College of the Desert Stepping Out for COD 2026 Gala Logo
College of the Desert Stepping Out for COD 2026 Gala Logo

Presenter & Visionary Sponsor Greene Family Foundation & Jim and Jessica Greene

College of the Desert Stepping Out for COD 2026 Gala Logo

Citizens of Distinction Gala

Saturday, January 31, 2026
5‒9 pm
Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage • Cahuilla Ballroom

Cocktail Attire

Cocktails & Dinner • Live Music & Dancing Starring The Elite Show Band • live auction • Fund the Need • Presidents’ Award • Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee • Scholarship Essay Award

An Evening to Remember. A Future to Support.

Step out in style and into purpose. Join us at Stepping Out for COD 2026: Citizens of Distinction Gala. It will be another unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and impact in support of the College of the Desert Foundation. Your attendance directly empowers scholarships, academic programs, and essential student resources that will transform lives across the Coachella Valley.

At the College of the Desert Foundation, we believe education is the cornerstone of a thriving community. Every dollar you donate opens a door for students who might never have the chance to pursue their dreams without you. Your generosity doesn’t just fund an education – it creates a future, paving the way for students to build lives full of potential and success.

Join us. Make dreams happen.

Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors

Presenter & Visionary Sponsor

Greene Family Foundation
& Jim And Jessica Greene

Diamond Sponsors

Sponsorships

  • Presenting Visionary Sponsor $100,000

    Tax deductible portion: $96,400

    • * Two (2) VIP tables up to 10 guests per table
    • Participation on stage photo op of President’s Award
    • Personalized video message to be included in online marketing
    • Recognition at ballroom entrance
    • Inclusion in press release announcing sponsorship
    • Listed as the Presenting Visionary Sponsor on all marketing materials
    • Name recognition in printed/electronic materials, website and social media
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program

  • Diamond Sponsor $50,000

    Tax deductible portion: $46,400
    * Two (2) VIP tables of 10 guests per table

    • Participation on stage photo op of Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee
    • Inclusion in press release announcing sponsorship
    • Listed as the Diamond Sponsor on all marketing materials
    • Name recognition in printed/electronic materials, website and social media
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program

  • Platinum Sponsor $25,000

    Tax deductible portion: $23,200
    * One (1) VIP table of 10 guests

    • Participation on stage photo op of scholarship essay award recipient
    • Inclusion in press release announcing sponsorship
    • Listed as the Platinum Sponsor on all marketing materials
    • Name recognition in printed/electronic materials, website and social media
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program

  • Gold Sponsor $15,000

    Tax deductible portion: $13,200
    * One (1) preferred table of 10 guests

    • Inclusion in press release announcing sponsorship
    • Listed as the Gold Sponsor on all marketing materials
    • Name recognition in printed/electronic materials, website and social media
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program
  • Ruby Sponsor $10,000

    Tax deductible portion: $8,200

    • One (1) preferred table of 10 guests
    • Inclusion in press release announcing sponsorship
    • Listed as the Ruby Sponsor on all marketing materials
    • Name recognition in printed/electronic materials, website and social media
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program
  • Silver Sponsor $5,000

    Tax deductible portion: $3,920

    • Six (6) preferred seats
    • Listed as the Silver Sponsor on all marketing materials
    • Name recognition in program, electronic marketing and social media
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program
  • Emerald Sponsor $2,500

    Tax deductible portion: $2,140

    • Two (2) preferred seats
    • Listed as the Emerald Sponsor on all marketing materials
    • Name recognition in program, electronic marketing and social media
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program

  • Individual Ticket $500

    Tax deductible portion: $320
    * Individual Ticket (1) Seat

   Exclusive Underwriting Opportunities

  • Entertainment Sponsor $24,000

    Tax deductible portion: $22,200

    • One (1) table of 10 guests
    • Listed as Entertainment Sponsor on all marketing materials
    • Name recognition in printed/electronic materials, website and social media
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program
  • Production Sponsor $22,000

    Tax deductible portion: $20,200

    • One (1) table of 10 guests
    • Listed as Production Sponsor on all marketing materials
    • Name recognition in printed/electronic materials, website and social media
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program
  • Honoree Sponsor $12,500

    Tax deductible portion: $10,700

    • One (1) table of 10 guests
    • Listed as Honoree Sponsor on all marketing materials
    • Name recognition in printed/electronic materials, website and social media
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program
  • Event Decor Sponsor $10,500

    Tax deductible portion: $8,700

    • One (1) table of 10 guests
    • Name/logo listed on table tent on each dining table
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program
  • Wine Sponsor $7,500

    Tax deductible portion: $6,420

    • Six (6) seats at the event
    • Name/logo listed on table tent on each dining table
    • Acknowledgment from the stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program
  • Valet Sponsor $5,500

    Tax deductible portion: $4,420

    • Six (6) seats at the event
    • Acknowledgment from stage
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program
  • Bid Paddle $8,500

    Tax deductible portion: $7,420

    • Six (6) seats at the event
    • Name/logo on the back of bid paddles
    • Acknowledgment from the stage from the auctioneer
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program
  • Bid Paddle $8,500

    Tax deductible portion: $7,420

    • Six (6) seats at the event
    • Name/logo on the back of bid paddles
    • Acknowledgment from the stage from the auctioneer
    • Acknowledgment on-screen during the program

Stepping Out For COD 2025 Highlights

Why You Should Support the COD Foundation

The core of COD Foundation for over 40 years has been to strengthen the infrastructure of COD. Today, the Foundation manages endowments and other assets in excess of $60 million. We’ve raised over $130 million to support student services. We also provide short-and-long-term support for scholarships; provide students with access to textbooks, which are often the most expensive part of college life. The generosity of our donors has allowed for upgrades in building, technology, and equipment. It has ensured our students have access to the most basic needs. With your support we can continue to remove financial barriers to our students’ education as well as enhance academic and extra-curricular programs that enrich their educational experience.