4 minute read
LGBTQ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
FUN, FOR A GOOD CAUSE!
Evening Under the Stars has grown to become one of the premier events in the Coachella Valley’s fundraising/social season with up to 1,500 guests. The gala is the largest annual fundraiser for AAP – Food Samaritans, a nonprofit that provides nutritional support for lowincome people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.
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“Over the past 27 years since Evening Under the Stars began, it has not only raised funds and increased awareness of our mission, it has also featured many significant and world-renowned performers,” said Mark Anton, AAP executive director. “Early galas were intimate affairs at private estates in Palm Springs, but over time this fantastic evening of community spirit and entertainment generated such an overwhelming demand that it is now held on the spacious grounds of the O’Donnell Golf Club in downtown Palm Springs.”
This year’s gala will take place on Saturday, April 30 beginning with a sunset cocktail staged against a backdrop of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, regarded as one of the most festive cocktail receptions of the season. A short awards program will recognize a few inspirational honorees, followed by dinner, dancing and live entertainment.
TIME TO BOOGIE
Over the years, the Evening Under the Stars stage has featured a wide variety of fabulous and famous performers including Gladys Knight, Lily Tomlin and the cast of Laugh In, Cyndi Lauper, Mary Wilson, Pink Martini, The Go-Go’s, Barry Manilow, Bea Arthur, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the iconic Village People.
This year’s featured entertainment will transport guests back to the heyday of disco. Get ready to boogie down with the First Ladies of Disco, comprised of Linda Clifford, Martha Wash and Norma Jean Wright (formerly of Chic), plus two surprise guest artists selected especially for this event. It will be an extraordinary musical journey of the most iconic soul, pop, R&B, and dance songs to have ever topped the charts, led by the hitmakers of their time.
“These artists’ collective careers span several decades, and their music includes an incredible variety of on-your-feet, chart-topping smash hits. Together, they have sold millions, and audiences around the world are on cloud nine when they finally get to see and hear these amazing performers that made our youth so much fun!” Anton said.
2022 HONOREES
Nelda Linsk will receive the Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award. She has been a long-time friend of AAP — Food Samaritans and was a close friend of Jeannette Rockefeller. For many years, Linsk has encouraged others to be philanthropic by giving not only to
AAP, but to many more charities. It is her strong belief that our quality of life is affected by what we give back to our communities. Linsk is iconic, respected, and deserves the accolades.
Geoff Kors and James Williamson will receive the Gloria Greene Inspiration Award. When asked about Geoff and James, Anton said: “Leading by example, taking action, and motivating others are what Geoff and James do on a daily basis. They are judicious with their words, actions, and behaviors. They care deeply about their leadership and communication process and style, and the influence they have. They understand their special role, and accept it with grace, compassion, and care. Always willing to listen and analyze, ponder, and give considerate thought to issues or concerns, these fine gentlemen are shining examples of people who strive to make a difference and live by their convictions.”
G. Aubrey Serfling will receive the inaugural Community Leadership Award. Anton said that honoring Aubrey is the easiest decision he has had to make all year: “From the moment he took the helm at Eisenhower, Aubrey gave that organization his warm heart, and it showed in every interaction I had with him. We are so very pleased to have the opportunity to thank him for all his hard work in our community.”
Patricia L. Grundhofer will receive the inaugural Community Impact Award. Although she could hardly be described as an “unsung hero,” Anton said that Grundhofer is receiving accolades she so thoroughly deserves for the way she has been stepping up to help over and over in our community. In November, she was the presenting sponsor of National Philanthropy Day in the Desert, and no one better exemplifies that event’s theme: “Change the World with a Giving Heart.”
For tickets and more information, go to aidsassistance.org
NATIONAL WOMEN & GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
March 10 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This day is focused on increasing awareness, promoting conversations, and recognizing the work being done to reduce HIV.
El 10 de marzo es el Día Nacional de Concientización sobre el VIH/SIDA para Mujeres y Niñas. Este día se centra en aumentar conciencia, promover conversaciones y reconocer el trabajo que se está realizando para reducir el VIH.
