I think he would be beaming with pride along with a visible teardrop or two, seeing Streetbar today. Ron deHarte, president of Greater Palm Springs Pride, said, “As Streetbar celebrates their 30th Anniversary, Palm Springs is fortunate that Dick’s legacy of philanthropy and community support lives on. For many years, the organizations benefited from Streetbar’s two major fundraising events, the Holiday Wreath Auction and the ArtWall Project.ĭick Haskamp passed away on March 4, 2018, however his vision of charity work as a core value of Streetbar continues.
Since its opening, the staff and customers of Streetbar have raised funds for local charities, including the Aids Assistance Program (AAP), The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center), and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Streetbar has a longstanding tradition of bringing the community together with unique events. Arenas Road is recognized as the gay neighborhood and hub of LGBTQ-friendly nightlife and shopping in Palm Springs. When Dick Haskamp and Hank Morgan, founders of Streetbar, opened on Arenas Road, they paved the way for the Arenas Road business district. In August 1991, Streetbar was the first Gay bar in Palm Springs and is now the longest-running LGBTQ bar in the Coachella Valley. Streetbar is honored as a community steward for its work supporting organizations and fundraising efforts that span 30 years. The Pride organization recognizes a Community Grand Marshal, to symbolically lead the parade, for having a positive impact in the region. Greater Palm Springs Pride announced today the Community Grand Marshal for the annual Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade is the pioneering Arenas Road business Streetbar.