WELCOME
FROM THE CO-CHAIRS
When we agreed to take on the duties of co-chairs for the 2009 gala, we already knew we were walking in the footsteps of some talented and dedicated people…some of whom we knew but all deserving of their kudos. The first “progressive gala” in 1995 began at Wally’s Desert Turtle for dinner before moving to the McCallum Theatre for a reception with inaugural honorees actor/activist Mary Steenburgen and HIV research legend Prof. Luc Montagnier, followed by a show by the legendary Harry Belafonte. Since those earliest days, co-chair teams of “The Steve Chase” have helped this annual gala become one of the hottest tickets in the Coachella Valley’s social season…necessitating its move to the Palm Springs Convention Center to accommodate the growing numbers who were clamoring for tickets each year. Following in the footsteps of our immediate predecessors, the extraordinary team of Tim Hanlon and Bill Jones, we only hoped we could keep up the impressive trajectory this gala was already on. Beginning in 1995, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala has raised millions of dollars for direct client services at Desert AIDS Project by combining advocacy with world-class entertainment. With government funding shrinking from the State of California and under threat from the federal Ryan White CARE Act, D.A.P. needs your help more than ever before to provide essential services. Tonight’s honorees – Curt Ringness, Terri Ketover, and David Kaplan and Glenn Ostergaard – join D.A.P.’s 20-year pantheon of worthy people and organizations that understand that with a cause as pervasive and long-lasting as HIV/AIDS, we truly must think globally while acting locally to get to the tomorrow we hope for…a vaccine against HIV, a cure for AIDS, and an end to the suffering that’s been with us far too long already. Thank you for being with us tonight and we hope you will enjoy this fabulous evening of uplifting and inspiring entertainment brought to you by Live It Up Productions, featuring performers who have appeared on Broadway, national, and international stages – but tonight join us here. Interspersed throughout the evening, you will see the work of film makers and actors who have been shining a light on our cause through work that we honor collectively tonight as “AIDS in Cinema” with our 2014 Arts and Activism Award. But, of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors, major donors, staff, volunteers…and YOU for joining us tonight. We know that, for as long as it’s necessary, you will continue to fight the good fight and support the incredible work of Desert AIDS Project, in serving its clients and helping to prevent the further spread of HIV in this amazing community that each of you help to make more beautiful.
Barbara Keller Gala Co-Chair Board Chair, Desert AIDS Project
Jim Casey Gala Co-Chair Board Member, Desert AIDS Project 9