Party to thank sponsors and major donors of the 18th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards
Posted February 3rd, 2012 – Press Releases
(PALM SPRINGS, CA – February 2, 2012)
On the eve of the annual return of “The Steve Chase” to the Palm Springs Convention Center, Heather James Gallery will be filled with beautiful music – as well members of D.A.P.’s 100 WOMEN and Partners for Life major donor programs and the generous Steve Chase sponsors who help to make it all possible. The invitation-only party begins at 6:00 PM on Friday, February 10th.
Local community honorees, Karolee Sowle and Fr. Andrew Green, respectively receiving the 100 WOMEN Award and Partners for Life Award for 2012, will join those being entertained by a troupe of Broadway singers and performers brought together for the evening by Live It Up Productions. All of them will be singing back-up roles the following evening for Queen Latifah, Wynonna Judd, and David Burnham at the gala. Some of the performers’ credits include lead roles in Broadway shows such as Hairspray, RENT, The Lion King, Cats, Sunset Boulevard, and tours with the legendary Bette Midler and Matthew Morrison of TV’s GLEE.
The dynamic co-chair team of Barbara Keller and Jim Casey has made sure to ratchet up the entertainment value of the gala each of the four years they’ve been at the helm. But they know they wouldn’t have a chance of beating last year’s total raised of $1.35 million if it weren’t for the support of D.A.P.’s donors and sponsors.
“As much hard work as it is putting a gala like this together, it’s incredibly satisfying as well,” said Casey. “But hitting these fundraising totals is more than just a challenge for the entire committee that makes Barbara and I look so good. These funds are essential to making sure that Desert AIDS Project doesn’t miss a day of providing essential AIDS services, as well as free and confidential HIV testing to slow the infection rate.”
As CEO of Integrated Wealth Management, presenting sponsor of the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, Casey has made a five-year, million dollar commitment to Desert AIDS Project through the annual gala. Others have also renewed their commitment, while some new sponsors have joined the effort. These include Wells Fargo as Pinnacle Sponsor; Producing Sponsors Harold Matzner, Time Warner Cable, and Walgreens, Award Sponsors Annette Bloch, Desert Regional Medical Center, and Helene Galen; Major Sponsors The Auen Foundation, Eisenhower Medical Center, Integrated Mortgage Management, and Union Bank; plus a long list of Supporting Sponsors, Benefactors, and Patrons.
“As Desert AIDS Project fights complacency and helps clients overcome the stigma that, remarkably, still exists after 30 years of AIDS, we are so grateful to the sponsors who help make this gala possible,” said Keller. “With their help, we think this year’s gala will be the best yet.”
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, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
