The Power of Community
Hundreds march in solidarity with DAP Health at its 2024 Health Equity Walk.
Words by Daniel Vaillancourt / Photos by David A. Lee
On Saturday, October 26, Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs buzzed with energy and excitement as the DAP Health Equity Walk brought together hundreds of community members, advocates, sponsors, families — and dogs. Lots and lots of dogs!
The event — presented by Desert Care Network — was designed to raise awareness and support for health equity and accessible care for all, offering a unique blend of entertainment, inspiration, community engagement, physical activity, and festive fun for all ages.
A Cause That Unites the Community
Health equity means providing everyone with fair opportunities to achieve their full health potential, regardless of income, race, language barriers, transportation issues, or other social drivers of health. DAP Health, a nonprofit organization committed to eliminating health disparities, organized the walk — its 35th annual, originally known as the Desert AIDS Walk — to highlight this important issue and engage the community in its mission. The event gave participants a way to contribute meaningfully to this cause while enjoying an uplifting and fun-filled day.
The walk kicked off early, with festivities beginning at 7:30 a.m., giving attendees plenty of time to register and soak in the atmosphere while DJ Modgirl did her thing, spinning invigorating tunes.
The Health & Wellness Village sponsored by Wagreens was made up of some 40 community organization booths dispensing knickknacks and information, coffee and breakfast goodies was provided gratis by Sysco and Koffi, and a multitude of friends old and new — many with family members and pets in tow — chatted with one another under the sunny blue sky. Both longtime supporters of DAP Health and those new to the organization came together to participate in this significant event.
A Morning Filled with Activities
The cooler-than-usual day started off on a refreshing note with a yoga session led by Kristin Olson and the Urban Yoga Warriors at 7:45 a.m. This gentle, centering start helped participants prepare for the day’s activities, offering a moment of mindfulness and relaxation.
Emcees Olivia Sandusky and Mark Mester, evening anchors at NBC Palm Springs, then introduced DAP Health CEO David Brinkman, who took to the stage to warmly welcome attendees.
“With your support, DAP Health cared for more than 84,000 people in the past 12 months. That’s what it takes to fill the Acrisure Arena three times over,” he pointed out, adding that the nonprofit’s vision is a world where every person achieves their full potential, a goal that is absolutely in line with the agency’s founders’ intention when they created Desert AIDS Project (as DAP Health was then known) 40 years ago.
“I know there is fear that DAP Health’s growth could dilute our commitment, and I want you to know that our focus on ending HIV has never been greater,” Brinkman continued. “Through our expansion, we’ve grown from one HIV clinic and one prevention clinic to six clinics focused not only on caring for our community as they age with HIV, but to preventing new infections. And we are not stopping here.”
After Desert Care Network, Revivals, and Walgreens presented DAP Health with checks of $25,000, $20,000 and $8,058, respectively, an energetic pre-walk warmup was led by Ted Guice, Michael Koth, and the G Force Team, ensuring everyone was pumped and ready to go.
At 8:45 a.m., the main event began as the walkers passed under the starting line banner, eager to show their support for health equity. The route was designed to be accessible, allowing participants of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the walk together. Walkers returned around 10:15 a.m., greeted by applause, cheers, and an array of festivities awaiting them at the park.
A Vibrant Health & Wellness Village
One of the highlights of the Health Equity Walk is always the Health & Wellness Village, sponsored by Walgreens. It’s a tradition that sees those in attendance soaking up all the useful information served up by the various community organizations that show up bright and early.
Additionally, the booths offered interactive and educational experiences suitable for all ages, making health a fun and approachable topic for families. Many participants took advantage of the free services provided by DAP Health and its partners, gaining valuable insights into managing their health proactively.
Dance, Song, and Canine Fashion
The Health Equity Walk wasn’t just a walk; it was a full-blown celebration. The post-walk entertainment lineup included live performances by the Nickerson-Rossi Dance Academy and the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, adding a layer of artistic vibrancy to the event. Their shows resonated with themes of unity and inclusivity, mirroring the spirit of the day.
No community event would be complete without a little bit of whimsy, and the DAP Health Equity Walk delivered with a delightful Doggie Fashion Show, hosted by Dee Calmett. Pups of all shapes and sizes donned creative costumes, adding a playful twist to the event. The crowd was all smiles, cheering on the furry contestants as they strutted their stuff, showcasing both style and personality.
The four-legged stars added a warm, family-friendly element to the event, as did rescue animals Cooper and Berno, who sat in the Doggie Kissing Booth offering smooches and receiving tummy rubs for a suggestion donation of $5 dollars. Each was pawsitively adorable!
Splashing for a Good Cause
For those looking to make an even bigger splash, the event featured a Make-a-Splash Dunk Tank Challenge that began at 11:00 a.m. Attendees lined up to pitch (and hopefully hit the target) to soak local personalities such as Brinkman, Mester, and Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills.
This challenge not only provided entertainment but also helped raise additional funds for DAP Health’s mission, making it a fun way to give back.
A Day to Remember
The DAP Health Equity Walk wrapped up by 1:00 p.m., leaving attendees with memories of a day filled with unity, hope, and inspiration. As they left, participants were reminded of the significance of health equity and the importance of continued support for DAP Health, which works tirelessly to bridge disparities in the community, leading the way toward a healthier, fairer future for all. It’s estimate that the event netted the organization more than $186,000.
Again, a HUGE THANK YOU to our sponsors:
Presenting sponsor Desert Care Network
Health & Wellness Village Sponsor Walgreens
Major Sponsors NBC Palm Springs and Revivals
Starting Line Sponsor Gilead
Finish Line Sponsors Community Federal Credit Union and Palm Springs Disposal Services
Community Sponsors Nickerson Rossi Dance and Eisenhower Health
Snack-a-Gogo Sponsors Coffee and Southern California Sysco
Media Sponsors Alpha Media, LocaliQ/The Desert Sun, KGAY/KMEE, and The Hollywood Times