Media Contact:
David Perry & Associates, Inc. / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Saturday, October 11 – National Coming Out Day — in Palm Springs
Boo2Bullying Presents Third Annual “Kick Bullying to the Curb”

Free Community Wellness Festival and Celebrity Kickball Tournament:

Steve Knill of “The Voice” Fame to Perform the National Anthem

3 October 2025 – Palm Springs, CA: Boo2Bullying is back in Palm Springs with its super-powered third annual “Kick Bullying to the Curb” community wellness festival, Saturday, October 11 from 4pm – 7pm at Power Stadium in Sunrise Park (1901 E. Baristo Road). The nonprofit, nationally recognized for its outreach, mentoring, inspiration, and suicide prevention programs, will once again transform National Coming Out Day into a celebration of inclusion, resilience, and community strength.

The day will culminate in a celebrity kickball game at 6pm, pitting Team Palm Springs against Team Coachella. This year’s rosters feature business leaders, artists, athletes, and advocates from across the Coachella Valley and beyond.

Launching the event in star-spangled style will be Palm Springs’ own Steve Knill – beloved from Season 17 of The Voice – performing the National Anthem. Music throughout the festival will be curated by DJ Aaron Aldosirio.

“Every child and every family deserves a safe and welcoming environment,” said Dimitri Halkidis, Founder & President of Boo2Bullying. “This event is more than a game – it’s a movement to create communities where kindness and inclusion win every time. And what better day to share this message than October 11: National Coming Out Day.”

Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte praised the event’s impact: “Palm Springs is proud to support Boo2Bullying and this joyful festival. When we stand together against hate, we stand taller as a community — diverse, inclusive, and strong.”

Tara Lazar, Captain of Team Palm Springs, acclaimed chef, restaurateur, hotelier, and philanthropist, underscored the importance of nourishing both body and spirit: “Good food is a right, not a privilege. By bringing F10 Love to this event, we’re making sure families know that health, dignity, and joy are for everyone. Together with Boo2Bullying, we’re feeding both stomachs and souls — and reminding young people that they belong.”

Connie Golds, Captain of Team Coachella, added: “This is about teamwork – not just on the kickball field, but in life. When we work together, we can create safe spaces where everyone belongs.”

From 4pm – 5:30pm, festival-goers can explore wellness booths, community resources, and family activities. Highlights include:

• The Palm Springs High School Cheer Squad
• The Mobile Zoo of Southern California with its “Cool Critters” show
• Free hot dogs, nachos, icy lemonade, and more courtesy of sponsors and partners
• F10 Love’s food truck “Frankie,” designed by Palm Springs artist Aaron Hansen, bringing fresh, sustainable meals directly to the community

At 6:00pm, the kickball showdown begins:

Teams & Celebrity Players

Team Palm Springs (Captain: Tara Lazar)
David White (P.S. Chamber of Commerce), Brittne Watson (P.S. Chamber of Commerce), Tara Lazar (chef, restaurateur, hotelier, philanthropist), Tony Signoret, Jordan Signoret, Jessica Collins, Dimitri Halkidis (Founder & President, Boo2Bullying), Maya Stojan-Clever (Swiss-born American actress, known for her roles as Tory Ellis on Castle and Kara Palamas on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; B2B Ambassador), Honor Chapman, Jennifer Thompson, Michael Green, Nick Chinlund: American actor, The Chose, The Godfather of Harlem, Con Air.

Team Coachella (Captain: Connie Golds)
Connie Golds, Debra Ann Mumm, Brice Williamson, Brady Williamson, Eddie Aguilar, Calista Vassios, Nikolai Vassios, Alister Hiner, Benji Bautista, Bobbi Chindlund, Todd Clever (American retired rugby union player), Janeshia Adams-Ginyard (American actress, stunt woman, and professional wrestler, best known as Nomble of the Dora Milaje in Marvel’s Black Panther)

Sponsors & Partners

Presenting Sponsors:

• James MacMillan
• Bighorn Cares
• VRTX Lab (official sneaker sponsor for all players)

Additional Sponsors:

• City of Palm Springs
• F10 Love
• Steve Tobin & Johnny Krupa / Grace Helen Spearman Foundation
• Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center
• David Perry & Associates, Inc.
• Desert Healthcare District & Foundation
• Kid Dangerous
• The Bianco Group

Community Partners:

• Boys & Girls Club Palm Springs
• Palm Springs High School Cheer Squad
• Transgender Health and Wellness Center
• College of the Desert
• Hope & Healing Counseling Services

About Boo2Bullying
Founded in 2011 after founder Dimitri Halkidis lost a close friend to suicide, Boo2Bullying empowers youth and families through outreach, mentoring, education, and community programs. Each year, the nonprofit reaches thousands of young people with tools to build self-esteem, speak up against discrimination, and create inclusive communities free from bullying.

