The 2024 Gala Presenting Sponsor : The Auen Foundation

November 9, 2024  
Crown Room at the Iconic Hotel Del Coronado

6:00 PM Hosted Champagne Reception and Red Carpet on the Vista Terrace * non-hosted bars will be open

7:00 PM Dinner & Awards Presentation

The Stars Come Out To Shine!

A benefit gala evening honoring industry luminaries (above and below the line) for their contribution to the Art & Science of Cinematic Storytelling. Festival Host and Honorary Jury President, Leonard Maltin, will preside over the evening Tributes. Considered one of the most well respected film critics and historians, Mr. Maltin will engage with honorees as they take the stage to accept their awards. 

Recognizing the creative contributions of those who have brought their respective genius to the big screen for generations to enjoy. Honorees are recognized for music, artistry, cinematography, cultural impact and legacy - respected by their peers and loved by audiences worldwide! 

Past honorees have included: Diane Ladd, Paul Raci, Heba Thorissdotir, Geena Davis, Jacqueline Bisset, Ron Shelton, Charles Fox, Elegance Bratton, Vanessa Roth, Chloé Zhao, Richard Dreyfuss, Nancy Utley, Alexandré Desplat, Michelle Philips, Mayes Rubeo, Gabriel Beristain and Ann Blyth.

The 2024 Gala Presenting Sponsor 

The Auen Foundation | Meet our Sponsor

"Enriching quality of life for our aging population"

The Auen Foundation is a private foundation formed in 1992 as a non-profit, grant-making organization benefiting a broad range of health-related needs.

In 1995, the Foundation chose to redefine its mission and concentrate on the aging population and its emerging needs. Believing that mature citizens are an important component of a vibrant community, the Foundation is dedicated to building and supporting aging programs that include the entire family.

To date, the Auen Foundation has awarded more than 1000 grants to charitable and educational programs and services, primarily in the Coachella Valley. Board members and program officers have a history of reaching out to nonprofit organizations with research and information about new and dynamic programs and services that benefit the social welfare of mature adults. Many of the programs funded were not in place before the Foundation stepped in with the ideas and the means to transform innovations into reality.

The Foundation often seeks out partnerships with other funders in order to have a greater effect on the lives of a growing aging population. The Auen Foundation also encourages charitable organizations to be self-sustaining by assisting with the design and implementation of strategic plans, marketing and other resources and support that can take nonprofits to a new level of service. As part of that goal, the Auen Foundation encourages development of a strong Board of Directors dedicated to active, solid leadership.