Welcome to Hugs For Pride 2024!

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An inaugural Greater Palm Springs NACE chapter DEI committee fundraising event benefiting Free Mom Hugs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion, DEI.

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We are honored to have keynote speaker Sara Cunningham, the original “stand-in mom” and the founder of Free Mom Hugs. 

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It was 2018 when Sara posted, “PSA: If you need a mom to attend your same-sex wedding because your biological mom won’t, call me. I’m there. I’ll be your biggest fan. I’ll even bring the bubbles.”

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As an ally, Sara leads over forty thousand volunteers worldwide, celebrating the LGBTQIAS+ community through visibility, education, and conversation. 

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Hugs For Pride 2024 is the first official fundraiser for Free Mom Hugs, a 501(c)3 non-profit.

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Thank you to our amazing sponsors for making Hugs For Pride 2024 a reality and for paving the way for future Hugs For Pride events.

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We look forward to 2025!

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Every great event begins with a great venue. We are excited to welcome this year’s VIPs and guests to The Palm Springs Surf Club, an elevated surfing venue offering stunning water views surrounded by Palm Springs's beautiful mountains and open skies.

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Enjoy this beautiful oasis inside or out—Discover “Navigator” by Chef Michael Hung. With coastal-inspired decor and global food and drink that touch on favorite surf regions of the world, it is the perfect destination within a destination.

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Thank you to the fantastic staff for their outstanding service and dedication to this year’s event.

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Give her a microphone; you’ll never want her to put it down. 

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Welcome your host and emcee for the evening, Paige Turner. 

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Thank you to 849 Restaurant and Lounge and Willies of Rancho Mirage for sponsoring Paige’s performance.

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Sit back and get ready to be entertained by the one and only, and of course fabulous, Ms Paige Turner!

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Welcome our “token wedding speaker,” Renee Dalo! (Her words, not mine.) Renee is a professional wedding coach, speaker, and, of course, a wedding planner who has lived in Los Angeles for many years.

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Renee is an inclusive wedding professional entrepreneur and ally to the LGBTQIAS+ community. Her actions speak louder than words when it comes to inclusive awareness practices. 

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We are honored to have Renee Dalo as our Special Guest Speaker!  

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Get ready to hear a story and message that Sara has never shared. With permission from the couples that Sara has married, Sara shares their stories of love and rejection and finds love once again. Understanding affirming actions, Sara also shares the journey of discovering her truths through her journey of love and forgiveness.

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Look out for the bubbles!

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Tissues are not required but highly suggested when Ms Anita Rose O’Hara takes the stage for the closing performance, “This Is Me.” 

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This is not Anita’s first “rodeo” performance of “This Is Me,” but I have seen it! This performance truly delivers the message of tonight’s event. Enjoy! 

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Let’s head outside and enjoy b Street WAFFLES while listening to the sounds of DJ LADY PINK! It’s Palm Springs Pride kick-off! 

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The lazy river and pool are heated, and lifeguards are standing by! All guests have free access to the locker room. 

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Don’t forget your VIP gift bag! Sponsored by Visit Greater Palm Springs.

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Florals sponsored by Artisan Events Floral Decor in Palm Springs. Beautifully stunning! 

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Thank you to Ricardo Tomas of Ricardo Tomas Luxury Weddings in Dallas for flying in and capturing the vision, bringing Hugs For Pride 2024 to life! You’re an amazing and kind human who I am proud to call my friend! 

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Who’s going to make it happen? Crowd Control! 

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When it comes to lights, cameras, and action, you can always depend on the team at Crowd Control! From staging to lighting and sound, Hugs For Pride 2024 is a production we are very proud to present. Thank you to Aaron, Jason, and the team at Crowd Control for your dedication and professionalism.

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Thank you to Retro Queen Photo Booth, Kristine, and Marseille for sponsoring “The Red Carpet” photos! You know how to keep the party going with your photo booth fun! Our guests loved every minute of it—it was so much fun! 

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A big hug and thank you to our Official Photographer, Esteban Leyva. Your dedication and support were incredible from start to finish. You and your photography tell tonight’s story. It’s beautiful, my friend!

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Thank you to Madisen Foellmer of BBJ La Tavola Specialty Linens for making our tables look elegant and perfect for tonight’s event. The design could not be any more perfect!

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Those who appeared alongside and supported Hugs For Pride 2024 in the media are our extraordinary heroes. Thank you to Brad Fuhr, Larry Eschenbacher, and the team at KGay 106.5 and KGay Desert Guides. Your support is very much appreciated! Thank you to Jenna Pilant, our social media chair, whose creative reels and leadership gained Hugs For Pride Instagram over five hundred new followers, and to WIPA SoCal for sharing Hugs For Pride 2024 on their social platforms. 

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What are the odds when there are thirty-three to pick one winner? I’m not good at math, but it seems like good odds! 

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Those were the odds when Paige drew Robert Giliberti’s name as the cruise winner for two to Greece! Thank you, OUTbound LGBT Travel! Paige drew the name live on Instagram at 10:00 PM PST on October 30, 2024. 

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Congratulations to Robert! 

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Who will win the Hugs For Pride 2025 trip? 

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Thank you, OUTbound LGBT Travel, for your 2025 sponsorship! 

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Follow @hugsforpride on Instagram for 2025 ticket information! 

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