Puppies bring over $11,000 to D.A.P. – but are already priceless to their owners 

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – February 26, 2009)

“I have living proof that this was the best Steve Chase gala ever,” said Tom Jakway, as he watched his partner, Stephen Tripp, play on the floor with their new King Charles Cavalier Spaniel puppy. “Since we named this happy little boy ‘Chase,’ we’ll never forget Steve Chase and how he helped Desert AIDS Project begin to do all the good they continue to do for so many right here in our community.”

After submitting the top bid of $6,000 at Saturday night’s 15th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala, Jakway and Tripp chose the male puppy. His sister-littermate fetched $5,500 and found a new home with Charles Waldie.

“I’ve been coming to the Steve Chase gala since its very first year and have missed only a couple since then,” said Jakway. “I had a great deal of respect for Steve as an interior designer AND as a man who cared so much about how these desert cities responded to the AIDS crisis. He is a big part of why D.A.P. has been around for 25 years.”

Steve Chase was not only a major donor and board member but also a hard-working volunteer who brought an extraordinary level of support to Desert AIDS Project. He persuaded his friend and client, Joan Kroc, to donate the funds necessary to build D.A.P.’s very first medical clinic.

Although the totals are not yet fully tabulated from Saturday night’s event, D.A.P. expects to gross well in excess of $1 million. Heather James Gallery on El Paseo in Palm Desert donated $2,500 that covered some of the expenses involved with transporting and caring for the puppies prior to the live auction.

Desert AIDS Project is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers confidential HIV testing at a number of locations and widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or call 760-323-2118.