On a recent clear, mild Saturday, an intrepid group of equestrians, led by former Palm Springs mayor Frank Bogert, and accompanied by Rep. Mary Bono Mack and her new husband Rep. Connie Mack from Florida, rode their well-behaved horses from Smoke Tree Stables into beautiful Andreas Canyon.

At the same time another group, led by local American Indian Raven Longbow (Apache Tribe) began a two-hour hike into a different, equally beautiful area of the canyon.

These two diverse, nature-loving groups came together to benefit United Way of the Desert, returning two hours later for a joint, delightful luncheon. During lunch, Longbow performed native flute solos and told enchanting stories about the mythology and medicine of his ancestors.

Never one to be out-talked, Bogert told historic tales of the Agua Caliente and Cahuillas, mentioning prominent tribal members whose names are on streets and buildings we see every day.

Participants included Tom Kieley III, Maria Sheehan, Anne Bryant and a host of others. United Way executive director Linda Krengel and campaign chairman Jim Palmer are already planning similar excursions for next year.

Days later, the small but professional and dedicated staff at United Way did what they do best, by saying thank you in a fun, creative way to 250 supporters at their annual indoor-outdoor Hawaiian luau diner, held at the Esmeralda this year.

Krengel and Palmer, along with board president John Ferrelli and others managed to say, show or picture the names of hundreds of companies and individuals who helped them meet their $2 million goal this year.

The Annenberg Award for Leadership Giving went to Eldorado Country Club for consistently giving more than any other club in the valley, and was accepted by its president Ed Thompson, accompanied by the club's general manager Geoff Hasley.

The City Silver Cup Award went to the city of Rancho Mirage and was gleefully accepted by councilman Richard Kite, who was a reasonably good sport about edging out last year's winner, the city of Indian Wells.

On June 24 United Way will announce life-saving grants to 25 programs they support through local charities and non-profit groups every year.