--- ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/2c/toy%20drive%202024-2c3139c5.jpg) [ LGBTQ ](https://www.citywatchla.com/lgbtq) # Celebrate the Season of Giving at the 36th Annual Holiday Toy Drive in Palm Springs! October 15 2024 Written by CityWatch. SPECIAL EVENT - This holiday season, join **Sam and Ashan** **Leslie** for a heartwarming evening at one of Palm Springs’ most iconic venues—the **Dinah Shore Estate**—to support **The Laurel Foundation**. With your help, we aim to raise funds that will empower children and youth affected by HIV/AIDS and transgender/gender-diverse identities through **free summer camp and year-round programs**. --- **Event Details** 📅 **Date:** December 7, 2024 🕠 **Time:** 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM 📍 **Location:** The Dinah Shore Estate, Palm Springs 🎁 **Guests encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy** (ages 2-17) **[Get your tickets now! Limited availability.](https://e.givesmart.com/events/vLH/)** --- **An Unforgettable Evening of Holiday Cheer** This 36th Annual Toy Drive promises to be a night to remember, with an exciting line-up of festive activities: - **Hosted Bar & Gourmet Dinner** by Celebrity Chef Franco - **Raffle, Silent & Live Auctions** - **Christmas Carols** - **Special Announcement:** 2024 Youth Empowerment Award winner - **A Chance to Make a Difference:** Help send children to free summer camp --- **A Special Venue: The Dinah Shore Estate** Step into the elegant world of **Dinah Shore**, one of television’s most beloved stars, whose Palm Springs estate now belongs to actor **Leonardo DiCaprio**. Dinah Shore’s legacy includes not only her musical and TV achievements but also her contributions to the Palm Springs community. Her ties to the area run deep, from founding the **Colgate Dinah Shore Golf Tournament** to commissioning famed architect Donald Wexler to design her home. The estate embodies Shore's passion for creativity and philanthropy—making it the perfect place to celebrate a night dedicated to empowering young lives. --- **About The Laurel Foundation** Founded in 1993, **The Laurel Foundation** is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and families affected by **HIV/AIDS and gender identity challenges**. Through its free camps and mental health programs, The Laurel Foundation offers safe, empowering environments for young people to build **confidence, community, and lifelong skills**. The foundation’s year-round programs include: - **Family Camps & Summer Camps** - **Mentorship Retreats** - **Day Programs & Support Groups** These initiatives support over 700 children, youth, and families annually, providing crucial mental health services and social support for those most in need. --- **Your Impact: Transform Lives this Holiday Season** By attending or sponsoring this event, you’re giving children who often face emotional, social, and mental health challenges the chance to **thrive, grow, and live authentically**. The Laurel Foundation’s camps have provided life-changing experiences for thousands of kids who once felt isolated in their struggles with HIV/AIDS or gender identity. As we celebrate the season of giving, let’s make a meaningful impact by ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the joys of camp—and discover that they are not alone. --- **Special Recognition** In 2022, the **Youth Empowerment Award** was presented to **Cher and Chaz Bono** for their activism in supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Prior recipients include Jamie Lee Curtis. This year’s recipient will be announced soon—stay tuned for this exciting reveal! --- **Join Us in Making a Difference** **Get your tickets today** and be part of this magical holiday evening at the **Dinah Shore Estate**. With your support, we can continue to create spaces where children can feel safe, empowered, and celebrated. ✨ **Limited tickets available**—secure yours now! --- **[For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit our website](https://e.givesmart.com/events/vLH/)**. Together, let’s give the gift of joy, hope, and empowerment this holiday season. 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