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Events Posts

D.A.P. Shines Spotlight on Community Par …

by Desert AIDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steven Henke
[email protected]
(760) 656-8401

2017 Desert AIDS Walk – Our Community in Action
D.A.P. Shines Spotlight on Community Partners

PALM SPRINGS, CA (August 23, 2017) On Saturday, October 21 over 2,000 community members will unite in Ruth Hardy Park to walk in the 31st Desert AIDS Walk in support of Desert AIDS Project, presented by Desert Regional Medical Center. This years walk, with the theme of ‘Our Community In Action’, will follow a 2.5-mile route through downtown Palm Springs and is notable for the diversity of community members who come together as teams each year to support Desert AIDS Project and our twelve community partners.

Desert AIDS Project’s Chief Development Officer, Darrell Tucci on this year’s walk: “Desert AIDS Project has a long history as a leader in community healthcare and is unique in its approach to providing comprehensive services to underserved communities. We are, at our core, a non-profit health care center, specializing in HIV and infectious disease, supported in large part by the communities we serve. We focus on building relationships that serve our clients and I’m especially excited by the addition of new community partnerships this year – including One Palm Springs Neighborhood Organization, Palm Springs Unified School System’s Gay Straight Alliances and United Way of the Desert, who will be making Desert AIDS Walk the final walk in its annual Nine Weekly Walks as they prepare for their annual Tram Road Challenge event.”

Desert AIDS Walk 2017 begins at 8 am and will feature live entertainment, a Health & Wellness Festival featuring over 40 vendor booths, and a kid’s activity zone. Desert AIDS Project CEO, David Brinkman is expected to update the community on the progress D.A.P. has made in eliminating HIV/AIDS and the work that remains to be done to ensure community health becomes a reality for every resident of the Coachella Valley.

Schedule of Events

8:00 Health & Wellness Festival Opens LIVE DJ Breakfast courtesy of Koffi
8:30 Community Leaders Welcome Walkers
9:30 Walk Steps Off on 2.5 Mile Route
10:30 Walkers return to Ruth Hardy Park Health & Wellness Festival Continues LIVE Entertainment Complimentary lunch and snacks courtesy of multiple sponsors.

2017 Desert AIDS Walk Sponsors

Presented by Desert Regional Medical Center.
Major sponsors to date: Walgreens, Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Gilead, The Desert Sun, and KMIR.
Other Sponsors include: Revivals Stores, Jus Chillin, Koffi, VIP Mobile Suites, The Standard Magazine, Gay Desert Guide, and CV Independent.

About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. D.A.P. has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing D.A.P. in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability, and transparency. Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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2017 HIV and Aging Conference

by Desert AIDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Event Contact: JP Allen
Desert AIDS Project
(760) 898-0133
[email protected]

D.A.P. Contact: Tom Tarr
(760) 656-8464 direct
[email protected]

SAVE THE DATE: September 15, 2017
Local Organizations Present “Aging Positively”
A Free Conference Focusing On Seniors with HIV
on National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day

PALM SPRINGS, CA (August 21, 2017) – On Friday, September 15th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Mizell Senior Center. The day is also National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day.

The eight organizations are: Desert AIDS Project, The Clinton Foundation, Let’s Kick ASS, The Cathedral City Senior Center, The Joslyn Senior Center, The LGBT Community Center of the Desert, Jewish Family Service of the Desert and Mizell Senior Center.

“D.A.P. is proud and excited to collaborate with these dedicated organizations that provide comprehensive services to Coachella Valley’s aging population living with HIV/AIDS,” said Bruce Weiss, Director of Community Health at Desert AIDS Project. “We want to thank each of the conference speakers, committee members and the Mizell Senior Center who donated their time and effort to make this conference free of cost and open to everyone.” Weiss will serve as host and moderator for the event.

According to the Riverside County Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, 2015 report: 28.8 percent of all people living with HIV in the Coachella Valley are 60 or older. From 2006 through 2015 over half of all HIV cases diagnosed in the Coachella Valley are among adults 45 years old or older. The average age of persons living with HIV in the Coachella Valley is 52.1 years, compared to 40.2 in the rest of the county.

The conference features four noted speakers who will each present a 20 minute program followed by a 10 minute Q&A. At noon a complimentary lunch will be served to all attendees.

“HIV and Aging: Risks and Resiliencies” presented by Jill Gover, Ph.D. Jill Gover is the Director of The Scott Hines Mental Health Clinic at The Center. She is a clinical psychologist, specializing in addiction, anxiety, depression, aging, and LGBT issues.

