There was a murder in the valley on Nov. 12, but no one was actually killed.
The scene was the inaugural Murder Mystery fundraiser for Elder Love USA Inc. The theme was “Midnight at the Masquerade Ball,” and the location at Ivey Ranch Country Club in Thousand Palms was appropriately set with masks, low lights, flickering candles and crystal vases filled with roses, feathers, pearls and diamonds.
A professional troupe from The Murder Mystery Company came to the desert from Hollywood to perform and guide the guests through the “murder” and subsequent investigation as each team did their best to follow the clues and figure out “whodunnit.”
An eclectic buffet-style dinner was served with food provided by It’s a Wrap, Monsoon Indian Cuisine, Consuela’s Café and Olive Garden. There was also an open bar sponsored by Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, a silent auction, prizes, swag bags sponsored by Konnections Certification and cupcakes sponsored by New Journey Cremation.
During the event, Shannon Shea, Elder Love’s executive director, thanked those who attended and spoke briefly about why she founded the organization.
“My father was my inspiration for starting this nonprofit,” she said. “He had Parkinson’s and needed more help than our family could provide, but we couldn’t afford to pay for help.” That was when Shea, a social worker, decided to found Elder Love USA with the intention of providing lower cost, in-home caregiving services to those who would otherwise have to go without help. “I knew that if our family was having these troubles, then there must be hundreds or even thousands of others who were in the same boat.”
The nonprofit was founded in 2016 and was the recent “Audience Choice” award recipient at Desert Fast Pitch 2022.
To learn more about Elder Love USA Inc. and how to support them, visit elderloveusa.org or call (888) 336-8322.
