Local Philanthropy Posts

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

PALM SPRINGS, CA (January 19, 2018) – This year’s awards will shine a bright spotlight on local community members who’ve dedicated their time, talent and energy to ensuring Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) is able to provide compassionate care to those who need it most. We are excited to announce Tony Marchese, owner of Trio Restaurant, will receive the Partners for Life Award, and Dr. Shubha Kerkar, Sr. Physician Specialist, will be recognized with the 100 Women Award.

Click here to reserve your place at the party for the 24th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards or call 760-992-0445.

Now in its 24^th year, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala has raised millions of dollars to care for people living with HIV.  First organized by and named for famed interior designer Steve Chase – a former D.A.P. donor, volunteer, and board member – the gala is a highlight of the desert social season and preceded the night prior by an exclusive VIP pre-party honoring major donors and celebrity guests.

Tony Marchese is the co-producer, with Palm Springs Life Magazine, of the Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival, a weekend-long event with over 4000 guests and growing. He also serves on the boards of Palm Springs Hospitality Association, and AAP Food Samaritans. He has supported Desert AIDS Project for many years by competing in Dancing with the Desert Stars, raising funds for Desert AIDS Walk as ‘Team Trio’, and participating in the annual Dining Out for Life Event.  More than sixty restaurants participated in Dining Out for Life Coachella Valley in 2017, raising $230,000 for client services at D.A.P. Because of the generosity of participating restaurant owners and diners, D.A.P.ranks third in overall fundraising as compared to 52 other participating U.S. cities. Trio Restaurant is consistently in the top three of local fundraising restaurants donating 60% of revenue that day to Desert AIDS Project.

Tony’s early career was in Chicago where he was both a successful restauranteur and real estate professional. He won awards for both Top 20 Best New Restaurants in Chicago Magazine for his upscale Brazilian Restaurant, Rhumba, and top sales awards for 15 years for his Keller Williams Office.

At age 40, Tony decided to leave the cold and move to Palm Springs. He continued in real estate but realized that people come to Palm Springs for the experience, and his true passion was reborn in the restaurant business. He opened Trio restaurant, “Where Palm Springs Eats,” with Mark Van Lannen in 2009.  Mark decided to take a business turn toward a fine foods market and left Trio in 2017. TRIO has garnered recognition as one of Palm Springs’ top restaurants and hot spots by numerous lifestyle and travel publications and websites. Shortly after their grand opening, TRIO was named one of Palm Springs Best New Restaurants by Palm Springs Life Magazine in 2010. TRIO is also listed among TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Percent of Restaurants Worldwide, Open Table’s Top 100 Hot Spots in America, 2017 Expert Choice Award and is Zagat Rated as Very Good to Excellent. Since then Tony has also expanded his business opportunities into Liquid Catering- a full-service beverage and event catering business.

Tony is very excited about what’s coming next for him; he is partnering with Chef Andrew Copley and Juliana Copley of Copley’s restaurant to create a new restaurant experience in Palm Desert, CA, called AC3 Restaurant + Bar, New American food with a twist. Opening January 2018.

Dr. Shubha Kerkar has been making the lives of D.A.P. clients better for 25 years. She moved to Palm Springs in 1990 after completing her medical degree in Philadelphia, specializing in internal medicine at Episcopal Hospital, followed by a fellowship in infectious diseases at Hahnemann University Hospital. She started her career as an infectious diseases consultant and served as Director of Infection Control at Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC). Soon after, she began volunteering at D.A.P., at the time only a small clinic on Vella Road near the airport. In 1993, she joined D.A.P. as a part-time infectious disease consultant. In 2008, she became one of the founding members of the 100 Women Charitable Foundation, which provides assistance to women and children with HIV/AIDS.

In her early career at D.A.P., when AIDS was a death sentence, she worked toward setting up an HIV/ AIDS Health Center at DRMC, to care for D.A.P. clients who needed hospitalization and hospice care. With modern medicine, her practice has evolved into skilled management for many of these clients, allowing them to lead healthy, productive lives. She is also involved with research into newer medicines; those able to cure infections such as Hepatitis C.

Dr. Kerkar is Board Certified in Infectious Diseases and for 12 years has maintained certification and credentialing by the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVS). She has been nominated as the Top Doctor in Infectious Diseases by Castle Connelly Survey every year since 2005 and has received multiple Palm Springs Life Top Doctor Awards in the Specialty of Infectious Diseases. Dr. Kerkar is on active staff at Desert Regional Medical Center and Eisenhower Medical Center.