“Isolation of Older Americans” presented by Woody Bloch. Woody Bloch is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the Clinical Director at Jewish Family Service of the Desert. He also continues to provide counseling to children, adolescents, their families and adults and has done so for the last eleven years. Joining him is Judy Monetathchi, who is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Geriatric Case Manager at Jewish Family Service of the Desert. She currently counsels individuals and families, facilitates a women’s group on Healthy Relationships, and works with seniors on finding solutions to various needs they may have.

“Sexual Health and How to Talk to Your Provider” presented by Tulika Singh, MD., along with Eric Jannke, local HIV advocate. Dr. Singh is a Board Certified HIV Specialist, and an Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine Physician, working in HIV care since 2009. Prior to joining the Desert AIDS Project, she worked as a Primary Care and Infectious Disease Specialist at North Ottawa Community Hospital in Grand Haven, Michigan. Joining Dr. Singh on stage is Eric Jannke. He is an HIV advocate and serves in the leadership of Let’s Kick ASS (AIDS Survivor Syndrome) Palm Springs. He’s also a client volunteer for Desert AIDS Project.

“The Transition from Private Insurance to Medicare” presented by Roger Townsend. Roger Townsend, MD is a retired physician who has been a practicing anesthesiologist at the regional trauma center in Mission Viejo, CA. He retired to the Coachella Valley and has been a volunteer registered Medicare Counselor with HICAP for several years. Currently, Dr. Townsend regularly sees HICAP clients at the Palm Springs LGBT Center.

Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. TotalCare – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services. D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and free HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future. D.A.P. is rated a “Top 20 HIV Charity” by About.com. Visit: www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

Revivals Stores Announce CV Art Scene Co …

by Desert AIDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steven Henke
[email protected]
(760) 656-8401

Revivals Stores Announce CV Art Scene Collaboration

PS You Make It DIY Fashion Event August 19 at Palm Springs Fan Club

PALM SPRINGS, CA (August 14, 2017) – Revivals Stores and Sarah Scheideman — founder and executive director of The Coachella Valley Art Scene have partnered with Fashion Stylist Patrick Michael Lopaze to create a new POP-UP Event at Palm Springs Fan Club on Saturday, August 19. Palm Springs Fan Club is located next to ARRIVE Hotel in Palm Springs, CA.

Watch the promo video for PS You Make It

The DIY Fashion event will feature curated racks of denim, t-shirts and accessories selected by Patrick Michael Lopaze from Revivals Stores for the PS You Make It event. The stylist will be on hand to show attendees new ways to wear recycled fashion accessories. He currently appears in a Style Revival video series about creating your own style from found fashion — “Everything NEW is OLD again.”

Watch Patrick Michael Lopaze talk about PS You Make It

Guests of the event will be able to purchase t-shirts, accessories, or denim and customize them at the Coachella Valley Art Scene’s DIY table to apply their personal style. Proceeds will benefit Desert AIDS Project’s PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support Program).

The event will also feature an artist talk with Muralist and Illustrator, Sofia Enriquez. The Indio native will present her capsule collection of hand-painted garments from Revivals Stores.

Watch Sofia Enriquez talk about PS You Make It

Rafael Lopez aka DJ Alf Alpha will be spinning samples of vintage vinyl he’s collected at Revivals Stores combined with his own mix of new sounds during the event.

Watch Alf Alpha talk about his vinyl collection and PS You make It

The 21+ POP-UP event located at Palm Springs Fan Club is free and open to the public Saturday, August 19 from 1-4 PM. Palm Springs Fan Club is a cocktail lounge and event space located next to ARRIVE Hotel in Palm Springs at 1551 N Palm Canyon Drive.  Designed with a nod to the iconic wind farms just outside Palm Springs city limits, Palm Springs Fan Club is a playful and unique location for pop-ups, receptions, meetings, and weddings.

About Revivals Stores
Revivals has three locations – Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Palm Desert. The stores are largely staffed by volunteers who support our mission, which enables Revivals to make a significant financial contribution to the Desert AIDS Project.

Revivals Stores have become a destination for bargain hunters, designers, and style influencers looking for unique items and creative inspiration. Each store features the Mode at Revivals collection of new furniture, lighting, rugs, wall art and décor along with resale thrift, enabling shoppers to create their own personal space inspired by the stores Mixed-Century Modern vibe.

