Video shows boy’s rescue by good Samaritan at Lake Pueblo

KRDO on August 15, 2025

Celeste Springer

LAKE PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – What could have been a tragedy at Lake Pueblo turned into a life saved, thanks to the quick actions of one man who dove in to rescue a young boy swept into deep water.

RELATED: Why do so many keep drowning in Lake Pueblo?

Witnesses shared video with KRDO13 as a bystander, Joseph Chacon, carried a boy back to shore after strong winds began to carry him far out from safety on Thursday.

Joseph Chacon says he was fishing with a friend when he noticed a little boy drifting hundreds of yards from shore. Moments later, he heard the boy scream for help.

“Once he jumped off the floatie, he screamed, ‘Help.’ And that’s when I decided to just grab the lifejacket and head in there, because I didn’t see anybody else going yet. So I just went in myself,” Taccone told KRDO13.

Thankfully, the boy was wearing a lifejacket. Chacon and his friend Howie Chappell say another man, presumably his dad, tried to go out to save him, but was not wearing a lifejacket and struggled to reach the boy.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said they are aware of the video; however, at the time of the event, no one called it in to them.

They want to remind people of the importance of calling 911 or *CSP immediately if you ever see something similar. The phone call could mean the difference between life or death.

“Additionally, we encourage everyone to use the buddy system and recreate with a friend, and to always watch the weather conditions closely before heading out on the lake,” said Joe Stadterman, park manager. They encourage everyone to wear a lifejacket while swimming.

There are also lifejacket loaner stations at Lake Pueblo State Park. CPW noted that the boy in the video appeared to be wearing a loaner jacket based on the design on the back. The jacket could have helped prevent the situation from escalating even more.

CPW wants to remind everyone of the following “Know Before You Go” tips (pictured below), which are posted on signs near the boat ramps:

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Rep. Calvert calls Newsom’s redistricting plan a ‘power grab,’ expects his seat to be a prime target

KESQ on August 15, 2025

Peter Daut

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – We’re hearing from local Republican Congressman Ken Calvert in the wake of Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that California will move forward with putting proposed new congressional maps on the ballot in a November special election.

Check Out: First draft of California’s redrawn congressional district maps released

Newsom has framed the plan as a check on Texas, where republicans have introduced new maps that could eliminate several democratic seats ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Calvert, who says he fully expects his district will be a prime target for democrats. Calvert is the longest-serving republican of California’s delegation and narrowly held his seat in last year’s election.

Calvert is the longest-serving republican of California’s delegation and narrowly held his seat in last year’s election.

This year, he faces the possibility that his district could be redrawn to give democratic candidates the advantage.

Newsom is proposing what lawmakers are calling an emergency redistricting plan for California aimed at turning at least five red congressional seats blue and that would likely include the 41st District, which includes the Inland Empire and most of the Coachella Valley.

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke in-depth with Calvert today who is calling newsom’s plan a power grab.

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Bend and Central Oregon again top AAA’s list of favorite Labor Day weekend travel destinations around the Northwest

KTVZ on August 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – It’s been a record-breaking summer travel season, and many will squeeze in one final trip over the Labor Day weekend before the summer wraps up.

AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises, theme parks, Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast are the most popular destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho. AAA says the good news for travelers is that flights, hotels and car rentals cost less this year compared to 2024.

Memorial Day always marks the unofficial start to the summer travel season, and Labor Day marks the unofficial end. The Labor Day weekend is typically a busy travel weekend compared to other weekends in August and September, but the volume is not as high as the other major summer holidays, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

With many schools already back in session or starting soon, families tend to take shorter trips that are closer to home over Labor Day. However, those without kids in school often use Labor Day as the kickoff to the fall travel season to take advantage of cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and off-peak pricing. Destinations in Europe, Mexico and Iceland are especially popular for these travelers.

“Many are eager to venture out for the last holiday weekend of the summer, enjoying one last vacation before the fall routine starts again,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Alaska cruises are especially popular this time of year. Cruise ships are usually less crowded than earlier in the summer, and while it’s a bit chillier than in July and August, the weather is still nice and it can be a great time to see wildlife and a hint of fall color.”

AAA can help you plan your Labor Day getaway, or any trip, with Trip Canvas. This free resource offers ideas and information for countless destinations. You can find the 9 best Alaska Cruises for every traveler, top things to do in Bend, things to do in Portland on a budget, best places to eat at Disneyland,  and the Northern California and Southern Oregon Coast road trip, to name a few.

