Thankful Community Members Attend DAP Health’s Third Annual Winterfest

Free food and entertainment were on offer alongside photos with Santa and gifts of toys, blankets, and bicycles for the children.

Almost 1,000 grateful community members from the East Valley — representing both current and future DAP Health patients — took part in Winterfest: The Third Annual Oasis Charitable Holiday Celebration, which was held on Saturday, December 16 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Centro Medico Oasis in Thermal.

In addition to featuring free food and entertainment, parents had their children take pictures with Santa before the kids received gifts of toys and blankets.

For the moms and dads in attendance — many of whom are migrant agricultural workers who may also be single and therefore the sole breadwinners in the family — the holidays are a joyful time, but also one of frustration and stress brought on by their inability to shower their children with treasures under the Christmas tree. Winterfest takes a very real burden off them, bringing smiles to every member of the family.

The open house, which took place predominantly outside, was made possible thanks to the generosity of community partners, volunteers, and DAP Health employees, many of whom helped raise the funds necessary to pull off the affair in grand style.

Taking care of emcee duties was Centro Medico Oasis Clinic Manager Israel Ochoa, who shared the stage with DAP Health CEO David Brinkman, Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, DAP Health Board Member Dr. Frank Figueroa, patient Antonio Galara of the Coachella Unified School District, and Samuel Lopez of Iglesia Visión Del Reino.

In addition to mobile clinic vans providing free testing plus flu and COVID-19 immunizations, community partners such as TODEC Legal Center, ER Funeral, Visión 7 Copromiso, FIND Food Bank, the Alzheimer’s Association, DPSS Adult Services, and California Rural Legal Assistance set up booths and answered attendees’ questions.

Entertainment was provided by the Oasis Elementary ACES and the Iglesia Visión Del Reino band. At a total of five raffles held throughout the afternoon, some 65 bicycles were given away to lucky winners.

“Do you know what’s better than seeing the beautiful face of a happy child receiving a toy, a blanket, and a bike at the holidays?” asked Brinkman of the 457 adults and 471 children in attendance. “Seeing hundreds of beautiful faces of happy children receiving a toy, a blanket, and a bike at the holidays! Look around you! And bask in the warmth of those smiles. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make Winterfest a smashing success.”