Revivals Stores won Best Furniture Store and Best Consignment / Resale Store in Desert Outlook Magazine’s 2017 Ultimate Pride Contest, Best Consignment / Resale Store in Desert Magazine’s 2017 Best of the Valley Contest and Best Consignment / Resale and Best Vintage Clothing Store in Palm Springs Life’s 2017 Best of the Best Contest.

Visit revivalsstores.com and desertaidsproject.org to learn more.

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Dining Out for Life Coachella Valley Rai …

by Desert AIDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steven Henke
[email protected]
(760) 656-8401

Dining Out for Life Coachella Valley Raises $230,000
Local Restaurants Support Desert AIDS Project

PALM SPRINGS, CA (July 12, 2017) More than sixty restaurants participated in Dining Out for Life Coachella Valley on April 27, raising $230,000 for client services at Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.). Because of the generosity of participating restaurant owners and diners, Desert AIDS Project ranks third in overall fundraising as compared to 52 other participating U.S. cities.

Leading the way locally in fundraising this year were LULU California Bistro, Spencer’s Restaurant, and Trio – raising a combined total of $55,399. Each of the top three participants have a long history of supporting Desert AIDS Project and other Coachella Valley non-profits. Five local restaurants donated 100% of their day’s proceeds to D.A.P. — Townie Bagels, 533 Viet Fusion, The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge, Ristretto for Coffee Lovers, and Rooster and the Pig. Diners at Rooster and the Pig were surprised to learn the entire wait staff had chosen to also donate their tips from the evening to raise funds for client services at Desert AIDS Project.

SAVE THE DATE: The 2018 Dining Out for Life event is Thursday, April 26.

Locally, an estimated 10,000 diners ate breakfast, lunch or dinner during the annual event which also happened in cities across the United States and Canada. Residents of the Coachella Valley woke to find all three news stations broadcasting LIVE from area restaurants during the morning news. “We really can’t underestimate the impact local media coverage had on increasing funds raised this year. Watching a LIVE broadcast reminded the entire valley to ‘Make One Meal Matter’, and it did,” said Desert AIDS Project’s Chief Development Officer, Darrell Tucci.

Click here for the Dining Out for Life website

Dining Out for Life is a national campaign held each year on the last Thursday in April throughout the United States and Canada to raise funds for AIDS Service Organizations. Generous participating restaurants in the Coachella Valley committed to contributing 33% or more of their food, beverage, and liquor gross sales to support Desert AIDS Project.

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services.  D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide free HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future.  D.A.P. has earned a “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator for the sixth consecutive year – landing D.A.P. in the top 6% of nonprofits rated. The distinction recognizes that we exceed industry standards in terms of our financial health, accountability and transparency. Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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Local restaurants ‘Make One Meal Matte …

by Desert AIDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steven Henke
[email protected]
(760) 656-8401

Dining Out for Life Coachella Valley is April 27
Local restaurants ‘Make One Meal Matter’ to benefit Desert AIDS Project

PALM SPRINGS, CA, (March 30, 2017) More than 60 restaurants across the Coachella Valley will ‘Make One Meal Matter’ on April 27 when they participate in Dining Out for Life 2017 supporting Desert AIDS Project. Locally, an estimated 10,000 diners will eat breakfast, lunch or dinner during the annual event which also happens in cities across the United State and Canada.

Click here for a list of all participating restaurants

Dining Out for Life is a national campaign held each year on the last Thursday in April throughout the United States and Canada to raise funds for AIDS Service Organizations. Generous participating restaurants in the Coachella Valley have committed to contribute 33% or more of their food, beverage, and liquor gross sales to support Desert AIDS Project on April 27.

“This is a unique opportunity for people to join the fight against HIV/AIDS. Just choose one of the participating restaurants and enjoy a meal with friends or family and enjoy a great meal. We are grateful to the restaurants that continue to support our mission and pleased to welcome many new ones this year.” said David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.).

Dining Out for Life has benefitted Desert AIDS Project for twelve years, raising $200,000 last year alone. It’s always been a popular event in the West Valley, but with the list of new participants this year, it has become a truly valley-wide event.

“The event generates community awareness of HIV / AIDS and supports Desert AIDS Projects mission to enhance health and well-being of our community.” Added Brinkman

Founded in 1984 in Palm Springs, California, as a volunteer response to the emerging AIDS crisis, Desert AIDS Project today is the largest nonprofit federally qualified health center in Palm Springs specializing in HIV care and prevention. The agency’s “Get Tested Coachella Valley” public health initiative is dedicated to ensuring that every teen and adult knows their HIV status and that those who test positive are connected to care. D.A.P. serves over 3,600 clients who reside in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties of Southern California.