For more information about Boo2Bullying programs, or to schedule an appearance in your school or organization, contact Dimitri Halkidis at (310) 435-8528 / dimitrihalkidis@boo2bullying.org or visit www.boo2bullying.org.

MEDIA: Onsite coverage is strongly encouraged. Interviews available with celebrity players, musical performers, Boo2Bullying leadership, and sponsors. Local TV, radio, and print outlets welcome — advance arrangements can be coordinated.

Caravanserai Names New Co-CEOs

media contact:
David Perry & Associates, Inc.
(415) 676-7007 | news@davidperry.com

Caravanserai Names New Co-CEOs: Franzene Minott and Bradley Chargualaf

Leadership Transition Marks Exciting New Chapter for Social Entrepreneurship Nonprofit

2 October 2025 – Palm Springs, CA: Caravanserai, a nationally recognized leader in social entrepreneurship, today announced the appointment of Franzene Minott and Bradley Chargualaf as their new Co-Chief Executive Officers. Minott and Chargualaf succeed Mihai Patru, Caravanserai CEO.

“We are grateful to Mihai for his extraordinary service and vision,” said Caravanserai Board Chair Craig Dougherty. “He not only built Caravanserai into a force for impact, but also mentored the next generation of leaders who will carry our mission forward. Franzene and Bradley represent the very best of Caravanserai — talented, committed, and deeply experienced.”

Franzene Minott has served as Caravanserai’s Chief Operating Officer, leading strategy development and core initiatives to connect under-resourced entrepreneurs with capital, training, and technical assistance. She is recognized for her success in building cross-sector partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions, and businesses.

“Caravanserai has always stood for opening doors of opportunity where they are most needed,” said Minott. “I’m honored to step into this role alongside Bradley, and together we will continue to strengthen the pathways for entrepreneurs who too often have been overlooked. Our vision is clear: inclusive, thriving communities built on the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs.”

Bradley Chargualaf has served as Caravanserai’s Chief Technology Officer and as Director of the Caravan SBDC, where he has overseen technology strategy, program delivery, and partnerships that support hundreds of small businesses each year. As one of Caravanserai’s earliest employees, Bradley has advanced through progressive leadership roles since 2021.

“I’ve been part of Caravanserai since the early days, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this organization has on entrepreneurs and families,” said Chargualaf. “As Co-CEO, I look forward to building on that legacy—especially by expanding our use of technology and partnerships to help small businesses innovate, adapt, and grow. Franzene and I are committed to leading with both heart and strategy.”

“Palm Springs is proud to partner with Caravanserai and to see the organization thriving under new leadership,” said Mayor Ron DeHarte. “Franzene and Bradley bring the vision and energy our community needs to ensure local entrepreneurs have the tools to succeed. Their leadership will strengthen our economy and help create opportunities for all who call Palm Springs home.”

Caravanserai’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs from under-resourced communities remains steadfast, even as the organization expands into new sectors and geographies. Recent growth includes:

• A partnership with the State of California supporting small farmers through training, technical assistance, and grants.

• Expansion into the High Desert region and a greatly increased collaboration with the City of Palm Springs to serve local entrepreneurs.

• A statewide research initiative with the Governor’s Office to strengthen business technical assistance programs for entrepreneurs with neurodiversity.

Caravanserai encourages its community of donors, partners, and supporters to connect with the new leadership and continue building on the organization’s record of impact.

“This is an exciting new chapter—and with the continued support of our partners and donors, the best is yet to come,” added Dougherty.

About Caravanserai:

Caravanserai empowers entrepreneurs from under-resourced communities by providing access to capital, training, and technical tools to succeed. Through innovative programs and partnerships, Caravanserai supports small businesses, builds inclusive economies, and drives community resilience.

