AAP hosts 24th Evening Under the Stars gala

Food Samaritans, also known as the Aids Assistance Program hosted their 24th annual “Evening Under the Stars fundraiser gala.

“It’s important for us to give back to people who are in need and this is a fun event. It’s driven by private donations rather than big government donations,” John Williams, an attendee, said.

Organizers say cocktails, dinner and live performances are just a few of the evening’s highlights.

“This organization does so much good for so many people. With their food voucher program and helping people with terminal illnesses,” Williams said.

AAP provides nutritional support to low-income people living with chronic illnesses, like HIV, AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis.

CEO of the charity, Mark Anton, says their service is vital to the valley.

“Often we have a waiting list, so that tells me, ‘if we have a waiting list there’s people that are in need’. We all think ‘okay, $100 a month on a food voucher’, but we spend that at lunch. These are folks who are the poorest of poor. Most don’t have family or friends, and they’re living on really limited means,” Anton said.

AAP’s budget is $1.6 million per year. Anton hopes to raise $250,000 from the gala.