In 1993, two years after AIDS Assistance Program was founded, the board of directors decided to organize a small fundraising party to help increase AAP’s visibility and provide entertainment for the community while helping to raise funds to support their mission. It started simply – a board member donated the use of their backyard, and other board members and volunteers built a simple stage. The audience was treated to a series of performances and the event raised enough money to help fund the growing nutritional support program. 

 

The event became an annual fundraising fête and one of the most elaborate galas in the Valley with up to 1,500 guests, a formal seated dinner, and world class entertainment including Barry Manilow, Cyndi Lauper, and Gladys Knight.

 

For the 30^th Anniversary of the event last year, we brought it back to our roots and had a celebration in one of the most spectacular estates in Palm Springs, with abundant food and drink and a ticket price more in line with our grass-roots nature: $200.

 

The event raised much needed funds to help AAP – Food Samaritans support the critically needed programs that provide food for low-income people living with chronic illnesses in Palm Springs and surrounding communities. Please join us on Sunday, October 13 for an encore!

 

In celebration of our supporters, we are honored to present the following with the Community Impact Award: BONNIE AND ALAN CASHMAN, NINO EILETS, and RUTA LEE. We are honored to recognize their long-standing partnerships with us and all that they do in the community. We’ll complete the evening with a special performance by the superb Debby Holiday. The event will be emceed by Emmy Award winner Brooke Beare.

 

In the coming weeks and months I'll be telling you more about the honorees and our special guest star.

 

Today, I am asking you to please consider becoming a sponsor. Event sponsors enjoy premium seating and other benefits. All of the information is available on our website now, and yes, individual tickets are also on sale. Please note, this is not the elaborate seated dinner of years past, but rather an elegant garden party. General admission tickets are $200. The only way to reserve a table is to become a sponsor.

 

Please also see below for detail on our Angel Program, which is another way to support us and receive two tickets to Evening Under the Stars.

 

 

Gratefully, 

 

Mark Anton

CEO