Written by Tim O'Bayley.
PALM SPRINGS, CA – October 12, 2016: The annual Jeannette Rockefeller Angel Program Kickoff Party benefiting AIDS Assistance Program – Food Samaritans (AAP) will take place on Sunday, November 13, 2016 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at an exclusive private residence in Palm Springs. The highlight of the evening will be a special performance by The Gand Band, who will play their unique Chicago Style rock and soul. There is no admission fee for the event, but attendance indicates an intention to participate in AAP’s Annual Giving Program. An RSVP is required..Click Here.
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Non-Profit Is Expanding Its Mission to Include Residents With Other Chronic Illnesses
October 28, 2015
AIDS Assistance Program –Food Samaritans (AAP) is pleased to announce a series of events hosted by friends and partner organizations that are designed to benefit the expansion of its health-sustaining food voucher program to low-income Coachella Valley residents with any serious chronic illness, in addition to HIV/AIDS.
Providing nutritional support to help improve the lives of local residents living with HIV/AIDS since 1991, AAP will expand its mission to include other low-income people living with chronic and life-threatening illnesses beginning in January 2016. With approximately $250,000 needed to get the program up and running, partner organizations have stepped in to assist with fundraising efforts by hosting a variety of events in the month of November:
Gand Band-A-Gogo – a reception featuring the Chicago sound of the Gand Band on Saturday, November 14 at Zeldas Nightclub from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Drawing from musical influences that include Motown, 1960’s Psychedelic, Spy Music, Chicago Blues, and Ultra Lounge, the Gand Band’s dynamic husband and wife team of Joan and Gary Gand are hosting this event to kick-start the fundraising necessary to launch Food Samaritans. Enjoy delicious appetizers and a cash bar. Tickets, $25 per person and up, may be purchased in advance
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2432119.
22nd Annual Palm Springs Open – an international tennis tournament Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29 at Mission Hills Country Club, Monterey Country Club, Plaza Racquet Club, and Rancho Las Palmas Country Club. Run by the Desert Tennis Association, a non-profit corporation that organizes tennis events and raises funds for local charities, the tournament attracts more than 300 LGBT players from around the world. Admission is free to the public. Visit deserttennis.us for a complete schedule of matches.
Gamma Mu Foundation presents “Transition into the Season” on Friday, November 27 at 5PM, a festive party to kick off the holiday season. Located at an exclusive private estate in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs, guests will enjoy fabulous entertainment, hosted bar, and a delectable array of appetizers at this reception benefiting both organizations. Tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased at aidsassistance.org or by calling the AAP office at 760-325-8481. Gamma Mu Foundation seeks to make a positive difference in the LGBT community, primarily in rural and other underserved areas of the US. Visit gammamufoundation.org.
“I’m thrilled that our announcement about expanding AAP’s food voucher program to include those with other chronic illnesses has been so well received by the community,” stated Mark Anton, Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program. “There’s a real need among the less fortunate in the Coachella Valley, particularly during the holiday season, and we are extremely grateful to all the individuals and organizations who have stepped up to support this new endeavor. It warms my heart to know that so many people care enough to act.”
Also scheduled during Thanksgiving weekend, AAP presents ‘Eat, Drink & Be Merry’ on Saturday, November 28 at The Bougainvillea Room at Spencer’s Restaurant. The evening will begin with cocktails at 7 p.m., followed by dinner at 8 p.m. and a smooth jazz and blues performance by local singing sensation Keisha D, named Best Vocalist in McCallum Theater's 2008 Open Call competition. Festive cocktails, delectable cuisine, and valet parking will be included, plus a special opportunity to surprise some of AAP’s most unfortunate clients with gifts for the holidays. Tickets are $175 per person and may be purchased by calling 760-325-8481 or visit aidsassistance.org.
Funds generated from these events will support AAP’s food voucher program, contributing to the $50,000 needed each month to continue those vital services. AAP receives no federal or state funding, relying on the generosity of private donors and other organizations.
AIDS Assistance Program – Food Samaritans is dedicated to providing nutritional support to improve the quality of the lives of low-income people living with HIV/AIDS in the Coachella Valley, and will expand its mission in 2016 to include other chronic illnesses. For more information, please call 760/325-8481
Featuring Singing Sensation Keisha D and Opportunities to Assist Low-Income Families
October 27, 2015
AIDS Assistance Program – Food Samaritans (AAP) will serve up an evening of comfort and joy this holiday season to help low-income residents in need on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at The Bougainvillea Room at Spencer’s Restaurant, located at 701 W. Baristo Road in Palm Springs.
The evening will begin with cocktails at 7 p.m., followed by dinner at 8 p.m. and a smooth jazz and blues performance by local singing sensation Keisha D, winner of the prestigious Best Vocalist title in McCallum Theater's highly acclaimed annual Open Call in 2008. Festive cocktails, delectable cuisine, and valet parking will be included, plus a special opportunity to surprise some of AAP’s most unfortunate clients with gifts for the holidays.
“This time of year can be especially challenging for those with little money who are also suffering with chronic illness,” explained Mark Anton, Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program. “More than 500 clients rely on us for food each month – a responsibility we take very seriously. This year, we’re going the extra mile by providing our supporters with additional opportunities to furnish much-needed household items and toys to these families.”
Unwrapped toys or gift cards will be accepted at the event. For those who don’t bring a gift and still want to help, special holiday ornaments with “wish list” items will be available. All funds generated from the event will support AAP’s food voucher program, contributing to the $50,000 needed each month to continue those vital services. AAP receives no federal or state funding, relying on the generosity of private donors and other organizations.
Tickets for ‘Eat, Drink & Be Merry’ are $175 per person and may be purchased by calling 760-325-8481 or visit aidsassistance.org.
Since its founding in 1991, AIDS Assistance Program – Food Samaritans remains dedicated to providing nutritional support to improve the quality of the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS, and will expand its mission in 2016 to include other chronic illnesses. Initiated by a small group of concerned citizens led by the late Gloria Greene and Jeannette Rockefeller, AAP provides food vouchers to members of the community with low incomes. For more information, please call 760-325-8481
