Meet the Founders of Sanctuary Palm Springs
Behind every mission-driven organization are the visionaries who dared to imagine a better future. Sanctuary Palm Springs was born from the compassion, courage, and unwavering advocacy of LD Thompson and David Rothmiller—two trailblazing artists, storytellers, and LGBTQ+ rights activists with a deep commitment to youth in need.
Their personal experiences as foster parents and their groundbreaking efforts in creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth laid the foundation for Sanctuary Palm Springs. With hearts full of purpose and a belief in the transformative power of love and acceptance, LD and David turned their vision into a sanctuary—a home where young people can heal, grow, and prepare for the future with dignity and hope.
Below are the other members of the Sanctuary Palm Springs Founders Circle. These generous donors made this vision come alive.

Sanctuary Palm Springs Founder’s Circle
LD Thompson and David Rothmiller - Founders
John Barrowman
(Team Barrowman)
Carol Berger
Jeff Bormaster
Laine Buntrock
Claire Buntrock
Michael Childers
Richard Crisman & Jeff Brock
Scott Cullens
(Palm Pacific Construction)
Doug Donefeld
Charles Drabkin & Michael Herzfeld
Edwards Air Force Base
Emerald Kingdom
Ginny Foat
Richard Fox
Frank Goldstin & Paul Clowers
(Momentous Events)
Pat Goody
Grabos Family Fund
Dann Foley & Beau Stinnette
(Foley and Stinnette Interior Design)
Debbie Green
Gary Hall & Gerald Green
Mark Hamilton & Juan Francisco Gomez Contreras
Lynn Hammond
Kerry Hendrix
Gail Hileman
Jeremy Hobbs
(Western Wind Foundation)
Michel Holmes
(The Purple Room)
Diane Jacoby
Al Jones
Barbara & Jerry Keller
(Lulu California Bistro)
Drs. Terri & Bart Ketover
Geoff Kors & James Williamson
Walter Leiss
Barry Manilow & Garry Keif
(The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope)
Barry McCabe
Tim McCormick & Jeff Brizzi
John McDonald & Rob Wright
Sam Messina
Jerry Moe
Jim Maje & Maurice Minno
(The Hacienda at Warm Sands)
Tammy Nelson
Margie Norris
Tim O’Bayley & David Wilson
(O’Bayley Communications)
Brien O’Brien
(Brien O’Brien Salon)
Marshal Pearcy & Douglas Woodmansee
(Les Dames Du Soliel)
Willie Rhine & Albert Gonzales
(Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge)
Alex Roldan
Thomas Sharkey & Charles Pearson
Julie Siri
Jeff Stanley & Alain Peracca
Charlene Strong
Brad Sutton
Daniel Tabib
Clifton Tatum
(Mr. Palm Springs Leather 2015)
Dick Taylor
Steve Tobin & Johnny Krupa
(Grace Helen Spearman Foundation,
and the Goodwin Family Trust)
Toyota of North America
Tom Truhe
Brian Vatcher & Mark Jones
(Brighthaus Marketing)
Robert Walker & Ernest Phinney
Donald D. Wolf & John P Costa
Ellen Wolf
Rob Woronoff