Evening Under the Stars
Ending the season on a High Note
It’s everybody’s favorite gala of the year. AIDS Assistance Program’s Evening Under the Stars has served as the grand finale of the charity season in the valley for the 22nd year running now. Like the grassroots organization it benefits, Evening Under the Stars, as the locals dub it, is a chance to celebrate and party with a cause with the fundraiser that puts the “Fun” back into fundraising.
AIDS Assistance Program (AAP) was founded in Palm Springs, California in 1991, by a small group of concerned citizens who provided meals to low-income men, women, and children in the community who were suffering with HIV/AIDS. Since then, AAP’s client roster has grown from approximately 20 to more than 550 people.
Managed by a five-member volunteer Board of Directors, the primary purpose of AAP is to raise funds for the organization and its food voucher program. 100% of the funds needed for AAP’s operational expenses are generated through a growing private donor base, local business support, special events, and grant funding. Two full-time employees manage the organization from a small office in Palm Springs, and all support personnel is drawn from a pool of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers.
Any one-year resident of the greater Palm Springs area, living in poverty and diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, is qualified to receive AAP food vouchers. Dependent children are also eligible for dollar amounts equal to those received by their parents. Currently, AIDS Assistance Program distributes food vouchers redeemable at local Stater Brothers Supermarkets. The goal is to ensure that clients can continue to live their lives with dignity and self-respect.
AAP relies on its major annual fundraising gala, Evening Under the Stars to help support its programs. In 2014, an electrifying performance by the First Ladies of Disco – Linda Clifford, France Joli, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Maxine Nightingale, Pamala Stanley, Anita Ward, Martha Wash, and the ladies formerly of Chic: Alfa Anderson, Luci Martin, and Norma Jean – had everyone on their feet with an amazing night of 70’s dance music. Evening Under the Stars has also featured the talents of Nell Carter, Tyne Daly, Melissa Manchester, Jane Oliver, Lorna Luft, Suzanne Somers, Bea Arthur, Barry Manilow, Nancy Wilson, Lily Tomlin and the entire remaining cast of Laugh In, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Pink Martini, ABBA by Arrival, The B-52s, The Go-Go’s, and Cyndi Lauper.
Private donations and grants have dwindled in recent years; therefore, AAP seeks new and innovative ways to finance its operations with a simple fundraising philosophy: “AAP offers special events to ensure that loyal community supporters have a great time while contributing to a very worthy cause.”
While it’s a sure bet a few ties will be worn to the event – by the time the incomparable Darlene Love takes the stage at the O’Donnell Country club, Saturday, May 9th, those ties will be loosened and dancing shoes will be getting a work out. There’s just something cool about EUTS, where the community comes together one night for a great cause, recognize people who make a real difference in our community, and all the while have a stellar time for a great cause!
IF YOU GO
Evening Under the Stars
May 9 at 5:30 PM
O’Donnell Golf Course Palm Springs CA
Info: www.aidsassistance.org
