Oct. 27, 2026
Press Contact:
Linda Dondero
(310) 529-7000
rescueoperations@cvhorserescue.org
CVHorseRescue.org
Beloved Coachella Valley Equine Nonprofit Hosting its 4th Annual “Raising Hay” Fundraiser
The Coachella Valley Horse Rescue provides sanctuary to equine animals in-need and provides equine-assisted youth, veterans programs, and other wellness and enrichment programs at its ranch in Indio
Its annual fundraiser to be held December 12, from 3:30-7:30 PM, at J & J Ranch, 58300 Almonte Drive in La Quinta, and special guest MC for the event is Janet Zappala, award-winning journalist and author
Event features silent and live auctions with opportunities for attendees to bid on local concert tickets, sports tickets, activity passes, golf course rounds, designer jewelry, other gift certificates, and more!
INDIO, CA (October 27, 2026) - Coachella Valley Horse Rescue (CVHR) will host its 4th annual “RAISING HAY” fundraiser at the historic J & J Ranch (58300 Almonte Dr. La Quinta, CA) on Saturday, December 12. This charity event will raise money to support the ongoing rescue operations and equine-assisted wellness programs offered at the Coachella Valley Horse Rescue facility in Indio, CA.
The rescue currently takes care of 16 horses, including mules, and two potbelly pigs, thanks to dedicated staff and dozens of volunteers, and has adopted out approximately one hundred horses across its history in the desert.
The evening will kick off at 3:30 PM with light appetizers and the opening of the silent auction, which features beautiful artwork, jewelry, sports tickets, local festival tickets, and gift certificates for dining, golf, activities, spa and wellness services.
In keeping with the western/ranch theme, Croux & Co. Catering will provide a BBQ Dinner (including a vegetarian/vegan option) starting at 4:30 PM. The event will include a DJ, line dancing, a veterans tribute, silent and live auction, a beer, wine, and soft drink bar. Volunteers will provide information about the rescue, including horse sponsorship, adoption, and volunteer opportunities. Ideal holiday gifts and CVHR merchandise will be available for purchase.
The funds support operational costs at the horse rescue for the first quarter of 2027, which covers items such as hay and feed, nutritional supplements, medical and dental services, hoof care, horse care supplies, professional services, specialized treatments and equipment for the horses. Money raised will also support some program costs for their equine-assisted youth and veterans wellness and enrichment programs.
This event is made possible by the generous support of John K. Miller of Premier Real Estate Group, presenting sponsor, and James Blanton, who have donated the use of their beautiful, historic ranch for the event.
Prior to the fundraiser, on Dec. 5, Contour Dermatology, Dr. Timothy Jochen, Rancho Mirage has invited Coachella Valley Horse Rescue to be the recipient from their "Day of Beauty.” Horse rescue volunteers will be present, along with "Oreo", a popular mini horse from the rescue and a portion of proceeds from services and products sold on Dec. 5 at Contour Dermatology will be donated to the rescue.
For the Raising Hay fundraiser, pre-sale tickets may be purchased online for $100 per person at cvhorserescue.org/fundraiser. Tickets may also be purchased via Zelle at treasurer@cvhorserescue.org, or for “will call” tickets, contact Linda Dondero at 310-529-7000, or purchase tickets at the door for $125 per person. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales, the silent auction, and merchandise and beverage sales benefit the horse rescue.
To learn more about event sponsorship, horse sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to help, email raisinghay@cvhorserescue.org or call Linda Dondero at (310) 529-7000.
Donations can be made online at cvhorserescue.org/donate or by mail to Coachella Valley Horse Rescue (CVHR), PO BOX 809, Indio CA, 92202. All donations are tax deductible, as allowed by the IRS tax code for 501c3 charitable organizations.
For more information about Coachella Valley Horse Rescue, visit cvhorserescue.org.
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ABOUT COACHELLA VALLEY HORSE RESCUE (CVHR)
The primary purpose of Coachella Valley Horse Rescue is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses that have been abused, abandoned, neglected, or sent for slaughter. So far, over 100 horses have been rehabilitated and placed in forever homes. CVHR also houses and cares for Mabel, and Elvis, adorable potbelly pigs, and they frequently rescue dogs that are dumped out in the desert by their ranch and find them loving homes.
CVHR engages in charitable and educational activities within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID #: 80-0536952). CVHR connects people with rescued horses to educate and improve the quality of life for the children and adults interacting with them. Their programs offer equine-assisted growth and awareness within the community, including free programs that have served over 100 veterans, Scouts of America, children, and seniors. CVHR has extended its reach to Eagar, Arizona, where Come Back Ranch Animal Sanctuary provides a safe environment for senior and unadoptable horses so they can retire in cooler temperatures and grassy pastures.