Co-chairs Patrick Jordan and Lauri Kibby will join Senator Barbara Boxer on February 10 when they welcome more than 1,500 D.A.P. supporters at the 2018 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards benefitting Desert AIDS Project. The party begins with red carpet arrivals LIVE on KMIR and KESQ at the Palm Springs Convention Center at 5:30 pm. A new red carpet fashion experience will feature Palm Springs Fashion Editor, Susan Stein, Ethylina Canne, and Salvador Camarena. The awards kick off at 7:00 PM and will feature En Vogue as headline entertainment and Thelma Houston at the after-party.

Powerful momentum is now building towards a new narrative on HIV treatment and a new, final, ambitious, but achievable target: 90-90-90: Treatment for All

By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status.
People can carry the HIV virus for years and not know it.  The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.  Your support enables D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley program to provide free and confidential HIV testing at hundreds of community events and dozens of test sites – from health fairs and food banks to Walgreens and D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK.

By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy.
Thanks to attendance at the Steve Chase and other fundraising events, Desert AIDS Project ensures that newly-diagnosed HIV positive patients receive the medications they need to survive and thrive, and regular follow-ups to safeguard their well-being.  D.A.P.’s Patient Assistance Program secures critical HIV and other medications at reduced cost.

By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.
To suppress the virus to an undetectable level, an individual must start on medication as early as possible and stay on it for a lifetime. This can be challenging when facing other serious challenges.  That’s the driving force behind D.A.P. Total Care – the comprehensive combination of health and wellness services which are uniquely tailored to each individual – including medical, dental, mental health, social services, support groups, substance abuse counseling, and much more – all conveniently provided under one roof at D.A.P.’s Palm Springs location.

Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2018 Schedule of Events February 10, 2018

5:30 PM
Red Carpet Arrivals
Cocktails
Silent Auction

 

 

7:00 PM
Dinner
Awards
Entertainment
En Vogue

 

 

 

 

 

 

9:30 PM
After Party featuring Thelma Houston

 

 

 

 

2018 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Sponsors

PRODUCING: Harold Matzner, Walgreens

MAJOR: Desert Regional Medical Center, Eisenhower Medical Center, Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Reaction Marketing, The Desert Sun, Wells Fargo Foundation

STAR: Annette Bloch, Elgart Aster & Paul Swerdlove, KMIR, Renova Energy

SUPPORTING: Mark Adams, AFR Furniture Rentals, Black Book, Brush Palm Springs, Chill Bar, Desert Oasis Healthcare, Wade & Henry Bull Foundation, ITEX of the Desert Empire, Patrick Jordan, Lauri Kibby, Kaiser Permanente, Barbara & Jerry Keller, Lyft, Renaissance Hotel, Savoury’s, Gregory E. Seller, Bruce Strohm, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine

BENEFACTOR: 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Barkingham Palace, Karen & Tony Barone, Diageo, Gilead, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, Laboratory Corporation of America, Loan Depot, County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Ann Sheffer & Bill Scheffler, Spectrum, Bruce & Ann Strohm, Sysco-Riverside, Union Bank of California Foundation

MEDIA: CV Independent, Gay Desert Guide, Palm Springs Life, The Standard, Here Media, The Hollywood Times

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

PALM SPRINGS, CA (December 29, 2017) – Co-chairs  Patrick Jordan and Lauri Kibby will join Senator Barbara Boxer on February 10 when they welcome more than 1,500 D.A.P. supporters at the 2018 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards benefitting Desert AIDS Project. The party begins with red carpet arrivals at the Palm Springs Convention Center at 5:30pm.

To reserve your place at the party for the 24th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, go to https://stevechasehumanitarianawards2018.eventbrite.com or call (760) 992-0445.

Now in its 24^th year, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala has raised millions of dollars to care for people living with HIV. First organized by and named for famed interior designer Steve Chase – a former D.A.P. donor, volunteer, and board member – the gala is a highlight of the desert social season and preceded the night prior by an exclusive VIP pre-party honoring major donors and celebrity guests.

“Your compassionate support empowers Desert AIDS Project to think globally and act locally,” said David Brinkman, CEO.  “By joining us at the Steve Chase, you join us in our commitment to 90-90-90, the ambitious treatment target to help end the AIDS epidemic.”

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), many strategies will be needed to close the book on the AIDS epidemic, and one thing is certain. It will be impossible to end the epidemic without bringing HIV treatment to all who need it. By 2020, the goal is that 90 percent of all people who have HIV/AIDS know their status, are on treatment and will have viral suppression.

