Art of Giving Fundraiser Returns to Palm Springs to Support Food Now

The fourth annual Art of Giving fundraiser is returning to the Coachella Valley, bringing local artists and community members together to support families facing food insecurity.

The event takes place November 13 at Melissa Morgan Fine Art in Palm Springs. More than 20 local artists are donating artwork for an auction, with catering by Porta Via and entertainment planned for the evening.

Food Now Executive Director Tom Trageser said the fundraiser has become the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event of the year. He credited Melissa Morgan Fine Art for partnering with the organization throughout the event’s four-year history.

The fundraiser supports Food Now, based in Desert Hot Springs. The organization distributes more than one million pounds of food each year and currently serves more than 650 families weekly at its distribution center.

Trageser said demand has increased as some families face changes affecting their access to food assistance and other support. Food Now also partners with 10 local schools to provide meal kits for children who may not have enough to eat at home.

The nonprofit also helps feed pets belonging to families it serves. Trageser said many of the households seeking assistance have pets, making pet food an important part of the organization’s efforts to support families.

Artists participating in the fundraiser say the event offers an opportunity to share their work while supporting a cause that directly affects the community. One artist described a painting called “The Flow,” inspired by the water feature at La Quinta Resort, explaining that the piece reflects movement, light and the idea of going with the flow of life.

Tickets for the November 13 event are available through Food Now’s website. Organizers are also encouraging community members who cannot attend to make a donation to help sustain the nonprofit’s work.

By: NBC Palm Springs

October 12, 2026

Art of GivingFood NowMelissa Morgan Fine ArtCoachella Valleyfood insecurityfood bankPalm Springslocal artistsfundraisingDesert Hot Springshunger relief
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Art of Giving Fundraiser Returns to Palm Springs to Support Food Now