Evening Under the Stars’ Garden Party with Special Guest Debby Holiday
By Tim O’Bayley
Food Samaritans is delighted to announce that its upcoming Evening Under the Stars Garden Party will be held on Sunday, October 13 in the picturesque setting of Brad Lampley and Rigo Lomeli’s Old Las Palmas estate. This enchanting event promises to be an exquisite evening of philanthropy, entertainment, and community camaraderie.
The highlight of the evening will be a special performance by the acclaimed singer-songwriter, Debby Holiday. Known for her soul-stirring music and captivating stage presence, Holiday will serenade guests under the starlit sky, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of joy and inspiration.
AAP – Food Samaritans’ successful ‘re-boot’ of Evening Under the Stars last October was well received. The garden party format event raised funds to help AAP – Food Samaritans support its critically needed programs that provide food for low-income people living with chronic illnesses in Palm Springs and surrounding communities.
C.E.O. Mark Anton said of the event’s format: “Post COVID, the event was reimagined, and in 2023 we brought it back to our roots and had a celebration in one of the most spectacular estates in Palm Springs, featuring abundant food and drink and a $200 ticket price that was more in line with our grass-roots nature.
This October, in celebration of our supporters, we are honored to present Community Impact Awards to Bonnie and Alan Cashman, Nino Eilets, and Ruta Lee. We recognize their long-standing partnerships with us and all that they do in the community. We’ll complete the evening with a special performance by the superb Debby Holiday whose talent and generosity align perfectly with our mission to provide nutritional support to individuals facing chronic illnesses in our community.
Please join us on Sunday, October 13 for another magical evening. We are currently seeking event sponsorships, which will enable us to keep the ticket price at $200 each.”
The event emcee will be Emmy award winner Brooke Beare, joined by celebrity auctioneer Lenny Broberg. Sponsorship opportunities, more information about the honorees, and tickets for the Evening Under the Stars are available now at aapfoodsamaritans.org, offering an opportunity for attendees to support a worthy cause while enjoying an enchanting evening of music and celebration.
About Evening Under The Stars
AAP – Food Samaritans was originally founded in 1991 as AIDS Assistance Program with the goal of helping the most at-risk members of the Greater Palm Springs community – people who are low-income and compromised by HIV/AIDS. The organization has since expanded its services to include people suffering from cancer, MS, heart or liver disease, and other chronic illnesses. Its ongoing mission is to ensure that all AAP – Food Samaritans clients can continue to live their lives with dignity and self-respect.
The organization was initiated by a small group of concerned citizens led by the late Gloria Greene (who began feeding these desperate souls from out of the back door of her restaurant) and Jeannette Rockefeller and remains a grass roots community-based organization. It is led by a very small staff and a volunteer board of directors who work to assure that the largest percentage of every donated dollar goes directly to client services. AAP raises 100% of its operational budget through private donations, community and local business support, special events and foundation grants. It receives no Federal or State funding.
AAP – Food Samaritans distributes monthly food vouchers to each client. Each client is carefully vetted to confirm income and residency and some are randomly tested for illegal drug use. Vouchers are redeemable for all items except alcohol, tobacco or pet products. Clients may use these vouchers for food, household needs such as toiletries, hygienic products, and other personal items. Since its inception, AAP has distributed more than $13 million in direct client service to more than 2,750 clients. AAP clients get by on an annual income of less than $18,735, and most of our clients rarely, if ever, make it off of the client list.
Living with a chronic illness is not easy. HIV/AIDS continues to be a major health challenge in the Coachella Valley and across the world. While some people who have a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS are able to work and maintain a relatively healthy lifestyle, AAP serves those who are unable to do so. Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, heart and liver disease all present similar challenges to those that must live with these devastating conditions. While there have been developments in treating these chronic illnesses, people who suffer from these are presented with daily challenges. AAP – Food Samaritans is there to provide comfort and support and improve the quality of life for those who need it the most.
