What a night to remember! At the IFEA’s 70th Anniversary Convention & Expo, the IFEA Foundation Platinum Palms Pool Party brought together friends, fun, and fundraising under the stars at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Palm Springs. From resort wear chic to the excitement of raffles, races, and auctions, this unforgettable evening celebrated both our history and our future—supporting the IFEA’s ongoing educational programs and mission. The night was capped off in spectacular fashion with our very own IFEA Drone Show by Sky Elements, lighting up the sky in celebration of 70 years of festivals and events!
Thanks to your generosity, participation, and spirit, we are thrilled to share that together we raised just over $42,000 this year!
Congratulations to our 2025 Winners!
- Ultimate Experience Getaway: Tom Bisignano, CFEE – chose the Thunder Over Louisville & Derby City Experience
- 50/50 Raffle: Zach Fisher, Kentucky Derby Festival & Christina Ramirez, Haas & Wilkerson Insurance – each took home $600
- Duck Race:
1st Place – Rudy Martinez, DFEST ($250)
2nd Place – Jonathan McCurley, Showpass ($200)
3rd Place – Lori Irwin (non-attendee) ($100)
Lame Duck – Lorena Ortega, DFEST ($50)
- Lucky Ducks ($25 each): Todd Dyer (Cast & Crew Live Entertainment); Stephen King, CFEE (Des Moines Arts Festival); Tamas Badacsonyi (RAINRAVER The Festiponchooh!); Alison LeRoy (City of Dublin); David Eads (Pasadena Tournament of Roses); Justin Wise (City of West Columbia, SC); Jessica Kaminskas (The Parade Company); S. David Ramirez, CFEE (SDMRamirez Events & Marketing)
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who adopted ducks, bid in the auction, entered the raffle, or simply joined us poolside and/or in the pool to celebrate. Your support helps fuel the IFEA Foundation’s mission and ensures that the next generation of festival and event leaders continues to shine.
Here’s to 70 years of sparks turned into spectacles—and to the incredible work still ahead!