Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine (CVVIM), the valley’s only free primary care health clinic, is gearing up for its fifth annual fundraiser, The VIMY Awards & WineLover’s Auction, which will take place Saturday, November 13. 

This year’s event will feature the inaugural VIMY Award created to honor a significant contributor to health care in the Coachella Valley. The award will be presented to Founder R. Ron Hare, MD, for his tireless efforts to establish Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, and his lifelong contributions to the communities in which he has lived.

Hare not only served Southern California residents for 20 years in private medical practice, but also served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. While maintaining his surgical practice, he taught at USC, founded and directed the American Indian Free Clinic of Los Angeles and oversaw the intern training program at Good Samaritan Hospital.

In 1985, Hare and his wife, Norma, retired to the desert where he continued to give back, serving as a board member and president of the Indio Chamber of Commerce and medical director of Santa Rosa del Valle, a non-profit medical clinic. Hare also has served as chairman of the Riverside County Fair Board, board member and vice chair of the Indio Youth Task Force and board member and chairman of JFK Memorial Hospital’s Governing Board.

CVVIM’s mission is to provide free health care services to low-income individuals who have no health insurance or are underinsured. The organization offers medical and dental care, disease education, case management and referrals to other community resources. Scores of dedicated volunteers – doctors, dentists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical and dental assistants and support volunteers – donate thousands of hours to provide more than 4,500 patient contacts a year. 

The VIMY Awards & WineLover’s Auction is the primary fundraising event for CVVIM, which does not receive governmental reimbursement and relies exclusively on the generosity of individual and philanthropic organizations for funding. This year’s event will be held at the historic Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage and is sponsored by Desert Care Network, Monte de Oro Winery and KESQ News Channel 3. The evening features both silent and live auctions with a wine reception and dinner. Auction items include Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial Champagne and Osetra caviar, a flight of Cayuse Bionic Frog, Paso Robles Wine travel package and dinner for 20 at the Thunderbird Wine Cellar.

Last year’s WineLover’s Auction was canceled due to COVID. The financial hardship on the clinic has been significant at a time when their services are needed more than ever. Funds from this year’s event will support CVVIM operations and programs, including direct patient care, education, case management services and homeless medical outreach.

The VIMY Awards & WineLover’s Auction will be held Saturday, November 13, at Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage. For tickets and more information, visit www.WineLoversAuction.com. For more information about Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, please visit www.CVVIM.org.

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