Organizations to Host Variety of Events in Support of AIDS Assistance Program - Food Samaritans Launch
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