Charity Bachelor Auction A Huge Success

PALM SPRINGS, CA, April 03, 2011 (Press-News.org) The 3rd Annual Desert Cities Charity Bachelor Auction which benefitted Shelter from the Storm was a huge success generating $65,000 for the cause. On March 28, under the big white tent on El Paseo, over 350 men and women showed up to bid on 12 of the desert's most eligible bachelors. The fun-filled evening brought out the desert's most prominent social crowd to enjoy a wonderful night all for a good cause.

In addition to the live bachelor auction, the event included a reception where guests were greeted with tasty 'Man-tinis' provided by Crater Lake Vodka and delectable hor d'oeuvres by Backstreet Bistro. An elegant dinner from Castellis Ristorante, served in grand style by The Butler Did It, with wines by Heck Estates followed the reception.

The live auction was hosted by Patrick Evans, KPSP 2 weather anchor, co-host Tristan Rogers, Young & The Restless star, and auctioneer, Stuart Green, who kept the crowd lively and enthusiastic with their quips and entertainment. Vince Barbato's package, which included a trip to New York's Plaza Hotel with all the amenities and airfare, was so successful it was sold twice and raised over $12,000 at the event.

The quiet hero of the night was Denise Roberge, high-profile local philanthropist and well-known business owner, who stepped up unbeknownst to guests and provided the lead gift of the evening when she purchased a grand total of 4 packages.

According to Diana Marlo, bachelor auction chair, "It is always amazing to see the stream of donations pour in to support the Bachelor date packages. Each year we set our goals higher and dream bigger and once again we've surpassed last year in funds raised, attendance and overall success." For more information about the auction visit http://www.BachelorAuctions.com.

Shelter from the Storm would like to give special thanks to all of the wonderful bachelors who participated: Vince Barbato, John Callahan, Jay Chesterton, Wells Marvin, Doug Hunter, Ismir Mirvic, Todd Piro, Raymond Russo, Dale Shrum, Joe Wagner, Aaron Keifer and Jonny Westom.

"In these challenging economic times, we increasingly rely on our desert community to help us to keep our life-saving services alive. The proceeds from the Bachelor Auction are an immeasurable help in allowing us to continue to offer services at no cost to women and children whose lives have been shattered by violence in their homes," said Lynn Moriarty, Executive Director of Shelter from the Storm.

Shelter from the Storm is the Coachella Valley's only shelter-based provider of emergency and adjunctive services to victims of domestic violence. They serve 2,000 to 3,000 desert women and children annually through 5 Coachella Valley locations. Statistics for abuse are eye-opening, and the services that they provide are vital. According to the National Office of Violence Against Women, 1 in 3 women will be battered by an intimate partner in her lifetime. To make additional contributions or for more information regarding Shelter from the Storm call 760.674.0400 or visit them at http://www.shelterfromthestorm.com