Joanne Hardy, Cahuilla Historian,  presented DAR Community Service Awards to community leaders Rachel Druten and Joyce Bulifant at the chapter’s April 2019 luncheon meeting. Rachel Druten is an artist and author. Joyce Bulifant is also an author and an actress best known for her recurring role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Ms. Druten and Ms. Bulifant were recognized for their work with the Tools for Tomorrow program. Tools for Tomorrow is a non-profit arts enrichment program that integrates art, music, drama, writing and performance to enhance literacy. The program is provided free to children in elementary schools throughout the Coachella Valley.

Ms. Druten founded the program in 1999. Beginning with 4 schools, the program has grown and currently serves 15 schools in the Palm Springs, Desert Sands and Coachella Valley Unified School Districts. A member of the Tools for Tomorrow board, Ms. Bulifant is an active volunteer supporting the program.

Almost 17,000 children have benefited from participation in the Tools for Tomorrow program in the Coachella Valley.