octubre 07, 2025
Building Momentum at Desert Fast Pitch
Celebrating collaboration, storytelling, and the power of community-driven change.
Our team was proud to participate in this year’s Desert Fast Pitch, hosted by the RAP Foundation and NPO Centric. The event brought together twelve local nonprofits to share their bold ideas and innovative approaches to community impact.
We were thrilled when our Executive Director, Karrie Schaaf, was selected as one of six finalists. On event day, she took the stage to share how long-term, professional mentoring is changing lives for children and families across the Coachella Valley. Her heartfelt presentation and the passion behind our mission earned Friends of the Children – Coachella Valley $4,000 in total awards, including recognition for Best Portfolio and Most Improved.
Desert Fast Pitch was more than a competition. It was a celebration of collaboration, vision, and the collective power of local nonprofits. We’re deeply grateful to the RAP Foundation, NPO Centric, the judges representing organizations like Toyota of the Desert, Desert Healthcare District, and NBC Palm Springs, and to keynote speaker Elizabeth Smart, whose words on hope and child safety left a lasting impression.
Congratulations to our fellow participants—WE Can Fish, HARC Inc, The Exception, The Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation, and 4ShayJ—for their inspiring work and dedication to our community.
We left the event with renewed pride in what we’re building together and deep gratitude for the partnerships that make it possible.