Food Now to Host Puttin' Food on the Table Fundraiser

Family-friendly event in Palm Desert to include putting tournament, food, and prizes

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:53am

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The nonprofit organization Food Now is hosting a fundraiser called "Puttin' Food on the Table" on April 11 at Shadow Mountain Golf Club in Palm Desert, California. The event will feature an 18-hole putting tournament, kid activities, all-you-can-eat food, and raffle prizes to support the food bank's efforts to address food insecurity in the Coachella Valley.

Why it matters

Nearly 34% of the people residing in Desert Hot Springs live below the poverty line, more than twice the national average. Food Now has been serving the Coachella Valley since 1959 and is dedicated to improving the lives of those struggling with food insecurity in the region.

The details

The Puttin' Food on the Table fundraiser will include an 18-hole putting tournament with shotgun start times at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The cost to participate is $50 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under. All-you-can-eat food including hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and sodas will be available for $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Raffle prizes will include passes to The Living Desert, golf packages, restaurant certificates, and tickets to local sports teams.

  • The fundraiser will take place on April 11, 2026.
  • Shotgun start times for the putting tournament are 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The players

Food Now

A nonprofit organization that has been serving the Coachella Valley since 1959 and is dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the region.

Tom Tragesser

The executive director of Food Now.

Shadow Mountain Golf Club

The location in Palm Desert, California where the Puttin' Food on the Table fundraiser will take place.

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What they’re saying

“Food insecurity is in a crisis mode and the need is greater than ever. We are seeing an increase in clients to COVID-level numbers. Food Now, like other food pantries, is able to keep its doors open through the generosity of our supporters. And it is through events like this fundraiser that we're able to maintain our operation and serve the community.”

— Tom Tragesser, Executive Director, Food Now

“We had great success with our chili cookoff throughout the years, but we wanted to try something new.”

— Tom Tragesser, Executive Director, Food Now

What’s next

To learn more, make a donation, or purchase food or golf tickets for the event, visit foodnowdhs.org and click on the "Spring Event" tab.

The takeaway

This fundraiser demonstrates how community-based organizations like Food Now are working to address the growing issue of food insecurity in the Coachella Valley through innovative events and the generosity of local supporters.