December 6, 2006

The Desert Communities Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals was established by the international organization’s board of directors during its annual Delegate Assembly held in Los Angeles in October.

Tim Evans, M.Div, CFRE, executive director of development at La Sierra University, Riverside, CA, who is assigned to the Palm Springs area to raise funds for the university’s new natural history museum project, has been elected the chapter’s first president. Evans has been active in philanthropic outreach in the Palm Springs area for more than a year, and served as a key organizer for the creation of the new professional group.

“If any area of the world is a natural site for an AFT chapter, the Palms Springs area is certainly it,” Evans says. “When I started working in these communities in 2005 for La Sierra University, I became aware of a number of experienced, talented professional fundraisers, as well as a large number of activities associated with philanthropy taking place throughout the year. It became apparent that the professionals in the region needed a chapter identity. Several non-profit association leaders partnered in the application process to get our local chapter established.”

The new organization will work to advance philanthropy throughout the Coachella Valley, High Desert and Eastern Riverside Counties. The Desert Communities Chapter joins more than 180 local organizations internationally, serving more than 27,000 members.

During a launch event celebrating the Desert Communities Chapter’s founding, Evans announced two honorary positions for long-time fundraising professionals in the area.

Colette Murray, JD, CFRE, immediate past chair of the AFP international organization and a resident of La Quinta, California, served as a key promoter of the Desert Communities Chapter, particularly in new member recruitment. In recognition of her contributions to the chapter’s founding, Evans announced that Ms. Murray would be appointed as the group’s Emeritus Chair.

Milton Murray (no relation to Colette Murray), a La Sierra University alumnus, founding member of the international AFP organization, and an important contributor to the field of philanthropy internationally, was named as an honorary board member for the new local chapter. Mr. Murray resides in Loma Linda, California.

Larry Becker
Executive Director, University Relations
La Sierra University
4500 Riverwalk Parkway
Riverside, CA 92515
951-785-2460
lbecker@lasierra.edu