Top Labor Day destinations

Here are the top destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho, based on searches and bookings:

Alaska cruises are very popular, with the cruise port cities of Seattle and Vancouver B.C. topping the lists of the most popular U.S. and International destinations.

Disneyland and Las Vegas are perennial favorites.

The top regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho are Central Oregon, Portland, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Medford/Ashland and Eugene.

Labor Day Travel 2025

Labor Day gas prices

Those taking a road trip for the Labor Day holiday will find gas prices that are more expensive in Oregon and Washington this year compared to last year, but cheaper in most other states.

The national average is currently $3.15 and the Oregon average is $3.99 (as of August 15, 2025). Last year on Labor Day, the national average was $3.33 and the Oregon average was $3.78.

Find current gas prices here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/

Find Oregon gas price news here: https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/

“Gas prices have been relatively calm this spring and summer, due to fairly steady crude oil prices. Pump prices should remain fairly stable through the Labor Day holiday or even edge lower, barring a refinery or pipeline outage, a major storm that impacts the Gulf Coast, escalating tensions in the Middle East, or some other geo-political event that sends crude oil prices higher,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Labor Day Travel 2025

Best and worst times to drive

INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, says the best times to drive over Labor Day weekend are before lunchtime, and for those hitting the road on Saturday, the earlier, the better! Traffic congestion worsens as the day progresses.

The worst times to drive over the holiday weekend are typically in the afternoon and early evening hours. The afternoons of Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29 will be among the busiest times on the roads as holiday travelers mix with commuters. Saturday is expected to be extra busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips.

“Most Labor Day travelers will depart on Thursday or Friday before the holiday, and return home on Labor Day or Tuesday,” says Dodds. “Monitor traffic and navigation apps, listen to traffic reports on the radio, and check road and weather conditions at TripCheck or your local transportation department. These tools can help you avoid the worst bottlenecks.”

Labor Day Travel 2025

Here are projected travel times out of Portland from INRIX:

Labor Day Travel 2025

Airfare, hotel, rental car, cruise and tour costs 

Flights: AAA finds that travelers are paying less for domestic flights and more for international flights for Labor Day travel compared to 2024

Domestic flights are 6% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $720.

International flights are 8% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average price for an international roundtrip ticket is $1,470.

Hotels: AAA finds hotel prices are less than in 2024.

Domestic hotels are 11% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a domestic hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $495. That’s the average price of domestic hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.

International hotels are 2% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for an international hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $590. That’s the average price of international hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.

Car Rentals: Daily car rental rates in the U.S. and abroad are less expensive than in 2024.

Domestic car rentals are 3% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a rental car (which is typically several days) is $545 total – not the daily rate.

International car rentals are 42% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a rental (which is typically several days) is $645 – not the daily rate.

Cruises: AAA finds that cruises departing from the U.S. are more expensive while those departing from international cities are cheaper this year.

Cruises departing from domestic cities are 3% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for cruises departing from domestic cities is $2,545.

Cruises departing from international cities are 9% cheaper this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for cruises departing from international cities is $3,725.

Tours: AAA finds tours cost more this year.

Tour prices in domestic cities are 37% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to 2024.

Average cost for a domestic tour is $2,020.

Tours in international cities are 15% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for an international tour is $2,880.

For help in planning your trip, AAA.com/travel or call (800) 529-3222 to reach a AAA travel agent.

Tips for those flying this Labor Day

Air travel volume surged to new highs this summer, and that trend is expected to continue over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The busiest days to fly are the Thursday and Friday before the holiday, and then most travelers fly home on Monday, which is Labor Day, and Tuesday. Days that will be less crowded are Saturday, August 30 and Wednesday, September 3.

AAA has tips for air travelers:

Check your airline’s website or download their app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport. Allow push notifications so the airline can alert you of any changes.

Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Expect long security lines due to the spike in travelers.

Airport parking lots will likely be at or near capacity. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking.  Some parking facilities let you book in advance. 

Consider taking transit, using a ride sharing service or taxi, or getting a ride with a friend or family member to the airport so you don’t have to park onsite.

Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items with you on the flight. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bags get lost or delayed. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using a luggage tracker. 

