Starry, Starry Nights

The AIDS Assistance Program's Executive Director and CEO, Mark Anton, is passionate as he explains the purpose of the 22nd annual Evening Under the Stars which will take place Saturday, May 9, at the O'Donnell Golf Club in Palm Springs.

"Evening Under the Stars has been our biggest fundraiser for 22 years," Anton explains. "This event will raise as much as $250,000 and those dollars go right back to funding food vouchers for our most at-risk and low income residents living with and affected by HIV/AIDS."

The gala features fabulous, live and silent auctions, refreshing cocktails and dinner, with dancing and live entertainment provided by Blue Note Orchestra and Nightshift - The Ultimate Dance Band. Grammy Award-winner, Darlene Love, will headline the evening's entertainment.

Love, was recently brought to prominence, due in part to the standing ovation she received after singing her acceptance speech at the Oscars for her film, "20 Feet From Stardom," which won Best Documentary film. The film showcased Love's more than 30 years of work as a studio singer as part of Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" hit factory. Her background vocals for The Blossoms, The Crystals, The Righteous Brothers, Dionne Warwick, Marvin Gaye and Elvis Presley (to name but a few), set the stage for her emergence as a star in her own right. Her Billboard hits include: "He's A Rebel," "Wait 'Til My Bobby Gets Home" and "He's Sure the Boy I Love."

Evening Under the Stars has long been considered one of the glittering highlights of the Palm Springs social season and in addition to Love, has en- joyed amazing headliners in the past such as Cyndi Lauper, The Go-Go's, The B-52s and others. The soir�e was named Best Annual Charity Event by the Coachella Valley Independent's "Best of Coachella" competition and was named a finalist in that poll's "Best Reason to Get Dressed Up" category.

Community activists will also be recognized at Evening Under the Stars, including Betty Francis will receive the Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award, Gloria Greer the Gloria Greene Inspiration Award, and up for
the Herb Lazenby Community Service Award is John Williams and Richard DeSantis. The event is much more than a great meal, fabulous entertainment and dancing in the twilight.

It's ultimately about raising money for those who are most in need. "I had someone tell me recently that HIV/AIDS was largely manageable now," recounts Anton. "So, anyone who gets it has only themselves to blame." He was stunned. "I asked if they knew of anyone with cancer, and the person said their mother had died of lung cancer," Anton continued.

"So, she smoked?" Anton asked. The woman paused and then nodded that her mother was indeed a smoker. "So, would it be okay if your Mom stopped getting medical treatment since she contributed to her lung cancer?"

Anton's point is simple: The AIDS Assistance Program (AAP) isn't there to judge, the AIDS Assistance Program is there to help. "We have people who literally live from hand to mouth. Some have to choose between food and medicine," Anton described. "Our vouchers allow them just small support, but for money, it is the difference in survival." In conjunction with the organization's Jeannette Rockefeller Angel Program, Evening Under the Stars provides the majority of funding for AAP's food voucher program.

Tickets for the benefit, priced at $395 and $500 per person, are now available for purchase. Attire is dressy and festive. The event will also feature a special appeal during the ceremonies.

For more information, or to purchase tickets for this amazing event, go to aidsassistance.org