WEEKLY UPDATE- May 14, 2026

The 3^rd Annual Pink Ball is on Saturday, May 23^rdsupporting the work by the Transgender Health & Wellness Center, and specifically for their Domestic Violence and Rapid Rehousing Program. This program provides critical housing stability and support services to transgender and gender-expansive individuals in our community. Transgender individuals are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity and domestic violence, and demand for these programs continues to rise.

This year’s Pink Ball, held at DBA member V-Wine Lounge, will lean into a “party‑forward” experience providing a chance to have fun, dress up, enjoy elevated bites and drinks, and capture fabulous moments on camera. The atmosphere will be focused on connection and joy.

Past events have been wonderful, so attend this year and experience it yourself!

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And there is still time to join the Desert Business Assn - LGBTQ+ Chamber team for the May 30th Marilyn 100 celebration supporting Palm Springs Pride. More information is below, so be sure to sign up and be part of a Guinness World Record-breaking event!

There is much more happening at DBA and in our Valley’s LGBTQ+ community. Follow our social media and website for more information.

And if you are not a DBA member, join us today! We are the voice of LGBTQ+ Business in the Coachella Valley with monthly Networking Events, DBA Learns workshops, and other opportunities to build your business.

Thanks, and I hope to see you at one of these events and any other DBA event very soon.

Dave Powell he/him

DBA Executive Director

Desert Business Association

DBA Opportunities

DBA Networking Mixer at Blackbook

Date: May 18, 2026 (Monday)

Time: 5:30- 7:00 pm

Location: Blackbook

315 E Arenas Rd

Palm Springs

Cost: DBA Members Free

Future Members $20

Our May Networking Mixer will return to Blackbook, a low-key bar and restaurant with a tiny kitchen and a big heart. They serve award-winning craft cocktails and classic American comfort food.

Bring a Raffle Item, Get a Shoutout!

We’ll be holding our regular raffle to support LGBTQ+ Youth Education Scholarships through Safe Schools Desert Cities.

Business Card Scan Perk

As an added benefit of attending, we’ll collect and scan everyone's business cards at the mixer. After the event, all members in attendance will receive a digital contact sheet, making it easy to follow up and stay connected.

https://bit.ly/dbamixer2026-5-18

The Pink Ball

Date: May 23, 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 6:00- 9:00 pm

Location: V-Wine Lounge

600 East Tahquitz Canyon Way,

Palm Springs

Cost: $81.88

Join the Transgender Health and Wellness Center at the Pink Ball, an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and community impact. This year’s event embraces a fun, party-forward atmosphere with elevated bites and drinks, fabulous photo moments, and plenty of reasons to dress up and celebrate together.

More importantly, The Pink Ball directly benefits the Domestic Violence and Rapid Rehousing Program, which provides critical housing stability and support services for transgender and gender-expansive individuals.

Get Your Tickets

Mendez Air Conditioning & Heating 25-Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting

Event Details:

Date: May 20, 2026 (Wednesday)

Time: 4:00- 4:30

Location: Mendez Air Conditioning & Heating , 72096 Dunham Way, Suite H, Thousand Palms

Cost: Free

Join us on Wednesday, May 20, at 4:00 p.m. as we recognize 25 years of service, dedication, and impact in the Coachella Valley. This event is open to the public. Join us as we celebrate this incredible milestone and honor a business that has been keeping our community comfortable for decades.

In-Person SoCalGas Supplier Combined Supplier Development Series

Event Details:

Date: June 4, 2026 (Thursday)

Time: 9:00- 11:00 am

Location: SoCalGas Energy Resource Center 9240 Firestone Blvd. Downey, CA

Cost: Free

This session will focus on key areas designed to support business owners and the communities you serve, including:-

Energy Efficiency Programs for Businesses
Financing Options Made Simple – learning about SoCalGas rebates and zero-interest financing options tailored for small businesses
Networking with other suppliers and SoCalGas employees

Marilyn's 100th Birthday Record-Setting Event

Event Details:

Date: May 30, 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 4:30- 6:00 pm Record Certification

2:00-10:00 PM live entertainment, food and beverage activations

Location: Downtown Palm Springs, around the "Forever Marilyn" statue.

Cost: $75 Registration Fee includes Marilyn transformation kit.

Be Part of History. Be an Icon.

Join Team DESERT BUSINESS ASSN. -LGBTQ+ CHAMBER

to be part of the fun.

In honor of what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, Palm Springs is turning the desert platinum. We aren't just celebrating; we’re aiming for the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest gathering of Marilyn Monroe look-alikes ever seen!

Registration Includes Your "Icon Kit"

For a $75 registration fee, you don’t just join the record attempt; you get the full Marilyn transformation.

Every participant receives: