Basin Wide Foundation Awards honor volunteer and community activists in the hi-desert
The Basin Wide Foundation has announced the recipients of their annual Basin Wide Foundation Awards. Each year the foundation recognizes volunteers and community activists who have served the hi-desert community at a gala dinner, and tickets are available now.
Stacey Schooler will posthumously receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with the Miracle League of the Desert. Other award recipients include Tracer Rader, Angela Ray, Paul Razo, and Kerrie Aley along with organizations like Desert Bingo, Yucca Bowl and Partners Against Violence. Three young volunteers will be honored as well – – Amy Gramm-Seegrist, Thomas Joseph Arthur, and Jayda Cross.
The community is invited to attend the 28th Annual Awards Celebration & Dinner on Thursday, August 27 at the Yucca Valley Community Center.
Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and auction donation information are available at basinwidefoundation.org/events.
Meet the 2026 Honorees
This year’s recipients represent an extraordinary cross-section of compassion, leadership, generosity, and service.
Lifetime Achievement Award (In Memoriam)
Stacey Schooler
Honored posthumously for a lifetime of service and community leadership, particularly through Miracle League of the Desert and countless efforts that left a lasting legacy of inclusion, compassion, and kindness throughout the Morongo Basin.
President’s Award
Tracey Rader
Recognized for her dedication to preserving local traditions and helping bring the community together through events that celebrate the Morongo Basin’s unique history and spirit.
Cultural Contributor Award
Paul Razo
Owner of Ozar Studio, Paul is known for generously donating his professional talents to local organizations while championing public art and community projects throughout the Morongo Basin.
Business of the Year
Yucca Bowl
More than a bowling center, Yucca Bowl has become a true community partner by supporting students with special needs, Special Olympics athletes, local fundraisers, schools, and nonprofit organizations for many years.
Above & Beyond Award
Angela Gay
As Morongo Unified School District’s Adaptive Physical Education Specialist and Unified Program Coordinator, Angela has transformed lives by creating opportunities for students with disabilities while extending her service far beyond her professional role through Miracle League of the Desert and countless volunteer efforts.
Nonprofit of the Year
Partners Against Violence
With a dedicated team and an unwavering commitment to survivors, Partners Against Violence provides life-changing advocacy, crisis intervention, education, and support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes throughout the Morongo Basin.
Together We Can Award
Desert Bingo
Through weekly community bingo nights, Desert Bingo has raised more than $150,000 for local nonprofits and community causes while bringing residents together to strengthen the Morongo Basin through grassroots philanthropy.
Volunteer of the Year
Kerrie Aley
For years of dedicated volunteer leadership and advocacy in Pioneertown, helping preserve the community’s unique character while inspiring grassroots stewardship and civic engagement.
Youth Volunteers of the Year
Selecting this year’s Youth Volunteer of the Year proved especially difficult. After reviewing an exceptional group of nominations, the Board chose to recognize four remarkable young volunteers.
Amy Gramm-Seegrist
For her extraordinary dedication to Joey’s Horse Rescue, where she has devoted years to caring for rescue horses with compassion, commitment, and an exceptional work ethic.
Thomas Joseph Arthur
For his outstanding leadership at the 29 Palms Community Food Pantry, including organizing and leading the relocation of the Pantry as his Eagle Scout project to better serve local families.
Jayda Cross
For her kindness, patience, and unwavering dedication to ensuring children with special needs felt welcomed, encouraged, and included during Special Olympics activities.
Joseph Paulino
For his dedication to youth leadership and serving others through Youth Commission, YVUMC, Special Olympics, and volunteer service, consistently leading by example with humility and a willingness to help.
