Philanthropist Ann Sheffer Getting High Honor In Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that public arts patron and philanthropist Ann Sheffer will be honored with the 460th star on the Walk of the Stars Palm Springs.

The star will be unveiled April 12 in Downtown Palm Springs Park. Sheffer will be honored in the category of humanitarian.

"Having served on local, state and national arts commissions and boards, I have always believed that the arts play an important role in cities and are more than just a backdrop for selfies," Sheffer said in a statement. "I am delighted to have a star at the intersection of so many exciting projects on Museum Way, which we hope will one day be an Art Promenade from Town and Country to the Palm Springs Art Museum."

Chamber officials said Sheffer was appointed to the President's Committee on Arts and Humanities, has been an Americans for the Arts and Political Action Fund board member, served as the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission chair, and has been a part of various humanitarian and philanthropic agencies such as DAP Health and The Inland Empire Community Foundation.

She's also been presented with various awards including the Athena Visionary Award, the Equality California Community Leadership Award, the Women Who Rule Award, the Women in Philanthropy Award, the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Community Leadership Award and the Westport (CT) YMCA Faces of Achievement Award.

"We are elated to honor the immeasurably talented Ann Sheffer with the 460th star on the Walk of the Stars Palm Springs," chamber CEO Nona Watson said.

For 50 years, Sheffer has provided tangible support through the Betty R. Sheffer Foundation, the family philanthropy organization named after her late mother, chamber officials said.