Bring a refillable water bottle and plan ahead for meals and snacks. Airport restaurants can be very busy with long lines at times, making it challenging to order food if you have a short connection time. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.

Over the Labor day holiday weekend, the Friday before Labor Day and Labor Day itself are expected to be the busiest air travel days. 

Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR before your trip to expedite the security screening process. However, even these check-in lanes will be busier than usual. And confirm that the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.

REAL ID:

TSA began enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7. Passengers are required to have a REAL ID to board domestic flights. These are REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo ID cards.

Acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID include:

A U.S. passport or passport card

Any government-issued passport

DHS Trusted Traveler cards, including Global Entry and SENTRI

U.S. military IDs (active duty, retired, and dependent)

Air travelers who don’t have a REAL ID may still be able to fly but must go through additional screening so plan on lots of extra time. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

Find out more about REAL ID on the TSA’s website.

AAA to the rescue this Labor Day weekend

AAA is ready to help drivers throughout the Labor Day holiday travel period. The most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.

Last year, AAA responded to more than 383,000 requests for roadside assistance nationwide, including more than 4,000 here in Oregon.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), or with the AAA Mobile app—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Before heading out on a road trip, make sure your vehicle is ready. Have it inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

Be prepared for emergencies with a mobile phone and car charger, and well-stocked emergency kit including a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, jackets and blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.

“Don’t leave home without an emergency kit, and bring enough supplies including water, snacks, blankets and extra clothing. Having these supplies can go a long way in keeping everyone comfortable if you encounter significant delays. A crash can tie up traffic for hours. And if you do get stuck or have a breakdown, you don’t always have cell phone service in remote areas,” says Dodds.

Find more info on getting road-trip ready at AAA.com/summerprep

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Man charged with slew of felonies after chase led to officer’s car getting hit, court docs say

KMIZ on August 15, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged with a dozen felonies in Cole County after a chase in Jefferson City allegedly led to him hitting an officer’s patrol vehicle.

Travion Reams, 32, of Columbia, was charged with aggravated fleeing, six counts of armed criminal action, three counts of second-degree assault, one count of first-degree property damage and illegal gun possession.

The passenger in the vehicle, Johnny Ellis, 51, of Columbia, was charged with illegal gun possession and armed criminal action. Both men are being held at the Cole County Jail without bond and court dates have not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says a Jefferson City police officer tried to stop a silver Hyundai on Thursday afternoon. The car stopped, but the driver accelerated once the officer was out of his patrol car, the statement says. The stop occurred near the intersection of Dunklin and Ewing streets, and the chase occurred throughout the city, including through a car wash bay and into oncoming traffic, the statement says.

Reams came close to hitting multiple officers who were out of their vehicles and drove through spike strips, but continued the chase with deflated tires, the statement says. He eventually turned the Hyundai and hit an officer’s vehicle, the statement says.

Reams and Ellis tried to get out of the vehicle and run away, but Reams was caught immediately and Ellis faced a cliff when he got out of the car, the statement says.

Ellis was also charged on Friday in Boone County with second-degree assault and armed criminal action.

The probable cause statement in that case says Ellis assaulted a woman after throwing a yard ornament made of stone at her head following an argument.

The victim allegedly had a 2-3 inch cut on their forehead and was bleeding when police arrived on Monday morning. Police saw video of the two arguing after the throw allegedly happened, the statement says. A no-bond warrant was issued for Ellis in that case.

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Viral allegedly leaked Bryan Kohberger prison videos spark IDOC investigation

KIFI on August 15, 2025

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — A video circulating on social media of Bryan Kohberger in a prison cell has the Idaho Department of Corrections investigating its origin. One video, which has circulated on social media platforms like X, TikTok, and YouTube, shows a person resembling Kohberger in a cell wearing a white t-shirt and black pants.

The IDOC has not confirmed the video’s authenticity but stated that if it is verified, it would be a “clear violation of IDOC policy.” The department warned that some of the videos might be “fake or AI-enhanced.”

In a statement, the IDOC said if verified, it would hold those responsible accountable, with consequences “up to and including termination.” The department also noted that it is “reviewing all legal options, including criminal prosecution,” for anyone who recorded and shared security footage.

The Ada County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the video was not recorded at the Ada County Jail, where Kohberger was previously held. Posts online have speculated the video may have been recorded last August or September.

IDOC leadership has since sent two emails reminding staff of the policies regarding professionalism and the appropriate use of technology and social media. The department stressed that the “safety and security” of its staff and incarcerated population are its top priority.

Kohberger is currently housed at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna, Idaho. Earlier this year, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.

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Central Oregon Open Programming to host interview with Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert, invites questions from public

KTVZ on August 15, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Open Programming, a program of Connect Central Oregon, will host an in-depth interview with newly appointed Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.

The interview will be recorded on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, and published on COOP’s YouTube channel, @CentralOregonOpenProgramming, the same evening. 

Moderated by Jim Fister, Co-Founder of Connect Central Oregon and a prior facilitator/interviewer for COOP’s candidate forums and the interview with Sheriff Van der Kamp, the conversation will explore immediate priorities for the Sheriff’s Office, including staffing and retention, training and accountability, budget stewardship, and community engagement. 

Why this conversation matters: This interview offers the public an opportunity to learn more about Sheriff Rupert as a person—context that typically emerges during a full election cycle. In this appointment process, most public-facing information has come through the Deschutes County Sheriff Employees Association forum, Rupert’s written application to the Board of County Commissioners, and a brief commission meeting with limited discussion. COOP’s interview is designed to help the community hear directly from Rupert about his background, values, and approach to leading the Sheriff’s Office. 

How to Watch 

• Where: COOP on YouTube — @CentralOregonOpenProgramming 

• Availability: Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025 (PT) 

• Replay: The full interview will remain available on the channel after publication. 

Share a Question 

Community members are encouraged to suggest questions and topics in advance by emailing decision@connectcentraloregon.org with the subject line “Sheriff Interview.” Please include your name, city, and any relevant affiliation. 

Public Contact (Program) 

Central Oregon Open Programming (COOP) Email: coop@connectcentraloregon.org 

About COOP (Central Oregon Open Programming) 

COOP is a program of Connect Central Oregon that provides community-driven, hands-on learning experiences through mentorships, storytelling, and public programming. COOP emphasizes real-world skill development, industry exposure, and meaningful engagement between individuals and professionals. Video content and program highlights are featured on YouTube at @CentralOregonOpenProgramming 

About Connect Central Oregon 

Connect Central Oregon champions community engagement and mentoring through four pillars: Volunteerism, Mentoring, Innovation, and Partnerships. Serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, as well as Warm Springs, Connect Central Oregon is the toolbox for regional businesses, organizations, and individuals looking to mobilize community efforts or take them to the next level. Learn more at connectcentraloregon.org.

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Osage County man sentenced to 50 years in prison for child sex crimes

KMIZ on August 15, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Osage County man was sentenced to 50 years in prison for multiple child sex crimes, according to a press release from the Osage prosecutor’s office.

A jury trial was held on April 30 and May 1 for Matthew Johnson, who was found guilty of attempted statutory rape, second-degree child molestation and third-degree child molestation.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed against a vulnerable child,” Prosecuting Attorney Amanda Grellner said in the release. “My office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and ensuring that those who commit such heinous offenses are held fully accountable.”

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‘General Hospital’ actor Tristan Rogers, longtime Palm Springs resident, dies after cancer battle

KESQ on August 15, 2025

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Tristan Rogers, the Melbourne-born actor best known for his time on General Hospital, died at the age of 79 following a battle with lung cancer.

His death — confirmed to ABC7 by manager Meryl Soodak — comes about a month after his publicist announced the actor had been diagnosed with cancer. Soodak told ABC7 that Rogers died of lung cancer, while noting he had never been a smoker.

Rogers played spy-turned-police-commissioner Robert Scorpio on General Hospital for 12 years in the ’80s and ’90s. The character was involved in the marriage of Luke and Laura Spencer, a 1981 event that still holds the record as the most-watched American daytime drama episode ever.

He has returned to the show and its spin-off to reprise the role for 15 stints, lasting anywhere from one week to six months.   

The entire @GeneralHospital family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing. Tristan has captivated our fans for more than 50 years and Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio). (1/2) #GH pic.twitter.com/VnXLjfpDEX

— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) August 15, 2025

Rogers is also known for voicing Jake in the 1990 Disney movie “The Rescuers Down Under” and an 11-month stretch on “The Young and the Restless.”

