One of the most prestigious events held in the Coachella Valley was the Saturday night, Feb. 21, Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. The black-tie dinner was held at The Convention Center in Palm Springs and attracted over 1300 guests including many celebrities in recognition of Desert AIDS Project’s 25th anniversary.
The black-tie dinner was chaired by Jim Casey of Integrated Wealth Management and Barbara Keller. The duo attracted many celebrity participants. Barry Manilow, who has donated his time and talent to the AIDS Assistance Program on three different occasions, received the Silver Anniversary Community Service Award, presented to him by his good friend Suzanne Somers. Recipients of the Arts & Activism Awards were Bebe Neuwirth and Kristin Chenoweth and actor B.D. Wong was a presenter. Manilow and Chenoweth surprised the audience by each singing an impromptu meaningful song. Adding to the performer power, three veteran TV favorites Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild and Linda Gray were co-hosts.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the leading medical giants in the war against AIDS, received the 2009 Science and Medicine Award from D.A.P. Dr. Fauci is a recipient of the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor given in the United States. It was presented to him last year in ceremonies at the White House. Additionally, Dr. Fauci served as one of the key advisors to the White House and Department of Health Services on Global Issues including global AIDS and preparedness against infectious diseases including pandemic influenza.
Additional D.A.P. awards were given to Harriet Goldberg, 100 Women Award, and to Bill Jones who received the Partners for Life Award from a previous recipient, Dick Taylor.
In addition to the star power recipients and presenters, there was music from the Pat Rizzo Orchestra and a special appearance by Diahann Carroll, who performed on stage for almost one hour. Jim Casey’s Integrated Wealth Management not only served as Presenting Sponsor this year, but Casey has promised a return engagement to the same financial tune ($150,000) next year. D.A.P. serves more than 2,300 clients – a number expected to grow over the next four years, and more than 100 new clients seek help each month. |
