Syreeta Brown, Senior Director of Client Services for Desert Arc; Angelique Ontiveros, Vice President of Business Development for Desert Arc; Mario Del Guidice, Owner of Mario's Italian Cafés; and Richard Balocco, President/CEO of Desert Arc. ~ Photo Mercury Film & TV.

By Madeline Zuckerman

MARIO CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS IN THE TRUE SPIRIT OF GIVING!

Mario Del Guidice, Owner of Mario's Italian Cafés with locations throughout the Coachella Valley, knows the true meaning of GIVING!   On December 15^th, Mario hosted a special Holiday Celebration for Desert Arc clients at Desert Arc's headquarters in Palm Desert.

Mario Del Guidice with Desert Arc clients ~ Photo Mercury Film & TV.

Desert Arc, a leading nonprofit established within the Coachella Valley in 1959, is celebrating its 65th anniversary of enhancing the quality of life and creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

"Mario's Italian Cafés have for over 40 years been a true friend of Desert Arc," said Mario Del Guidice. "I always do whatever I can to help Desert Arc because the programs and services they provide for people with disabilities are inspiring. I want to be known as a loyal friend to Desert Arc."

Desert Arc has an impressive 65-year history of providing comprehensive services for over 700 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the Coachella Valley, the Morongo Basin, and outlying desert communities.   Since its founding in 1959, Desert Arc has championed the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities. The vision is to increase the choices, capabilities, and independence of adults with disabilities. The comprehensive programs, such as its adult day program, are designed to give each individual, the most vulnerable members of our society, a safe, supportive, persons-centric resource base to reach their highest potential to live, work, and socialize in the community. Desert Arc is also dedicated to social innovation and has created various enterprises that provide business services for companies and individuals. These include Shredding and recycling, Landscape Maintenance, Janitorial and Fulfillment  Divisions, providing hands-on training and paid jobs for Desert Arc clients. Over its consistent and financially sound history, Desert Arc has made a difference in the lives of many people with disabilities!

Desert Arc’s main headquarters is on Country Club Drive in Palm Desert. It consists of three buildings totaling 50,000 feet of space. In addition, Desert Arc has a Recycling Center and Transportation Depot in Indio and another program site in Yucca Valley.

For more information and how you can assist Desert Arc with vital programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, please call 760.346.1611 or visit DesertArc.org.