Jackie Lee Houston: Long-time friend to Desert AIDS Project
Posted September 16th, 2011 – Press Releases
(PALM SPRINGS, CA – September 16, 2011)
Like so many other organizations that felt the warmth and generosity of Jackie Lee Houston, Desert AIDS Project was deeply saddened by her recent death.
“We honored Jackie Lee, along with her wonderful husband Jim Houston, with our Partners for Life Award at the 2007 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards,” said David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project. “It was a fitting tribute on many levels – their long-standing philanthropy and support of D.A.P. client services, Jackie’s personal friendship with Steve Chase, and their membership in both our Partners for Life and 100 WOMEN annual giving programs.”
Mrs. Houston also gave to D.A.P. in the names of others – friends and staff – who might have found making such charitable gifts a hardship on their own. Much of this giving on the behalf of others, made without fanfare, was to the 100 WOMEN program, which helps women and children whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS.
While Mrs. Houston attended many Steve Chase galas and supported the Palm Springs AIDS Walk for many years, she particularly loved going to the shows put on by Les Dames du Soleil to support Desert AIDS Project. This troupe of comedic performers declared her an Honorary Dame in 2007. They also made her a White Satin Glove recipient, signed by the entire troupe of Dames and Dudes, in recognition of gift of $10,000 each at two consecutive shows.
“Testimony to her sense of fun and her determined spirit was never more evident than when she came to a show in a wheelchair festooned with flowers, sequins, and glitter,” continued Brinkman. “Truly, there was only one Jackie Lee Houston.”
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 free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations throughout the communities it serves. To learn more about Desert AIDS Project, please call 760-323-2118, visitwww.desertaidsproject.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube.
