Buy A Round for Paula

I’ve been asked by Paula Fraga’s family and friends to set up this page for her.  Paula is a dear personal friend of mine and a longtime resident of the desert.  She has called the desert home for 30 years now.  She told me once that she knew she was “home” the first time she stepped off the plane and looked at those mountains! 

Paula has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to her liver.  She is currently undergoing her third round of aggressive chemo treatments.  Besides this being such a difficult time physically and emotionally for her, she also hasn’t been able to work since early January and is facing financial hardships too. 

Many of you have known Paula as one of Palm Springs’ favorite bartenders.  She has worked in the hospitality industry the majority of her life.  She’s worked everywhere from your local neighborhood bar and restaurant to the Ritz Carlton!  Always the epitome of a professional, dedicated employee and co-worker.  


Many of you might have first been introduced to Paula like I was… through her late husband Andy Fraga, Sr. or her step son, Andy Fraga, Jr., both long time musicians in the desert and beyond… I first met Paula at one of her and Andy Sr’s infamous Christmas parties.  Their yearly party was so popular that one Restaurateur teased he should just close on that night because all of his regulars and the local musicians were at Andy and Paula’s house!  Our friendship grew closer over the years due to our love for live music.  Paula has always been an avid supporter of the desert music scene.  It’s what brought her and Andy here in the first place. 


I know lots of us have shared many great times with Paula over the years and I’ve never known Paula to ask for anything for herself, from anyone.  She is fiercely independent and private and that’s how I know it wasn’t easy for her to allow us to ask all of you to help.  She needs our help to meet her monthly expenses and additional medical expenses for the unseen future.  We have applied for social security/disability benefits and are in the process of applying for some other financial support, but in the meantime, until, or should I say, if and when those benefits kick in, Paula needs our assistance.

This is my call to action!  Buy Paula "a round”!  I know we’re all tight with our finances these days, but if each of us would forgo just one outing for dinner and drinks this month and instead donate your “bar tab” to Paula… we could really make a difference for someone who has literally spent their entire adult life “serving others”!


We do have some good news!  Her test results after her first round of chemo show the cancer’s growth has been minimized.  Paula believes strongly in the power of prayer, so in addition to any monetary donations you can make, please keep her in your prayers too. 

I will do regular updates to this page and try to keep you all informed on Paula’s progress and needs.  At this time though, we do ask that you not inundate Paula with phone calls, texts or emails… please give her time to rest and heal.  I do encourage you to post any words of encouragement or messages you have for her here in the comments.  If any of you have questions, please feel free to “friend” me on Facebook and contact me via the private messages, I will try to respond to you in a timely fashion. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your donations!

#BuyARoundForPaula