After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AAP – Food Samaritans, a nonprofit organization that provides nutritional support for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, will hold its 27th annual Evening Under the Stars gala on April 30. A short awards program will recognize inspirational honorees, followed by dinner and dancing and entertainment by the First Ladies of Disco. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the Disco theme.

Planned for 5:30 p.m. at O’Donnell Golf Club in Palm Springs, the fundraiser celebrates the entity’s objectives while recognizing outstanding volunteers and donors. The gala will begin with an extended sunset cocktail hour on the grounds of the club against a backdrop of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, an event widely regarded as one of the most festive cocktail receptions of the season.

“We’re so happy that after two years we can finally hold the event,” says Mark Anton, executive director of AAP - Food Samaritans for the past 20 years. “We’re getting amazing feedback from so many people who have missed the event over the last two years. We will hold it outdoors this year so that everyone feels safe. We want to get out and have fun. The entertainment is going to be spectacular.”

For Anton, who puts in endless hours of planning for the gala, the mission of AAP – Food Samaritans is close to his heart.

“I had a partner in 1991 who passed away from HIV,” he says, explaining the organization assists those who might not be fortunate enough to have a loved one with them during their illness.

“Food Samaritans brings food when you’re not healthy, and food is the primary thing that can keep you and sustain you,” Anton says. “I can’t envision going a day without having a meal. Being sick, and on top of that, not eating, is going to make things much worse. You can’t maintain your health if you don’t eat.”

Proceeds from fundraisers such as the upcoming gala pay for overhead rent and utilities. Donations to AAP – Food Samaritans are used solely for the benefit of the individuals assisted by the program. Because the provider of gift cards for the food offers a 6% discount, even more dollars actually go to those in need.

“When somebody donates, 100% of that, plus a little bit more, goes back to the client,” Anton says. “When people give, they are making an impact by helping feed people and helping them stay alive.”

The organization not only makes sure low-income individuals with illness have food on their table, it also provides a strong support network that is crucial to overall wellbeing. Clients are suffering physically, emotionally and financially, with the average individual living on under $800 a month.

“For a lot of clients, our volunteers are almost like family,” Anton says. “Volunteers give them someone to talk to and say, ‘Our world is good or my world is upside down.’ Most have been abandoned by their families or don’t have families. The volunteers hold their hands and guide them when needed.”

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. The organization helps its clients live healthier lives with dignity and self-respect.

Honorees for this year’s event include Nelda Linsk, who will receive the Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award, a long-time friend of AAP – Food Samaritans, who has encouraged others to be philanthropic by giving not only to this organization, but to many more.

Geoff Kors and James Williamson will receive the Gloria Greene Inspiration Award for “leading by example, taking action, and motivating others.”

“They are judicious with their words, actions and behaviors,” says Anton. “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.”

G. Aubrey Serfling, president and CEO of Eisenhower Health from November 2001 until his retirement in March 2021, will receive the inaugural Community Leadership Award

“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,” Anton says. “We are so very pleased to have the opportunity to thank him for all of his hard work in our community.”

Patricia L. Grundhofer, executive director of the John F. Grundhofer Charitable Foundation, will be presented with the inaugural Community Impact Award in honor of her work throughout the community. She serves on several nonprofit boards, including The Living Desert in Palm Desert, the University of Minnesota Foundation in Minnesota, the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Tickets for the benefit are $395 and $500 per person. Individual VIP seats, program advertising and sponsorships are also available. For details, call 760-325- 8481 or visit aapfoodsamaritans.org.

Iconic entertainers for previous galas to benefit AAP - Food Samaritans include Gladys Knight, Lily Tomlin & 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 Village People.

The gala is presented by Eisenhower Health. Major event sponsors include Steve Tobin and the Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Harold Matzner and Spencer’s Restaurant, The Auen Foundation, Contour Dermatology, and Scott Histed Architectural Properties. Major media sponsors include presenting media sponsor The Desert Sun, Locale Magazine, Palm Springs Life, The Standard Magazine, and NBC Palm Springs. The event will be produced by Frank Goldstin’s Momentous, producers of events and experiences.

Evening Under the Stars

5:30 p.m.  April 30

O'Donnell Golf Club, 301 N. Belardo Road, Palm Springs

760-325- 8481

aapfoodsamaritans.org