The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Palm Springs · Coachella Valley will mark a major milestone on Saturday, November 7, when supporters, advocates, and community leaders gather at the iconic Dinah Shore Estate for the 25th HRC Palm Springs Garden Party, Silver Palm Edition. Under the theme “Celebrating 25 Years of Community. Stronger Together.” the afternoon fundraiser honors the people, partnerships, and local leadership that have shaped this beloved Coachella Valley tradition while raising essential funds for HRC’s national work for LGBTQ+ equality.
This year’s celebration recognizes two distinguished honorees whose careers have significantly advanced visibility, representation, and community impact.
Honoree Profile: Michael Childers — HRC Community Impact Award
Internationally acclaimed photographer Michael Childers will receive the HRC Community Impact Award, presented by Turner Classic Movies host and author Dave Karger. Childers’ five‑decade career has produced iconic portraits of artists, entertainers, and cultural trailblazers, celebrated for their authenticity, artistry, and historical significance. Equally notable is his philanthropic legacy: Childers has donated his photography to charitable organizations for decades, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for causes supporting the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
In the Coachella Valley, his generosity has benefited organizations including the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, DAP Health, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Palm Springs Art Museum, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, and HRC itself. His work has become both treasured art and a powerful tool for community support, reflecting his enduring commitment to equality, healthcare, education, and the arts.
Honoree Profile: Marc Malkin — HRC Visibility Award
The HRC Visibility Award will honor Marc Malkin, Variety’s Senior Culture & Events Editor and one of Hollywood’s most recognizable red‑carpet journalists. With more than three decades of experience across broadcast, print, and digital media, Malkin has shaped entertainment journalism through his reporting, interviews, and leadership at major industry events including the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, and Grammys.
Malkin began his career at the LGBTQ newspaper Bay Windows before moving into celebrity journalism at Premiere magazine, later contributing to the New York Daily News, Us Weekly, and New York magazine. His decade at E! News included roles as reporter, editor, managing editor for film, and on‑air correspondent. His television appearances span CNN, Good Morning America, Today, and Entertainment Tonight.
Honored by NLGJA with the Lisa Ben Award and named one of The Advocate’s 50 Most Influential LGBTQ People in Media, Malkin has consistently elevated LGBTQ+ stories and voices in mainstream culture, helping shape how representation is understood and valued.
Program Host: Sandie Newton
Award‑winning broadcast journalist Sandie Newton, host of KESQ’s Desert Chat, will guide the Garden Party program and awards presentation. Newton has long used her platform to spotlight nonprofit organizations and issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, including youth support, HIV/AIDS healthcare, and inclusive community building. Her work on NBCares and Desert Chat has made her a trusted voice for local advocacy and storytelling.
A Community Milestone 25 Years in the Making
Produced by an all‑volunteer committee of more than 20 community leaders, the Garden Party brings together over 600 pro‑equality supporters each year. HRC has recognized the Palm Springs Garden Party as its Best Signature Community Event for three consecutive years (2023–2025), honoring its excellence in fundraising, community engagement, and mission advancement.
The Silver Palm Edition celebrates not only the event’s 25‑year legacy but also the volunteers, donors, sponsors, and partners who have sustained it. Tickets, co‑host packages, sponsorship opportunities, and silent auction information are available at HRC.org/PSGardenParty.
Community members interested in volunteering or joining the Steering Committee may email HRCPalmSpringsCV@gmail.com.
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