Don't miss Christmas in July 2024 at The Roost Lounge, event benefits Tools for Tomorrow
Deck yourself in festive attire and join the folks from Tools for Tomorrow (TFT) to celebrate Christmas in July on July 21 at The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City.
A soul food brunch kicks off the festivities with vocal talent Keisha D and her gospel choir. Renowned for winning the McCallum's Open Call and being a humanitarian, Keisha D is a local favorite who will sing as guests feast on brunch catered by Lulu Catering and Events.
The dinner concert will feature the talents of Barbra Streisand tribute artist Rebecca Clark, who has performed to great acclaim at New York's 54 Below, at Las Vegas' Legends in Concert and on Bob Hope's USO Tour. Clark's velvet voice and comic flair will take the audience on a magical journey as they enjoy Trilussa's three-course turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including Capizzi's pumpkin cheesecake.
In addition, holiday wreaths, homemade desserts, wine baskets and gourmet treats will be auctioned to benefit Tools for Tomorrow's free arts literacy program for children ages 8 to 11 throughout the Coachella Valley.
Tools for Tomorrow board president Robin Nugent said: "TFT is so thankful for the Roost's fourth Christmas in July supporting Tools for Tomorrow's after-school program integrating music, art, theater and creative writing. The generosity of The Roost co-owners Jeff McDonald and Charles Thomas plus their patrons have allowed TFT to expand our creative clubs to over 1,000 students annually in 27 schools. The hands-on art experiences develop cognitive and communication skills, increase attendance and reduce risky behaviors in a safe environment. And the students love receiving their individual art supply kits to take home at the end of their TFT sessions."
Recently Tools for Tomorrow was in the news when its former student Abi Carter won American Idol. TFT executive director Andrea Hecht said: "We are so thrilled to witness Abi's journey since she was our third-grade student and appreciate her designating a $20,000 donation for TFT during her Indio hometown visit."
In recent years, Abi has performed at several TFT benefits, including Christmas in July 2022 at The Roost.
This past spring, TFT's theater troupe at Harry S. Truman Elementary School performed "The Steadfast Plastic Soldier," based on Hans Christian Anderson's tale "The Steadfast Tin Soldier." It tells the story of action figures who are at loose ends now that their owner has discovered video games. The play deals with issues such as fitting in, identity and survival in a clever, comedic way. The troupe's performances delighted the community, and two of TFT's thespians received scholarships to Idyllwild Arts Academy's summer camp.
TFT's partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City will continue this summer and throughout the 2024-25 academic year. Teaching artists will provide unique art experiences such as poetry comics, theater skits, acrostic name poems, watercolor painting, musical boomwhackers and gel printing. Children will read the book "Ish" by Peter H. Reynolds or "Change Sings" by Amanda Gorman, complemented by an art project; students may then take books home to share with their families.
The Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City recently awarded Tools for Tomorrow their Community Outreach Award.
The July 21 all-holidays wreath decorating contest offers cash awards and culminates in a wreath auction at the dinner show. Wreaths should weigh less than 30 pounds and any lights should be battery-operated. Wreaths are due by 9 p.m. July 20 at The Roost, which is located at 68-718 East Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City.
To buy tickets or become a sponsor for Christmas in July's Keisha D gospel brunch or Rebecca Clark's "Hello Gorgeous" dinner concert, visit theroostcc.com.
For information on Tools for Tomorrow or to volunteer, visit toolsfortomorrow.org or call (760) 601-3954.
Retired from the fashion industry, Suzanne Fromkin serves on the Tools for Tomorrow board and is an avid art and theater lover.