I'm sure that everyone is a bit weary of hearing how challenging this past year has been. It has been for us all, including charities like AAP – Food Samaritans. Over this past year we have been unable to host our biggest fundraising events:

 

• Hollywood’s Biggest Night - February 2020

• Evening Under the Stars - May 2020

• Independence Day Celebration - July 2020

• Jeannette Rockefeller Angel Program Kickoff - October 2020

• Palm Springs Open Tennis Tournament - November 2020

• Hollywood’s Biggest Night - February 2021

 

All of those were canceled. This Saturday, May 1, would have been our biggest of all, Evening Under the Stars 2021. As you can imagine, these events contribute a large portion of our income, and without them, we’re feeling the strain.

 

In addition, the many community-driven events initiated by others to raise funds for our program have also not taken place. One exception is the fundraiser created by the folks at Postal Palm Springs, who donated a portion of their sales for the entire month of March.

 

Due to this downturn, we have seen our reserves depleted. This is the most perilous time our organization has ever faced. As I'm sure you know, we do not receive any federal or state funding and rely primarily on the support of the community, mostly through the fundraising events we hold. That is why I am so elated that California – and Riverside County in particular – is doing so well with regard to the pandemic. With the state scheduled to fully reopen in mid-June, I am going forward with our annual Independence Day Celebration on July 4. BUY TICKETS NOW

 

While I expect that many of you will be happy to join us on the magnificent patio of the O'Donnell house, I understand if you are not quite ready for this kind of social interaction. Whichever the case, if you have the means, I ask that you either purchase a ticket and attend or make a contribution here.

 

With more people in our community struggling to make ends meet, those with chronic illnesses need us more than ever. They need you.

 

Sincerely,

Mark Anton

C.E.O./Executive Director