It is with a great feeling of pride and gratitude that I acknowledge our many friends, supporters, and sponsors who came together in celebration of AAP - Food Samaritans on October 14 for our recent benefit event, Evening Under the Stars. As promised, it was reimagined, transformed from a huge formal dinner (as formal as it could be on a golf course) to a more intimate garden party. By all accounts, and thank you to the many of you that have reached out to say, it was a big success enjoyed by everyone who attended. This new format was embraced and appreciated, and the lower cost to produce it meant that we succeeded in raising funds to help support the food voucher program... enough to help fund our operations for several months.

 

Our major supporters include Eisenhower Health, the Auen Foundation, Brad Lampley & Rigo Lomeli, Steve Tobin & Johnny Krupa of the Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Hot Purple Energy, Scott Histed Architectural Properties, Flooring Innovations, Tom Gleeson/State Farm, Imagine It! Media, and Image 360 Palm Desert. Media sponsors included Desert Sun, The Standard Magazine, Palm Springs Life, and Palm Springs Post. In addition we were honored to have the support of our long-time friend and advocate Lily Tomlin, plus the multitude of essential volunteers.

 

Looking ahead, I'd be remiss if I didn't remind you that Barry Manilow has very graciously included AAP - Food Samaritans as a beneficiary of his fabulous Gift of Love holiday concerts. (See the full story below.) We will benefit more from this if folks designate AAP at the time of purchase. Please consider giving tickets to Gift of Love as you plan your holiday shopping.

 

On behalf of our clients, board of directors, and volunteers, I wish you a warm and comfortable beginning to the holiday season. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, and the abundance that we typically enjoy, please remember those who are less fortunate; our low-income clients facing this time with a chronic illness. They continue to rely on your support.

 

Please also note the item below highlighting the 30th Palm Springs Open tennis tournament, which benefits AAP - Food Samaritans. Thank you to Nabil Najjar and the Desert Tennis Association.

 

Gratefully, 

 

Mark Anton

CEO