Kibby is raising the bar on this year’s red carpet arrivals. “The red carpet has become a party in its own right and we’re looking for ways to include all attendees this year.”

Palm Springs Life Magazine had this to say about last year’s gala: “The Chase has a reputation among trendsetters as one of the few gala events where attendees are encouraged to have fun and take risks with fashion … and the guests did not disappoint. Black sequins and Mr. Turk dinner jackets were de rigueur for many men, as were well-fitted and accessorized tuxedos (which held their own alongside long gowns and sexy short dresses).”

This year’s Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will be hosted by Ross Mathews. Mathews has established himself as one of the most in-demand television personalities hosts and pop culture experts in the entertainment arena today. Endearing and witty, Mathews has won the hearts of millions of Americans since his television debut – as a correspondent for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Mathews can be seen as a judge on the smash hit LOGO series “RuPaul’s Drag Race”. Mathews is also a fixture on “E! News” and E! Network’s live red carpet award show coverage year round. He was most recently seen hosting E!’s “Live From E!”. He was also the host of “Hello Ross”, a weekly fan destination where the intersections of celebrity gossip and pop culture collide, giving a unique viewpoint into the latest Hollywood news. Mathews can also be heard weekly on his top-rated, PodcastOne show “Straight Talk with Ross Mathews”.

Chief Development Officer, Darrell Tucci is excited about this year’s entertainment. “I think we’re going to see a room full of friends singing along to the hits of headline entertainment En Vogue.”

The group has never been afraid to break the mold and step ‘outside’ the norm. From “Free Your Mind” to “My Lovin”, they have been trendsetters in music and style. Today, affectionately known as the “original funky divas”, they are redefining the idea of beauty and what it means, beyond the traditional sense, with their distinctive fusion of music and style.

Recognized as one of the top five highest selling American female music groups in history, En Vogue has sold more than 20 million albums and effortlessly transitioned into the digital age, amassing more than 30 million streams and more than 26 million YouTube views on their top six hit singles alone: the R&B and Pop smash hits Hold On, Free Your Mind, Never Gonna Get It, Giving Him Something He Can Feel, and Don’t Let Go.

Contrary to popular belief, En Vogue has never disbanded. As true music veterans who have withstood ever-changing music industry fads and trends, the group continues to record and perform worldwide with original members Cindy Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis, and newest member, Rhona Bennett.

“We find total freedom and fulfillment when we hit the stage,” Cindy Herron-Braggs says. “It’s the ultimate connection with our fans. It’s about the energy you receive, the love, and the reciprocation from the message in the music.”

Attendees of The Chase know to pace themselves during the evening so they have energy left for its famous after-party, which will feature a DJ, a performance by Thelma Houston, and a series of tightly guarded surprises revealed as guests dance the night away in a lounge created inside the Palm Springs Convention Center. Guests of the after party can expect her signature blend of high- energy dance classics and soulful ballads.

Thelma Houston may be best known for the worldwide success of her disco anthem “Don’t Leave Me This Way”, but her support of AIDS Services organizations is also legendary. She is known for her dedication to humanitarian causes, including tireless efforts in the battle against AIDS and deep commitments to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). In 2013, the City of West Hollywood named January 29th “Thelma Houston Day” in recognition of her many charitable activities.

Powerful momentum is now building towards a new narrative on HIV treatment and a new, final, ambitious, but achievable target: 90-90-90: Treatment for All.

By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status.

People can carry the HIV virus for years and not know it.  The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.  Your support enables D.A.P.’s Get Tested Coachella Valley program to provide free and confidential HIV testing at hundreds of community events and dozens of test sites – from health fairs and food banks to Walgreens and D.A.P.’s sexual health clinic, The DOCK.

By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy.

Thanks to attendance at the Steve Chase and other fundraising events, Desert AIDS Project ensures that newly-diagnosed HIV positive patients receive the medications they need to survive and thrive, and regular follow-ups to safeguard their well-being.  D.A.P.’s Patient Assistance Program secures critical HIV and other medications at reduced cost.

By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

To suppress the virus to an undetectable level, an individual must start on medication as early as possible and stay on it for a lifetime. This can be challenging when facing other serious challenges.  That’s the driving force behind D.A.P. Total Care – the comprehensive combination of health and wellness services which are uniquely tailored to each individual – including medical, dental, mental health, social services, support groups, substance abuse counseling, and much more – all conveniently provided under one roof at D.A.P.’s Palm Springs location.

Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2018 Schedule of Events February 10, 2018

5:30 PM
Red Carpet Arrivals
Cocktails
Silent Auction

7:00 PM
Dinner
Awards
Entertainment
En Vogue

9:30 PM
After Party featuring Thelma Houston

2018 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Sponsors

PRODUCING: Harold Matzner, Walgreens

MAJOR: Desert Regional Medical Center, Eisenhower Medical Center, Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Reaction Marketing, The Desert Sun, Wells Fargo Foundation

STAR: Annette Bloch, Elgart Aster & Paul Swerdlove, KMIR, Renova Energy

SUPPORTING: Mark Adams, AFR Furniture Rentals, Desert Oasis Healthcare, Wade & Henry Bull Foundation, ITEX of the Desert Empire, Patrick Jordan, Lauri Kibby, Kaiser Permanente, Barbara & Jerry Keller, Lyft, Renaissance Hotel, Savoury’s, Gregory E. Seller, Bruce Strohm, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine

BENEFACTOR: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Karen & Tony Barone, Diageo, Gilead, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, Laboratory Corporation of America, Loan Depot, Ann Sheffer & Bill Scheffler, Spectrum, Bruce & Ann Strohm, Sysco-Riverside, Union Bank of California Foundation

MEDIA: CV Independent, Gay Desert Guide, Palm Springs Life, The Standard, Here Media, The Hollywood Times

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

2017 World AIDS Day Celebration
Everyday Heroes Honors Local Community Members In Action

PALM SPRINGS, CA (November 1, 2017) On World AIDS Day 2017, Desert AIDS Project will honor four community members who’ve made it their mission to get into action by supporting its mission to enhance and promote the health and well-being of our community. This year marks the fourth year that D.A.P. will celebrate World AIDS Day by shining a spotlight on unsung local heroes. The event will be hosted by Bruce Vilanch and feature a special performance by Broadway’s James Snyder.

“World AIDS Day is a day many of us take time to remember those lost and to renew our resolve to take action moving forward,” says Darrell Tucci, our Chief Development Officer. “Everyday Heroes is meant to remember and honor the everyday person going to extraordinary lengths to support those living with HIV and to bring an end to the epidemic. We’ll be honoring people who contribute their time and talent to supporting the mission of Desert AIDS Project.”

This year, attendees will applaud Art Hall, Lynn Hammond, Mathew Stocker and Tom Oliver and the recipient of the First Annual State Farm Good Neighbor Award.

Nominations for the First Annual State Farm Good Neighbor Award can be made until November 3 at www.desertaidsproject.org/everyday-heroes-nomination

The evening of Champagne toasts, awards and entertainment, starts at 5:30 p.m. at Camelot Theatres on Baristo Road in Palm Springs.  This year’s event welcome’s back Event Co-Chairs, Terri Ketover, Ann Sheffer, and Tom Truhe. Michael Childers is Honorary Chair. The event will be produced by Frank Goldstin of Momentous Events and catered by LULU California Bistro.

Art Hall, most well known as the proprietor of First Gallery in Rancho Mirage has been on the front lines of the AIDS epidemic since the early 1980’s when he would volunteer at the hospital to feed AIDS patients. Over time he brought his love of art to Desert AIDS Project, curating both D.A.P.’s original offices and our current ones with the magical art collection from Steve Chase. Ever since, Art has framed every piece of donated art to D.A.P. for free, helping the organization raise countless thousands of dollars to serve our clients.

Lynn Hammond, of Palm Springs, is often the quiet person in the kitchen donating delicious food for countless fundraising, staff and client events for Desert AIDS Project and many other local and national non-profit organizations. Lynn also serves on the leadership committee for our Partners for Life giving program and currently serves as Co-Chair of the annual Palm Springs HRC Garden Party.

Mathew Stocker and Tom Oliver are voracious volunteers for Desert AIDS Project and other local non-profits. Their volunteerism has become so prolific that it is not unusual to find Matt and Tom volunteering at multiple events in the same evening. From serving food and beverage, to checking in guests, they help D.A.P. and dozens of other organizations by being the good will ambassadors who greet everyone with their signature smile and welcoming demeanor.

We invite you to join us, not just today as we commemorate World AIDS Day, but every day. Let’s End It. End Isolation. End Stigma. End HIV Transmission.