“For more than 30 years, Desert AIDS Project has provided primary health care, dental, social services and nutrition to people living with HIV and AIDS. Fundraisers like Dining Out for Life help us serve the fifty new clients who walk through our doors every month” said Darrell Tucci, Chief Development Officer at Desert AIDS Project.

“Dining Out for Life is a fun event that brings our community together. Our volunteer ambassadors look forward to welcoming diners every year.   People don’t have to do anything special. We’re not asking anyone to do something out of the ordinary. We’re just asking people to ‘Make One Meal Matter’ by going out to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner with friends and family at participating restaurants.” Said George Nasci-Sinatra, Resource Development Event Manager at Desert AIDS Project.

Participating restaurants include (but are not limited to)  Townie Bagels, The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge, Pho 533, Ristretto For Coffee Lovers, Spencer’s Restaurant, Trio Restaurant, Chill Bar, Alicante Spanish American Cuisine, Bongo Johnny’s Patio Bar & Grille, LULU California Bistro, Over The Rainbow Cupcakes, Raw Remedy Organic Juice & Raw Food Bar, Rio Azul Mexican Bar & Grill, Sunshine Café, Zin American Bistro, Appetito Deli. Aspen Mills Bakery & Café, Bonta Restaurant & Bar, Catalan Mediterranean Restaurant, Chicken Ranch, Copley’s On Palm Canyon, Dickey’s Barbeque Pit- Palm Springs, dish Creative Cuisine, Draughtsman, Eight4Nine Restaurant, El Mirasol at Los Arboles, El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana, Escena Lounge & Grill, FARM, Firehouse Subs Palm Desert, Firehouse Subs Palm Springs, Fox & Fiddle California, Georgie’s Alibi/Azul, Guacamoles, Jake’s, JT’s Diner, Kaiser Grille Palm Desert, Kaiser Grille, Palm Springs, King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club, Maracas Cantina & Grill – Rancho Mirage, Maracas Mexican Cantina & Grill – Palm Springs, Pinocchio in the Desert, Purple Palm at Colony Palms Hotel, Reservoir, The Slice N.Y. Style Pizzeria Ristorante, SO•PA at L’Horizon Resort and Spa, Tipper’s Gourmet Marketplace, The Tropicale, Vicky’s of Santa Fe, Watercress Vietnamese Bistro, Blaze Pizza – Palm Desert, Blaze Pizza – Palm Springs, The Terrace at Hilton Palm Springs.

About Desert AIDS Project
Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is a Federally Qualified Health Center in Palm Springs, CA offering D.A.P. Total Care – a combination of medical, dental, counseling, social services, support groups, alternative therapies, in-house pharmacy and lab, and other health and wellness services.  D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK, offers STD testing and treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and free HIV and HCV testing. D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign, the nation’s first region-wide HIV testing and access to care initiative, was recognized by the White House for helping to bring about an AIDS-free future.  D.A.P. is rated a “Top 20 HIV Charity” by About.com. Visit www.desertaidsproject.org, www.thedockclinic.org, and www.gettestedcoachellavalley.org to learn more.

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Dining Out For Life® 2017 Participation …

by Desert AIDS

Dining Out For Life® is a national campaign held each year on the last Thursday of April throughout the United States and Canada to raise funds for AIDS Service Organizations. In your local community, the event benefits Desert AIDS Project. 2017 marks Desert AIDS Project’s 12th annual event. In 2016, Dining Out for Life raised $200,000 for client services at D.A.P.

Dining Out for Life 2017 will be marketed via more than 1.5 million media impressions leading up to the April 27 event.  We will be inviting supporters of Desert AIDS Project to make reservations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at participating restaurants to dine with their friends.  This annual event is an opportunity to introduce our community of supporters to your delicious menu.  Learn more about how this annual event can benefit your restaurant by downloading our Restaurant Participation Packet below.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE DOFL 2017 RESTAURANT PACKET

QUESTIONS? 
Contact George Nasci-Sinatra at 760.656.8435 or [email protected] 


Desert AIDS Walk October 22 Ruth Hardy P …

by Desert AIDS

The 30th Annual Desert AIDS Walk

PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 13, 2016) – In 1987, former First Lady Betty Ford, actor Kirk Douglas and his wife Ann lead the first steps of the Desert AIDS Walk. On October 22 over 2,000 community members will unite in Ruth Hardy Park to walk in the 30th Desert AIDS Walk in support Desert AIDS Project, presented by Desert Regional Medical Center.

