New this year was a $500 Crowd Favorite award, in addition to any other cash prize they received. There was a tie for fourth place of MilVet and Valley Community Pantry who partnered with Veterans Mobility Project both groups received $2,000 each. American Cancer Society, Relay For Life earned $5,000 for second place and third-place honors and $3,000 was given to Boxing For Christ. When everything was said and done, first place and $10,000 went to the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre. Newcomer Michelle Modesto with her charisma and passionate comments was a breath of fresh air.” “Being a former judge myself, it isn’t an easy task. “Andrew, of course, was on point,” she said. Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas thought all the acts were well thought out with each organization bringing out their passion and leaving it all on the stage. This year’s performers went into the competition vying for cash prizes that the Soboba Foundation members decided to double right before the show started, giving the groups even more incentive to pull out all the stops. Soboba Tribal members Michelle Modesto and Joey Placencia have been involved with the competition in the past and know what it takes to engage the crowd in a fun and meaningful way.

Returning judges Bella Da Ball and Debby Alexander both are very well known in the Palm Springs area for their many community contributions. Between him and the acts themselves, it’s impossible to look away thoroughly entertaining.” “Watching Andrew’s face as he reacts to things unfolding live on stage is so much fun. “I really enjoyed the show behind the show,” Tony Davalos, who drove in from Cathedral City again this year to support the event, said. Everyone was raving about the quality of the acts and had many positive things to say, even for those that were competing against the nonprofit they were there to support. Co-hosts Andrew Vallejos and Catherine “Cat” Modesto kept the show moving while soliciting comments from judges and others after each performance. The entertainment spectacular attracted an enthusiastic audience to the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center on June 17. Guests enjoyed a feast of fine dining capped with an over-the-top dessert bar pleasing those with even the most discerning sweet tooth. A spectacular buffet offering a variety of fresh foods lined the Event Center lobby. From relevant song choices to synchronized choreography and spot-on costuming, all 13 nonprofits vying for prize money at the Soboba Foundation & Soboba Casino Resort’s 14th annual Lip Sync Contest made an impact on the 600-plus guests in attendance.

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