WHAT: EVERYDAY HEROES
WHEN: DECEMBER 1, 2017 5:30pm
WHERE: CAMELOT THEATRES, PALM SPRINGS
WHY: A WORLD AIDS DAY CELEBRATION SALUTING THE VALLEY’S EVERYDAY HEROES
TICKETS: $40 General, $75 Preferred, $150 VIP www.desertaidsproject.org/event

Schedule of Events
5:30 Champagne Reception
6:30 Awards Show and Entertainment featuring James Snyder and Bruce Vilanch
8:10 Cocktail & Hors d’oeuvres Reception

2017 Everyday Heroes Sponsors

Major Sponsors:   Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation, Momentous Events, Lulu California Bistro, Trick Dog Films, Sanctuary Palm Springs, The Desert Sun, AFR Event Furnishings, Compass Rose Financial, Gilead

Award Sponsors:   Eight 4 Nine Restaurant & Lounge, Contempo Lending, Canyon Pacific Insurance

Media Sponsors:   The Standard Magazine, Outrageous City, CV Independent, Gay Desert Guide, Promo Homo TV, GED Magazine, Hollywood Times

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

Wine and Design Event September 16
Benefitting Desert AIDS Project’s Artist Program

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 1, 2017) For their first event of the season on September 16, Wine & Design will feature Desert AIDS Project’s Client Artist Program. Initiated by D.A.P.’s Valerio Iovino, Associate Director of Personal Development and Wellness, the Artist Program provides exhibition opportunities for local artists by partnering with local organizations and businesses, including Gallery500 on South Palm Canyon Drive. These opportunities bolster sales and income for the participating artists who often rely on these sales for income.

WHAT: Wine & Design Event
WHERE: Tippers Gourmet Marketplace 276 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CA
WHEN: Saturday, September 16 3PM – 5PM
WHY: Benefiting Desert AIDS Project’s Artist Program

The community is invited to learn more about D.A.P.’s Client Artist Program during a Q&A and discussion with Valerio Iovino during the event that will feature presentations from local artists.

Co-produced by Felix Tipper (Tipper’s Gourmet Marketplace) and Scott Holman (Scott Holman Creative), Wine & Design is a monthly, informal social and networking event that aims to provide opportunities for mini-fundraising, advocacy and awareness that reflect the two business industries they represent: design and food/wine. Both producers, being Palm Springs residents and business owners, want to support the community, city and region they love. Events will take place each month on a Saturday afternoon from September through May.

About Felix Tipper and Tipper’s Gourmet Marketplace:

TGM is an artisan deli and caterer that offers custom, made-to-order breakfast and lunch items as well as market products such as cheeses, olives and wines. The shop opened in Palm Springs in the summer of 2016 and has built a steady following ever since.

For more information about Tipper’s Gourmet Marketplace – www.tippersgourmetmarketplace.com

About Scott Holman Creative

Based in Palm Springs, Scott Homan Creative (SHC) provides creative direction, graphic design and visual brand development for clients ranging from small businesses to global corporations. Holman’s more than 25 years of diverse experience includes both print and digital projects in a variety industries such as travel/hospitality, retail, food and entertainment, finance, tech, small business and non-profit.

About From Zero to 500: Desert AIDS Project’s Client Art Program

Sometimes conventional goals take unconventional paths. In late 2015, Valerio Iovino, Associate Director of Personal Development and Wellness for Desert AIDS Project, assumed leadership of the agency’s effort to help clients find work—many of whom are HIV+ men who have been on disability and have not worked in years.

“I noticed that many clients were actually artists who were seeking to make a living from their artwork. And I knew that the skills and experiences of artists can make it more difficult to place them in conventional jobs,” said Iovino.  “So I began researching the local art market and how artists get into galleries so they could sell their work.”

“Partnering with another local non-profit organization, we organized the first art show in November 2015 in a community venue. For thirty days, sixteen clients exhibited their artwork, resulting in sales of          $6, 000,” recalled Iovino. “ Building on the outcomes of this show, we organized a second show in March 2016, attracting thirty exhibitors and hundreds of visitors, resulting in sales of $22,000, along with an additional show in December 2016 held at Desert Patio furniture store in Rancho Mirage,” he continued.

Spurred by their success, the D.A.P. client artist collaborated to launch a gallery program beginning in the fall of 2016 at Gallery500. This exhibition of D.A.P. client art at Gallery500, located in the Five Hundred on South Palm Canyon, was inspired by collaboration between the building’s owner, John Monahan and Iovino.

“I was thrilled to work with Valerio and the client artists at D.A.P. as part of the launch of Gallery 500 in our newly renovated building,” said Monahan. “Having their work featured in this iconic landmark provides a sophisticated environment for professionals, clients, and guests.

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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