Rancho Mirage Women’s Club Goes “Out of This World” at Annual Gala

Story and Photos by Pat Krause

The Rancho Mirage Women’s Club held its Annual Fundraising Gala Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton, the beautiful hotel high on the hill overlooking the desert. This year’s theme, Out of This World, invited guests to dress the part, and many truly embraced it.

Dan Moser, Treasurer, Carol Moser, James C. Steinman, Karen Mueller, Susan Ormond, Rhonda Kerr Pirbazari.  

The luncheon began with a lively cocktail reception, where wine and champagne were served, giving everyone a chance to admire the imaginative costumes arriving through the doors. It felt like a summertime Halloween for adults. I watched as women and men appeared as aliens with antennae perched on their heads, alongside lighted tiaras and glowing capes that added a magical touch. There was a king, several guests dressed as the Statue of Liberty, and striking silver alien ensembles. Angels floated through the room, and the men—husbands, sponsors, and award winners—joined right in, clearly enjoying the spirit of the day.

 Lisa Lynn Morgan, Brenda Johnson, Jose Pere, Rita Wood and Jacqueline Guevara.

The Ritz did a fantastic job with the luncheon itself, offering a choice of steak, salmon, or a vegetarian dish, along with a fresh salad and dessert. A video presentation highlighted sponsors and grand award winners, while Club President Faye Van Boxtel shared the organization’s accomplishments over the past year and recognized the generous local businesses that supported the gala.

Shanna Shea and Jose Perez with the ROBOTS

The Rancho Mirage Women’s Club is not limited to residents of Rancho Mirage. Its membership includes hardworking, civic-minded women from across the valley. Much of their work goes quietly unrecognized, but their impact is felt through programs supporting children in need, including partnerships with organizations like First Tee and the YMCA. Their mission centers on educating and uplifting the valley’s youth.

Dana Marciagi, Deena Dietruch, President-Faye Van Boxtel, Priscilla Zamarron, Bev Licata and Candy Glickman.

A large silent auction filled several tables, offering everything from wine and spirits baskets to travel and hotel packages, along with autographed sports memorabilia and artwork. Guests even had a bit of fun checking under their seats—each table had one lucky chair hiding a $100 gift certificate.

The Club, now more than 60 years strong, delivered a highlight that truly matched the theme. After lunch, towering 10-foot-tall robots—likely on stilts and dressed in LED-lit suits—entered the dance floor. As music like We Are Family filled the room, the ladies took the hint and joined in, dancing, posing for photos, and celebrating the moment alongside their futuristic guests.

The Rancho Mirage Women’s Club meets on the fourth Thursday of every month, September through May. More information can be found at ranchomiragewomensclub.org.