Steve Chase Awards gala set for Palm Springs

(CNS) – The Desert AIDS Project will hold its 20th Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala at the Palm Springs Convention Center Saturday.

The event, which starts at 5:30 p.m., will serve as a “dual anniversary,” honoring those who have been active with Desert AIDS Project in its work in the Coachella Valley for the past 30 years, according to organizers.

Celebrities and entertainers set to attend include “30 Rock” actress Jane Krakowski, singers LaTonya Holmes, Nita Whitaker LaFontaine, Eden Espinosa, Tomasina Abate, Eric Martsolf and contestants from television show “So You Think You Can Dance.”

“Whether their entertainment tastes run to Broadway musical theater, dance, or great movies, anyone attending the 20th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will get a bit of it all,” event co-chairperson Barbara Keller said.
Award recipients are:
— Curt Ringness, immediate past chairman of the Desert AIDS Project board, will receive the Board of Directors Distinguished Leadership Award for his service since 2000;
— Board member Terri Ketover will receive the 100 Women Award, for more than doubling the “100 Women” annual giving program that supports women and children affected by HIV/AIDS;
— Donors David Kaplan and Glenn Ostergaard will receive the Partners for Life Award;
— and several producers, writers and directors will receive a special Arts & Activism Award honoring AIDS in cinema over the last 30 years. Honorees include Sarah Pillsbury and Midge Sanford, producers of 1993’s “And the Band Played On,” and writer Ron Nyswaner and producer Ed Saxon of 1993’s “Philadelphia.”
The event raises funds for client services at Desert AIDS Project, which has offices in Palm Springs and Indio. The 2013 gala raised more than $1.4 million, according to organizers.

For information, go to www.desertaidsproject.org.