ABOUT AAP FOOD SAMARITANS

Transcription

1

2 ABOUT AAP FOOD SAMARITANS FOUNDED IN 1991 (as AIDS Assistance Program) with the goal of helping the most at-risk members of the Greater Palm Springs community: low-income people compromised by HIV/AIDS. It recently expanded its services to include people suffering from cancer, MS, heart or liver disease, and other chronic illnesses. The organization was initiated by a small group of concerned citizens, led by the late GLORIA GREENE (who began feeding desperate souls from out of the back door of her restaurant) and JEANNETTE ROCKEFELLER, and remains a grass roots community-based organization. Cancer, MS, heart or liver disease, and other chronic illnesses present similar challenges to those that must live with these devastating conditions. While there have been developments in treating these chronic illnesses, people who suffer from these are presented with daily challenges. AAP is there to provide comfort and support, and improve the quality of life for those who need it the most. AAP FOOD SAMARITANS struggles to find the ongoing financial resources to continue the important work that we do. As a grass roots organization, it looks to the community (both businesses and individuals) for ongoing support, which becomes ever more critical as it continues to help meet the nutritional needs of its clients. A very small staff and volunteer board of directors work diligently to assure that the largest percentage of every donated dollar goes directly to client services. AAP raises 100% of its operational budget through private donations, community and local business support, special events, and foundation grants. It receives no Federal or State funding. Since its inception, AAP has distributed more than $10 million in direct client service to more than 2,300 clients. AAP s clients get by on an annual income of less than $18,090. While the overall health of some clients may improve, the majority rarely make it off of the client list. Living with a chronic illness is not easy. 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 unable to do so. HOW IT WORKS Any low-income resident of the greater Palm Springs area who has lived in the community for a year or more and is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or another life-threatening illness may qualify to receive monthly food vouchers, redeemable at local Stater Brothers Supermarkets. Dependent children are also eligible for dollar amounts equal to those received by their parents. The goal is to improve the quality of life of AAP s clients and ensure that they continue to live their lives with dignity and self-respect. Each client is carefully assessed to confirm income and residency status. Vouchers are redeemable for food and basic household needs (such as toiletries, hygienic products, and other personal items), however alcohol, tobacco, and pet products are excluded. To curtail any abuse of the program, every client is re-certified annually to ensure continuing eligibility. Random illicit drug screenings are done to confirm that all clients abide by a strict drug-free policy.

3 WAYS IN WHICH YOU MAY SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION EVENING UNDER THE STARS GALA SPONSORSHIP AAP FOOD SAMARITANS cornerstone gala annually raises funds for and awareness of the organization. The event is a unique, high-energy fundraising gala, which The Desert Sun newspaper has called The Jewel of the Desert s fundraising season. Proceeds from the gala directly support the nutritional support program. This elegant gala is held under the stars at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains on the green of the exclusive O Donnell Golf Club in downtown Palm Springs. A cocktail hour, dinner, a brief awards presentation, and entertainment all take place alfresco. FOR 2019, THE 26TH ANNUAL GALA WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, MAY 4. EVENING UNDER THE STARS has grown to become one of the premier events in the Coachella Valley s fundraising/social season with an audience of up to 1,500 attendees. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $7,500 for corporate or individual packages. Benefits of these packages include tickets to the event, recognition on-screen and in the printed program at the event, and may also include logo placement in advertising, printed materials, and more. (Please see the accompanying BENEFITS RECAP form.) Previous corporate sponsors have included Eisenhower Health, The Auen Foundation, Harold Matzner & Spencer s Restaurant, Contour Dermatology, Lulu California Bistro, Grace Helen Spearman Foundation, Walgreens, The Desert Sun, Palm Springs Life Magazine, Trio Restaurant, Baccarat, and more. AAP would be honored to add your name to this illustrious list. EVENING UNDER THE STARS audiences have been delighted by a dazzling array of significant and entertaining performers, solidifying its reputation as one of the best and brightest social events of the charity season. HISTORY WAS MADE AT THE 2014 GALA WHICH FEATURED A STAR-STUDDED PERFORMANCE BY TWELVE FABULOUS FEMALE PIONEERS OF THE 70 S DISCO SCENE, MANY OF WHOM HAD NEVER APPEARED TOGETHER. AAP would welcome you as a sponsor for the 26th annual EVENING UNDER THE STARS gala. Sponsorship levels and benefits are explained in detail on the accompanying form, but please note that customized sponsorship agreements are also available. JEANNETTE ROCKEFELLER ANGEL PROGRAM AAP FOOD SAMARITANS also relies on the JEANNETTE ROCKEFELLER ANGEL PROGRAM to sustain its nutritional support program. Individuals or couples may pledge annual contributions starting at $500 per year with flexible payment plans. Named in honor of philanthropist and activist JEANNETTE ROCKEFELLER, who helped establish the organization, the ANGEL PROGRAM provides a wide range of benefits depending on the level of support. Top donors receive tickets to EVENING UNDER THE STARS, recognition at the event, and a special annual APPRECIATION DINNER just for Angels. The ANGEL KICKOFF party takes place in the autumn and is considered the unofficial start to the desert s season of giving. It is an annual gathering of those who believe in the mission of AAP FOOD SAMARITANS and provides an opportunity to learn about the organization and pledge an annual gift. For detailed information on the ANGEL PROGRAM please visit aapfoodsamaritans.org

4 Over the years, the stage has been graced by entertainers including Nell Carter, Tyne Daly, Melissa Manchester, Gladys Knight, Lorna Luft, Bea Arthur, Barry Manilow (several times!), Nancy Wilson, Lily Tomlin and the entire remaining cast of Laugh-In, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Pink Martini, The B-52 s, The Go-Go s, Cyndi Lauper, Darlene Love, and The Village People. We have a simple and very effective philosophy regarding fundraising: We want you to have a great time while supporting our important cause. If you have any questions, please contact Mark Anton, CEO Executive Director, at

5