For more information, visit www.caravanseraiproject.org.

YBCA Bay Area Then: Tommy Guerrero & Space Time Solutions

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is proud to present a captivating evening celebrating local sonic innovators: Tommy Guerrero alongside Space Time Solutions. This performance is part of the broader Bay Area Then exhibition and music programming, curated by Chris Johanson and Ethan Swan. 

The Artists:

Tommy Guerrero

A stalwart of the Bay Area creative scene, Guerrero has long made San Francisco both his muse and his studio. Over more than a dozen LPs, he has woven together elements of jazz, funk, ambient, surf, hip hop, and more—creating music that feels like an evening stroll through the city, alive with nuance and emotion. 

His albums are themselves collaborative artworks:

• A Little Bit of Somethin’ (2000) features cover art by Margaret Kilgallen 

• From the Soil to the Soul (2006) includes art by Barry McGee 

• Perpetual (2015) showcases a cover by Chris Johanson 

Through these syntheses of sound and visual art, Guerrero’s work embodies the spirit of the Bay Area’s cultural convergence.

Space Time Solutions:

Comprising Mike Morasky and Kal Spelletich, Space Time Solutions operate at the intersection of composition, improvisation, ambient sounds, and machine-generated textures. Their performance is immersive: custom sound machines, glitch, industrial washes, and electronic timbres blend with spontaneous gestures, evoking a kinds of mechanical poetry. 

• Morasky, a longtime Bay Area figure, was a founding member of the punk/noise group Steel Pole Bath Tub (active from 1988 to 2002) 

• He’s also known for his award-winning soundtrack work (Portal 2, Left 4 Dead) 

• Spelletich is a pioneer of machine art and interactive performance, co-founding the collective Seemen, which made a mark in San Francisco’s art and festival scene (notably early Burning Man) 

The ensemble conjures a tension between organic and constructed, human and mechanical—a sonic dialogue rooted in place.

What to Expect / Schedule

• Gallery access: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM — Visitors can explore the Bay Area Thenexhibition and related visual works. 

• Performance time: 7:00 PM in the YBCA Forum 

• Admission: Free, but RSVP is required 

This evening dovetails with the goals of the Bay Area Then series: to amplify voices forged in and for the region, bridging sound, resilience, and local community. The music curation is part of the exhibition’s programming, led by Johanson and Swan. 

YBCA acknowledges support from a range of partners including the Yerba Buena Partnership, San Francisco’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development, Blue Shield of California, the Hewlett Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and others.

October 1 Is International Raccoon Appreciation Day

Every October 1, the spotlight shines on one of nature’s most curious and misunderstood creatures: the raccoon. With their mischievous masks, nimble hands, and iconic ringed tails, raccoons are often seen as nighttime troublemakers. But International Raccoon Appreciation Day is here to flip the script and remind us that these clever critters deserve a little admiration.

What’s Behind the Day?:

The celebration began back in 2002 when a young girl in California decided she wanted to highlight the positive side of raccoons. What started as a local idea has since grown into an international event, observed each year on October 1.

The day’s mission is simple:

• Educate the public about raccoons’ roles in the ecosystem.

• Reduce stigma toward animals often dismissed as “nuisances.”

• Encourage coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Why Raccoons Deserve Our Respect:

Raccoons are far more than cute faces peeking out from behind trash cans. They are:

• Smart and resourceful: With nimble paws and sharp minds, raccoons can solve puzzles, open latches, and figure out challenges that stump other animals.

• Ecological helpers: By scavenging and spreading seeds, they play a role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

• Highly adaptable: From dense forests to bustling cities, raccoons thrive just about anywhere.

• Cultural icons: From children’s books to Hollywood blockbusters (Guardians of the Galaxy, anyone?), raccoons have left their mark on stories and screens around the world.

Of course, it’s important to remember that raccoons are still wild animals. As adorable as they may be, they can carry diseases like rabies and should never be treated like pets. Respect — from a distance — is key.

How to Celebrate Raccoon Appreciation Day:

Looking for ways to join the fun? Here are a few responsible (and entertaining) ideas:

• Visit a zoo or wildlife center: Many offer special exhibits or talks about raccoons.