Desert AIDS Project has grown from a small group of volunteers who founded D.A.P. in 1984 to one of the most comprehensive and respected AIDS service providers in the country. In the past 12 months, individuals seeking care at D.A.P has grown by an astounding 65%. 50 new patients walk thru the door every month.

This year’s walk events begin at 8 am on Saturday, October 22 in Ruth Hardy Park. DJ JC DiStefano will energize the park while walkers sign-in and explore the Health & Wellness Festival featuring over 40 vendor booths and a kids activity zone. The main stage will be emceed by 2016 Queen of the Desert, Tommi Rose and 2016 Queen of the Desert Fan Favorite Pinkie Meringue Shimmer.

Prior to stepping off on the walk, which follows a 2.5 mile route through downtown Palm Springs, walkers will enjoy live entertainment from headliner Pepper Mashay and local talent Marina Mac. Desert Winds Freedom Band will perform along Palm Canyon Drive as walkers pass by.

Congressman Raul Ruiz and Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon lead the group of distinguished community leaders and D.A.P. partners making remarks prior to the walk stepping off at 9:30am. Joining them will be Desert AIDS Project CEO David Brinkman, D.A.P. Board Chair Steve Kaufer Carolyn Caldwell, CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center, presenting sponsor of the 2016 Desert AIDS Walk.

 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

8:00    DJ welcomes walkers with energizing music.
Breakfast courtesy of Koffi

Health & Wellness Festival opens

8:30     David Brinkman, CEO Desert AIDS Project

Steve Kaufer, D.A.P. Board Chair

8:35     Robert Moon, Mayor Palm Springs

8:40     Raul Ruiz, Congressman

Carolynn Caldwell, CEO Desert Regional Medical Center

8:45     Urban Yoga Warm-Up

Marina Mac Performs

9:00     Pepper Mashay Performs

9:30     Walkers Step Off

10:30   Walkers Return to Park | Health & Wellness Festival | Live Performances Continue

Gay Mens Chorus Performs

Marina Mac Performs

Pepper Mashay Performs


2016 Desert AIDS Walk Sponsors

Presented by Desert Regional Medical Center.

Major sponsors: Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Gilead, Wells Fargo, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Eisenhower Medical Center, City of Palm Springs, MDVIP, The Desert Sun, KMIR, Desert Oasis Healthcare.

Other Sponsors include: Revivals, Jus Chillin, Koffi, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Zin American Bistro, United Way of the Desert, VIP Mobile Suites, The Standard Magazine, Gay Desert Guide, and CV Independent

About Desert AIDS Project

Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) serves our community with primary and HIV-specialty services, including medical care, case management, and social services, including food, housing, and counseling. D.A.P. also provides HIV prevention education and free and confidential HIV testing at dozens of community test sites and events through its Get Tested Coachella Valley campaign. They also offer The DOCK, a sexual health clinic, whose services include STD testing and treatment; PEP & PrEP education and referral to treatment; free and confidential HIV testing; and well woman exams. With new advances in treatment, improved access to care through health reform and new prevention technology, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), D.A.P. is committed to bringing the HIV epidemic to an end.

About Pepper Mashay

Pepper MaShay exploded on the dance scene in the summer of 2000 with her mega smash hit “Dive in the Pool” (the un-official theme song from Showtime’s Queer As Folk & best described as the “It’s Raining Men” of the 21st Century).

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DAVID KAPLAN & GLENN OSTERGAARD: PA …

by Desert AIDS

During the 2011 Steve Chase gala, the husband-and-husband team of David Kaplan and Glenn Ostergaard happily surprised everyone by donating more than $50,000 as a challenge to audience members to “Fund-A-Need” for the many HIV medical and social services offered by Desert AIDS Project. This wasn’t the first time David and Glenn demonstrated generosity to D.A.P. They originated the Platinum category of the Partners for Life annual giving program in 2004 – with a gift of $25,000 from the Brautigam/Kaplan Foundation. The Foundation was established by David to fund both the arts and AIDS-related causes in honor of his first partner, Richard Brautigam, who died of AIDS complications in 1989.

After growing up in New York and earning a BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, David’s credentials from San Francisco State University led him to teaching positions in schools in the Bay Area. Living in San Francisco for 35 years, David ran a successful international manufacturing company and served on the boards of the San Francisco Art Institute, Shanti Project, Names Project/AIDS Memorial Quilt, and is currently a board member emeritus of the San Francisco Ballet. After moving to Palm Springs, David was a board member of Desert AIDS Project during some of its earliest years. Currently, David is a board member of the Pilchuck Glass School, the Palm Springs Art Museum, and the Brautigam/Kaplan Foundation.

