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#  The Joy of Art and Holiday Giving - The Leslies’ 37th Annual Toy Drive & Fundraiser

October 07 2025

Written by CityWatch.

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FUNDRAISER - Art, generosity, and community spirit will come together on Saturday, December 6, 2025, when Sam and Ashan Leslie host the 37th Annual Toy Drive and Fundraiser at the Palm Springs Art Museum. The beloved holiday tradition returns with an evening dedicated to giving — this year benefiting The Laurel Foundation, whose programs empower youth and families from marginalized communities, including at-promise and transgender/gender-diverse youth, and those impacted by HIV/AIDS.

![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/Sam%20and%20Ashan.png)

In a meaningful new collaboration, The Laurel Foundation joins forces with the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Q+ Art Initiative, a program that celebrates and centers LGBTQ+ artists through exhibitions, talks, and performances. Together, the two organizations will spotlight the healing and unifying power of art while raising essential funds for vulnerable youth and families.

Guests will enjoy a festive night of celebration from 6 to 10 p.m., complete with a hosted bar and a gourmet buffet curated by Celerity Chef Franco. The ever-popular DJ and emcee Brian Chester of Let’s Party L.A. will keep the music and energy flowing. The evening will feature a raffle, silent and live auctions, and as a special highlight, private docent-led tours of the Museum’s galleries (based on availability), offering attendees an exclusive glimpse into one of the region’s most celebrated art collections.

Individual tickets are priced at $250, including complimentary parking adjacent to the Museum entrance. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. All proceeds support The Laurel Foundation’s year-round programs that provide mental health, social, and leadership support for youth and families facing emotional and economic challenges — helping them thrive, grow, and live authentically.

### About Palm Springs Art Museum

Palm Springs Art Museum is the largest cultural institution in the Coachella Valley, housing a rich collection of modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design. Its downtown flagship includes the renowned Annenberg Theater, while the nearby Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, hosts exhibitions exploring the region’s legacy of innovation. The Museum also stewards two icons of modernist design — Frey House II and Aluminaire House™ — offering visitors a uniquely immersive cultural experience.

### About The Laurel Foundation

Founded in 1993, The Laurel Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the well-being of vulnerable youth and families through free, year-round educational and developmental programs. Its services include family camps, leadership retreats, summer and day camps, and virtual support groups that foster confidence, connection, and resilience.

### Press/Media Inquiries:

Mary Hamilton –[ mhamilton.proctor@gmail.com](mailto:mhamilton.proctor@gmail.com)

### Tickets, Sponsorships &amp; Donations:

<https://laurel-foundation.org> | [ToyDrive2025.GiveSmart.com](https://ToyDrive2025.GiveSmart.com)
Email: events@laurel-foundation.org

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