A beloved Cathedral City personality is stepping up once again to help the community—this time in a big way.

Patsi Kocan, the local philanthropist behind Dinner with Patsi, has launched her most ambitious project yet: Patsi’s Promise, an effort to raise $60,000 to purchase a new van for the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club. The funds will also cover insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs for up to two years.

To date, Patsi has already raised more than $100,000 for local nonprofits. Now, she's focused on the needs of local children and expanding access to essential after-school programs.

“We cherish our kids and so we gotta keep them safe,” said Scott Robinson, CEO of the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club. He explained the need for a new van is critical, as the current transportation helps bring kids to the club after school, offering them leadership opportunities, field trips, and a safe space to grow.

The new van would also allow the club to expand its services to Cathedral City Elementary and Nellie N. Coffman Middle School, making a bigger impact in the community.

“We need one that’s large enough to pull a trailer for camps and still carry plenty of kids without the insurance burden of a 12-passenger van,” said Patsi.

Local businesses can support the cause by purchasing logo space on the van. Individuals are also encouraged to contribute, with donation levels ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

“It doesn’t have to be a van,” said Patsi. “It can be a couple of hours. It can be a couple of dollars. It all comes together and it all matters. It’s our hometown. If we don’t take care of it, who’s going to?”

To learn how you can donate or get involved, visit NBCPalmSprings.com and click on the Newsroom section for more information.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.

Patsi’s Promise: Local Fundraiser Aims to Buy Van for Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club