Glenn graduated with a BA in Fine Arts, focusing on art history and painting, from Montclair State University. After graduation, he helped develop a graduate intern program at the Museum of Contemporary Crafts, now called the Museum of Arts and Design. In 1975 he became the personal aide to the great American dancer Martha Graham, traveling internationally with her dance company. At Miss Graham’s suggestion, Glenn begin experimenting with three-dimensional forms, leading to the development of his pillow sculptures. ​ While maintaining an art career, Glenn also worked for a brokerage firm in Los Angeles for 20 years. Glenn has exhibited his paintings and sculpture in New York, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Palm Desert. His work is in many private and corporate collections. He is represented by Austin Art Projects in Palm Desert.

Together, David and Glenn are among the Founding Benefactors of the Kaplan-Ostergaard Glass Center at the Palm Springs Art Museum. In addition to their participation at the Museum, they have established a lending program from their personal glass collection, which comprises over 240 works, representing over 80 internationally-recognized glass artists.​

Thank you for a great evening of enterta …

by Desert AIDS

I hope that all of you who were at the 18th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala on Saturday, February 11 felt we delivered on our theme for the evening: “One Day – A Message of Hope.”

The tragic news of Whitney Houston’s death just shortly before the gala began shook some of the performers … but as true professionals, Queen Latifah, Wynonna Judd, Megan Mullally, and David Burnham all delivered incredible performances.

Our honorees – Peter Gallagher, Karolee Sowle, Andrew Green, Hydeia Broadbent, and Matt Bomer – delivered touching, inclusive acceptance speeches that reminded us that we’re all in this together. A special thanks to our incredible sponsors, donors, and volunteers who “walk that walk” every day through their generous donation of time, talent, and money to Desert AIDS Project.

The biggest news of the evening came when Annette Bloch announced a $1 MILLION gift to create the Annette Bloch Cancer Care Center at D.A.P.!!

Annette Bloch announces her gift of $1 million to D.A.P. for cancer care

Her news inspired others during the “Fund a Need” section of our live auction, raising an additional $120,000 for client care and social services. Those pledging $10,000 included John Conboy, Jim Burba and Bob Hayes, Michael Johnston and David Zippel, and Terri and Bart Ketover. Pledging $5,000 each were Earl Gauger, Jim Houston, Jim Hurley, Harold Matzner, Cookie and Mike Miller, and Kirstin Pollack.

Among those cheering the loudest was Jim Casey, CEO of Integrated Wealth Management, now in the fourth year of a five-year, million-dollar commitment as Presenting Sponsor of the annual gala. Jim and his gala co-chair, the resplendent Barbara Keller, have done an amazing job for the fourth consecutive year.

Although I’m not sure HOW they’re going to do it, they are promising to REALLY knock our socks off with next year’s gala … so put February 9, 2013 on your calendar now!!

Returning once again as Pinnacle Sponsor at $125,000 was Wells Fargo, represented by Tim Hanlon, attending the gala with his partner, Tony Klatt. Harold Matzner, Time Warner Cable, and Walgreens, each provided $50,000 as Producing Sponsors. Annette Bloch, Desert Regional Medical Center, and Helene Galen each contributed $25,000 for the third consecutive year as Award Sponsors, as did our Major Sponsors The Auen Foundation, Eisenhower Medical Center, Integrated Mortgage Management, and Union Bank. I hope you will join me in thanking and supporting all of these wonderful people and organizations. For a complete list of the gala’s Star and Supporting Sponsors, Benefactors, and Patrons, please see our website.

The live auction portion of the evening – raising $95,500 – included THREE catered affairs by LULU from Barbara and Jerry Keller and Wille Rhine, a VIP Experience for “The Book of Mormon” in New York City, a party package from Milan Tojagic of Shame on the Moon, and a car donated by FIAT of Palm Springs.

A final thank you to all of our media sponsors and the press that covered the gala. Thanks to them, we received incredible coverage in Palm Springs, nationwide through E! News, and around the world through Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. For more photos of the event, please visit the D.A.P. website, our Facebook page, or the Wire Image website.

The final accounting of the 18th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards is still being completed. We don’t yet know if we’ll achieve our goal of $1.5 million raised but we DO know – yet again – how incredibly fortunate we are to have the support of all of you.

Until there’s a cure …

David Brinkman, MBA
CEO, Desert AIDS Project