May 24, 2006

In 2003 the Charity Challenge was created with the mission to involve as many local charities as possible in the Coachella Valley.  The goal was for organizations to get their people involved in friendly competitive events that would allow their charities to earn cash donations and possibly win the grand prize, a new Ford van.   In 2006, over $100,000 was distributed to 57 charities in the annual CBS Charity Challenge. 

Events included a slot tournament, golf, bowling, pinball, homerun and hoops shooting, poker and miniature golf, culminating in a ‘survivor’ tournament at Knott’s Soak City for the top money makers.  While the Friends excel in our efforts at land conservation, we obviously are a bit ‘challenged’ when it came to Charity Challenge events.  While Friends’ representatives participated in nearly every event, we unfortunately didn’t finish high enough to earn donations.  The Charity Challenge promoters however, provided every charity with at least $200 for participating.  We were also lucky enough to win $2500 in a drawing held at the final awards party. 

Next year we hope to have volunteers representing us who are skilled in many different activities which will allow us to excel in many events and be one of the top money makers.  If you are interested in participating in the Charity Challenge on behalf of the Friends, contact us at 568-9918 or Click Here.