Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards kick-off at Sunnylands
Posted March 4th, 2011 – Press Releases
Although the newly renovated Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage is slated to open to visitors later this year – on “Eleven-Eleven-Eleven” – guests of Desert AIDS Project will only have to wait until Friday, March 11. That’s when an invitation-only VIP cocktail reception, hosted by Joan Collins and George Hamilton, will begin at 6:00 PM for next evening’s 17th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, presented by Integrated Wealth Management, at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
“The new Visitors Center, surrounded by a beautiful desert garden, is stunning. It’s a fitting tribute to the amazing community spirit and philanthropy that Walter and Leonore Annenberg continue to show, even after they’ve left us,” said David Brinkman, CEO of Desert AIDS Project. “There is no more fitting location for D.A.P. to recognize the contributions of humanitarians who continue to help battle HIV/AIDS, both locally and globally.”
Although the historic Annenberg home will not be open for viewing on March 11, D.A.P.’s VIP visitors will be able to view exhibits and interactive multimedia kiosks, as well as enjoy the spectacular views of the nine-acre gardens and Mt. San Jacinto beyond from the great room of the Center. Gala co-chairs Barbara Keller and Jim Casey, also members of the Board of Desert AIDS Project, will welcome guests and give a preview of the next evening’s events.
The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards honor both national and local leaders, as well as other celebrities dedicated to the mission of fighting HIV and AIDS. This year’s honorees include the iconic Dionne Warwick of “That’s what friends are for” fame; Pauley Perrette, social activist and star of “NCIS” on CBS-TV; Prof. Luc Montagnier, co-discover of HIV and winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize for Medicine; and local community leaders Patrick Jordan and Tammy Fox.
The gala on Saturday evening, beginning at 5:30 PM and also hosted by Joan Collins and George Hamilton, promises to be a musical extravaganza with selections by four-time-Tony-Award-winning Audra McDonald, Argentine tenor Ivan Gancedo, and the cast of “RENT.” Celebrities slated to appear include Ann-Margret, Diahann Carroll, Carol Channing, Jackie Collins, Linda Gray, Lorna Luft, Bob Mackie, Donna Mills, Della Reese, Jimmy Van Patten, Michael Weatherly, and others.
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 or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube.
The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, which operates the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating entity established by the Annenberg Foundation to hold high level retreats that address serious issues facing the nation and the world community and to educate the public on the historical significance of Sunnylands. More information may be found online at www.sunnylands.org.
