AAUW PALM SPRINGS PURSE AUCTION RAISES $15,000 FOR STEM SUMMER CA

PALM DESERT, CA (March 9, 2024) – American Association of University Women (AAUW) Palm Springs’ first-time Purse Auction event took place on Wednesday, March 6th at Kiki’s La Quinta featuring an afternoon of fashion, food, and fundraising benefitting the organization’s Tech Trek STEM Summer Camp Program.

The event hosted 65 guests who came together to raise $15,000 in funding scholarships for local Coachella Valley junior high school girls to attend in-person and virtual STEM camp programs this summer at state universities. The event featured a variety of vintage and new purses and handbags filled with gift cards, jewelry, health & wellness services, and other surprise items, along with a live auction event featuring packages and experiences from Acrisure Arena, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Spa at JW Marriott, Kiki’s La Quinta and more.

In addition to auction events, a drawing for a diamond tennis bracelet generously provided by El Paseo Jewelers generated over $4,000 towards the day’s fundraising efforts, which allows up to four girls to attend camp. AAUW Palms Springs has raised approximately $45,000 to date to provide scholarships for local girls participating in Tech Trek STEM, Tech Trek Alumnae, Gov Trek, and NCWSSL (college) programs.

“We are thrilled at the response and support of our first Purse Auction fundraising event,” stated Gina Rotolo, co-event chair and co-vice president of fundraising for AAUW. “We will be able to send all 25 Coachella Valley junior high school girls to STEM Summer Camp this year thanks to local grants, member contributions, local businesses who donated items for our events this season, and the generous support of all the patrons who attend our event.”

“We intend to reach our $50,000 fundraising goal before we break for the summer and are hopeful to be able to have additional funds left so we can build upon the success of this year’s events as we look to create even more educational opportunities for local women and girls in the 2024-2025 season,” said Amy Dailey, co-chair of the event and co-vice president of fundraising for AAUW.

AAUW would like to thank the following organizations for their support of the Purse Auction: El Paseo Jewelers, Acrisure Arena, Coachella Valley Firebirds, JW Marriott, Kiki’s La Quinta, Lulu California Bistro, La Petite Salon Deux, Palm Springs Air Museum, Art By Design, Avondale Golf Course, Clarks Nutrition & Natural Foods, Desert Island Country Club, Ben & Jerry’s, The Wax Plant Custom Gifts, Fit in 42 Personal Training, RD RNNR, Kalology Medi-Spa at The Hyatt Indian Wells, SkinnyGlow, and Dave & Busters.