1981 – Rancho Mirage, California
Kay Obergfel is one of the desert community’s outstanding civic leaders and a well-known patron of the arts. She began her career in New York as a commercial artist. She became a stylist and writer for a television fashion show and author of a book, “Style on a Shoestring,” published in 1946. In 1967, she opened her own art gallery in Palm Desert. It was an overnight success and became one of the most prestigious galleries on the West Coast. She is a founder or past board member of The Pathfinders, Eisenhower Medical Center Auxiliary, Palette Club, The Assistance League of Palm Springs, La Quinta Arts Foundation, Desert chapter Los Angeles Ballet Guild, the Women’s Committee of the Palm Springs Desert Museum and the Northwood National Women’s Board. She was named one of Palm Springs’ Ten Best in 1984. In 1985 she was an honorary chairwoman of Childhelp, USA’s desert chapter’s 9th Annual Poinsettia Ball. She and her husband, noted director Paul Gregory, continue to make their home in California. Kay is a leading member of the Northwood Palm Springs chapter and a great benefactor to students, scholars and programs related to the University. (Deceased 2001)
