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