After a three-year long hiatus, AAP – Food Samaritans’ Evening Under the Stars is back. On October 14, 2023, the charity will welcome champions of their nutritional support program to join in celebration of their resilience and continued service to the community. AAP is honored to also announce a special guest appearance by the legendary LILY TOMLIN. 

In 1993, two years after AIDS Assistance Program was founded, the board of directors decided to organize a small fundraising party to help increase AAP’s visibility and provide entertainment for the community while helping to raise funds to support their mission. It started simply – a board member donated the use of their backyard, and other board members and volunteers built a simple stage. The audience was treated to a series of performances and the event raised enough money to help fund the growing nutritional support program. 

The event became an annual fundraising fête and one of the most elaborate galas in the Valley with up to 1,500 guests, a formal seated dinner, and world class entertainment including Barry Manilow, Cyndi Lauper, and Gladys Knight.

Mark Anton, C.E.O./Executive Director explains: “Post COVID, with skyrocketing costs for everything, the event as it had evolved wouldn’t ‘pencil out’ unless ticket prices were raised to $1,000, which is not sustainable and not ‘us.’ We had to reimagine it. For the 30th Anniversary of the event, we are bringing it back to our roots and having a celebration in one of the most spectacular estates in Palm Springs, with abundant food and drink and a ticket price more in line with our grass-roots nature. $200. In 1991 three strong women, Gloria Greene, Jeannette Rockefeller, and Joanna Jakway created AIDS Assistance Program. We celebrate them and our humble beginnings with this reinvented Evening Under the Stars.”

The event will raise much needed funds to help AAP – Food Samaritans support the critically needed programs that help address food insecurity and improve the quality of life for low-income people living with chronic illnesses in Palm Springs and surrounding communities. The event is presented by Eisenhower Health. 

Anton continued: “Please join us for a simpler, new event in the spirit of the original Evening Under the Stars garden party on Saturday, October 14 at 5:30 PM. In celebration of our supporters, we are honored to present the following with the Community Impact Award: Lori and Aubrey Serfling, and Nelda Linsk. We are honored to recognize their long-standing partnerships with us and all that they do in the community.”

Tickets for the benefit are available at $200 per person and include hosted bar, “heavy hors d’oeurves” by Eight4Nine, entertainment, and valet parking. It will be held at the home of Brad Lampley & Rigo Lomeli (formerly known as ‘Houston South’). Sponsorships are also available. For tickets and more information, call 760-325-8481 or visit aapfoodsamaritans.org.