• Read a raccoon-themed book: Try The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn or Raccoon on the Moon.

• Watch raccoons on screen: Queue up Guardians of the Galaxy, Over the Hedge, or any raccoon cameo you can find.

• Spread the love online: Share a fun fact or photo with the hashtag #InternationalRaccoonAppreciationDay.

• Support wildlife rescues: Donations of money, supplies, or time all help.

• Observe, don’t feed: Admire raccoons from afar — feeding only encourages unhealthy dependency.

A Playful Perspective:

So the next time you spot a masked “bandit” raiding the bird feeder, remember: it’s not a burglar, it’s probably a raccoon doing what raccoons do best. And today, at least, we can celebrate them for it.

Happy International Raccoon Appreciation Day! 

The Haunt: An Artistically-Twisted Haunted House Comes to YBCA This Halloween

Media Contacts:

Lauren Macmadu / (415) 350-1884 / lmacmadu@ybca.org

David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

The Haunt: An Artistically-Twisted Haunted House Comes to YBCA This Halloween

San Francisco’s artist-made Halloween experience makes its YBCA debut October 25 – November 1

30 September 2025 – San Francisco, CA: This Halloween season, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) will host The Haunt: An Artistically-Twisted Haunted House for the very first time. Presented by Bat Witch Ghost and YBCA, the immersive Halloween experience runs Saturday, October 25 through Saturday, November 1, 2025, transforming YBCA’s Forum into a labyrinth of hand-crafted frights and whimsical scares.

The Haunt blends the American tradition of the haunted house with the spirit of San Francisco’s DIY art scene. Visitors will journey through a maze built from salvaged materials and filled with artists’ works, before spilling out into a graveyard featuring a bar, a dance floor, original merch, and other surprises.

“We are thrilled to welcome The Haunt to YBCA,” said Mari Robles, CEO of YBCA. “It captures the creative spirit of San Francisco—immersive, community-driven, and delightfully unexpected. We can’t wait to invite audiences of all ages into this playful, spooky, and sensorial celebration.”

“Our Haunt is not your typical fright fest,” said Aaron Wojack, artist and creator of Bat Witch Ghost. “We’re using the platform of the American haunted house to bring together the Bay Area art community, small businesses, families and neighbors in a hybrid social art experience. It’s a little bit new, a little bit nostalgic, and completely awesome. ”

Event Details

Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street, San Francisco

When: October 25 – November 1, 2025

• Evening shows (7–10 PM) are recommended 13+, with timed entry by the hour. 
• Family-friendly afternoon shows (3–5 PM) are available on select dates. 

Visit YBCA.org/TheHaunt for full schedule and times. 

Tickets:

• Afternoon: $15
• Evening: $25
• Halloween evenings: $35
• Kids 12 & under: Free

YBCA Programs are made possible in part by Blue Shield of California, the City and County of San Francisco, Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Bloomberg Philanthropies, Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, James R. Lilienthal Trust, California Arts Council, Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, Amy and Hannah Eliot, Tides Foundation, Farhang Foundation, Peter Rigano and Cody Hicks, Malia Simonds, Alan Seiffert, Katie Colendich, Peter Schumann and Rob Wullenjohn, Vicky Shipkowitz, John Bankston and Robert Goodman and YBCA Members.

For more information visit www.ybca.org.

About Bat Witch Ghost:

BWG is an arts organization building on the foundation of the American haunted house. We unite artists, neighbors, and local businesses in collaborative creation, artistic stimulation, and neighborhood connection. Our mission is to foster the studio arts by inviting the public to experience art in a new way and to provide paid opportunities for artists and craftspeople.  We use recycled and discarded materials whenever possible and exemplify a DIY approach to creativity and expression. Through a sustainable revenue model, we aim to become a lasting San Francisco tradition that celebrates the city’s creative spirit and love of costumed performance. Bat Witch Ghost demonstrates how community-driven art can be both financially viable and socially transformative, designing gathering spaces where creativity and community intersect.

About YBCA:

Opened to the public in 1993, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) was founded as the cultural anchor of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. Our work spans the realms of contemporary art, performance, film, civic engagement, and public life. By centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA is reimagining the role an arts institution can play in the communities it serves. For more information, visit ybca.org.

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