I don't know how many charities survive for 50 years, but I sure haven't seen many Golden Anniversary parties like the recent one for Family Services of the Desert.

It had everything going for it: A celebrity name, a perfect balmy evening, a wonderful cause, and the best swag bag of the season.

Outstanding hors d'oeuvres and entertainment were provided by the versatile Barry Minniefield for a crowd of about 200 impressive names.

THE CELEBRITY: The party was held at “Twin Palms,” believed to be the first Palm Springs home owned by Frank Sinatra and wife Nancy, at 1145 Via Colusa. The present owners have restored it with stunning retro furnishings, far more opulent than the young Sinatras could afford in those days.

A more recent Sinatra, Barbara, is also a former FSD board member and has said that Family Services was one of her inspirations in opening the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.

THE CAUSE: Family Services of the Desert began as a small one-office counseling service for troubled families 50 years ago. Today it covers the entire valley with offices from Blythe to Desert Hot Springs.

THE BOARD: A strong board makes a strong charity and this one is blessed to have president Aurora Wilson, who also emceed this event, along with event co-chairs Fred Noble and Kelly Ross. Other leaders include Florence Holdsworth, new board member David Pete, and executive director John Brown.

THE SWAG BAG: Parting gifts are an age-old tradition at gala events, having evolved from expensive crystal trinkets (with no long-term value) to gourmet treats (with long-term calories) to the current trend of gift certificates.

Family services embraced the current trend — with a twist — by giving each departing guest an elaborately decorated shopping bag filled with worthwhile gifts and certificates from supporters such as the Walter Clark Legal Group, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sofonio, the new KV Salon Spa on Highway 111, Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Beau Monde Villas, The Capitis Group, Shields Date Garden, Burrtec Recycling, the UPS store, Lowe's and many more. I like it!

Betty Francis manages the society pages. Reach her at (760) 341-4080 or BECHA1@ aol.com.