Episode 1

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Published on:

14th Apr 2025

Ellen Goodman, PSUSD Foundation | Supporting Students Beyond Basics: Giving Back Through School Programs

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Ellen Goodman from the Palm Springs Unified School District Foundation. Ellen shares her journey from the East Coast to the Coachella Valley, highlighting her rewarding transition into the nonprofit sector. As the first employee hired by the Foundation, Ellen recounts her experiences in raising funds crucial for enriching school life beyond standard academics. You’ll learn about the many initiatives she’s spearheaded, such as providing shoes for homeless students and enhancing arts and technology programs through grant funding—all ensuring that the fun and community-building elements of education are accessible to all. Tune in as Ellen discusses the importance of community involvement, the challenges of nonprofit fundraising, and the dynamic, supportive environment of the Coachella Valley, driving meaningful change and supporting future generations.

Takeaways:

• The Foundation raises funds for programs not covered by taxpayer money.

• The importance of community-oriented programs like providing shoes for homeless students.

• Ellen’s unique career path, transitioning from corporate franchising to nonprofit.

• Strategies for successful nonprofit fundraising in a community-driven town.

• Overcoming challenges: Pivoting during COVID to support essential family needs.

• Focused outreach: Introducing arts and tech programs in schools.

• Engaging community commitment for strengthening educational infrastructure.

• Collaboration with the McCallum Theatre to advocate for school arts programs.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #Patrick Evans #RandyFlorence #McCallumTheatre #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #EllenGoodman #EducationSupport #CoachellaValleyLife #PalmSpringsUnified #CommunityInvolvement #NonprofitImpact #EducationalFunding #ArtsAndEducation #SchoolCommunity #SupportLocalSchools #EducationalEnrichment #HelpingStudentsThrive #CommunityDriven #ValleyInitiatives #FundraisingGoals #ShoesForStudents #SupportEducation #PalmSpringsPrograms #InspireChange #EducationalPrograms

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About the Podcast

Big Conversations, Little Bar
Hosted by Patrick Evans and Randy Florence, get up close and personal with fascinating people who live in and visit the Coachella Valley and have made an impact on the region's economy, culture and global appeal as a leading tourism destination.
The series is now in its sixth season and has just launched its third year of production as it reaches the 100th episode mark in the first quarter of 2025! Many thanks to our outstanding listeners from throughout the Golden State, North America and around the world. And, a very special note of gratitude to our friends Skip Paige and Kate Spates for hosting us at Little Bar in Palm Desert, CA, and to Chairman Garry Kief, Digital Content Whiz Leanne McNeil and all the fine staff at the McCallum Theatre, without whose sponsorship this program would not be made possible to bring you every single week. Please support these enterprises as doing so helps support our ability to deliver hours of entertainment each month to our loyal followers.

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