Across an entertainment career lasting for more than half a century, he has appeared in a handful of genre movies, from slashers to erotic thrillers, in addition to several other TV roles and voiceover work for Reebok and Outback Steakhouse, among others.

Rogers was also a Palm Springs resident for over three decades, with one of his most recent projects including a loca podcast “PS After Dark.”

He was deeply involved in community events, namely the American Cancer Society – Desert Spirit Chapter.

As a local, he often attended events and frequented restaurants with friends and family. He channelled that local energy into the podcast, PS After Dark, a few years ago.

In November, Rogers was honored with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars.

His star is located at 849 North Palm Canyon Drive

Flowers placed on Tristan Rogers’ star in Palm Springs

Rogers is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, and their adult children, Sara and Cale.

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THE MILITARY FAMILY: Milspouse creates own business, invites others to join in creative collaboration

KRDO on August 15, 2025

Heather Skold

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — The whir of the table saw and smell of freshly-cut wood is evidence of Brittany McNeal’s creativity at work. 

Different kinds of wood are stacked against her garage wall, like soldiers at the ready for their next assignment. 

It took McNeal trying a few careers as the wife of her Lt. Col husband moving from address to address, but now, no matter where the Army takes her and her family, she has found a home here in her garage. 

“My husband has just accepted the fact that I’m in the garage.  This is really my domain now!” she laughs.  “I absolutely love being in here and creating.  It was a lot of late nights, but I kept thinking, ‘You can do this.  You can make this.”

McNeal founded Lonnie Eli & Co., named after the couple’s two sons, and makes collapsible carts that are custom-built for her clients.  

The carts could be used for charcuterie, flowers, custom jewelry displays, drinks, or a visual anchor for parties.

“As a prior event planner, I like a ‘moment’ at the event,” says McNeal. 

But McNeal’s vision didn’t just stop at crafting her own passion. 

Through multiple moves in the military, she knows firsthand the value of community.  That’s why she also created HERPlace, a networking event that will bring together other female creators and entrepreneurs, as well as veterans and military members. 

“I know what that’s like to go somewhere new and have to reinvent yourself and find your clients. You need a community.  That is the number one thing that saved me.”

HERPlace is “about building a table where every woman belongs,” according to McNeal.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Meanwhile Block, near the Switchbacks Stadium in downtown Colorado Springs.

You can get tickets here.

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12 local nonprofit organizations to compete for $20K Desert Fast Pitch

KESQ on August 15, 2025

City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) –  Twelve nonprofit organizations throughout the Coachella Valley will compete for up to $20,000 cash grants in the annual Desert Fast Pitch later this year in Palm Desert, it was announced today.   

The final day of the event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 2 at University of California, Riverside Palm Desert campus, at 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive.

“Desert Fast Pitch is a Shark Tank-style program where nonprofit leaders will learn how to craft and deliver a compelling three-minute pitch,” organizers said. “Twelve nonprofits will be selected to participate in an intensive training program focused on storytelling, fundraising, marketing and leadership.”  

NPO Centric, a Regional Access Project Foundation program that helps nonprofits build professional development and hands-on training, will host the event.

Participating organizations will include 4ShayJ Foundation, Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas, Friends of the Children – Coachella Valley, Grandparents Love, Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation, Harc Inc., Hanson House Foundation, Integrated Learning Institute, SafeHouse of the Desert, the Exception, Tools for Tomorrow and We Can Fish.   

These organizations were selected because they all provide programs or services that align with RAP Foundation’s priorities of health, wellness or juvenile intervention within Riverside County’s district four area, which includes Bermuda Dunes, Desert Hot Springs, Indio Hills, Mecca and Palm Springs.

All organizations were involved in a seven-week training program that started Thursday and will conclude with the semi-final competition on Sept. 25 in Palm Desert.

Training workshops will include orientation, storytelling, written appeal development, fundraising plan, marketing plan and leadership plan.   

All nonprofits that complete the program will receive a $1,000 participating grant and finalists will earn an additional $1,000, organizers said.

First-place winners will receive $20,000, second-place winners will receive $15,000 and $10,000 for third place. In addition, a $5,000 cash grant will be awarded to the audience choice winner, $1,000 for best portfolio and $1,000 for most improved award.

All cash grants will total more than $50,000.   

“This is more than a competition. It’s a exciting opportunity for nonprofit leaders to gain valuable skills, build powerful connections and compete for significant funding to support their missions,” officials said.

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