Mary Wilson of the Supremes to Kick Off Palm Springs’ Season of Giving!

Palm Springs kicks off its season of giving in great style on Sunday, October 11th with the annual Jeannette Rockefeller Angel Program Kickoff Party benefiting AIDS Assistance Program – Food Samaritans (AAP). The event will be held from 6pm – 8 pm at Colony 29, an exclusive private retreat in Palm Springs where guests will enjoy panoramic views, acres of botanical gardens, historically iconic architecture, and a special performance by Mary Wilson of The Supremes. There is no admission fee for the event, but attendance indicates an intention to participate in AAP’s Annual Giving Program. An RSVP is required. For more information and to RSVP, please call 760-325-8481 or visit aidsassistance.org.

“This is one of our organization’s most important events,” explained Mark Anton, Executive Director of AIDS Assistance Program. “With more than 500 clients who rely on us for food each month, we take the responsibility of providing critical nutritional services to our area’s least fortunate residents very seriously. Donations from the community are critical so that we may continue providing these services and expand our coverage in 2016 to include those suffering with chronic illnesses other than HIV/AIDS.”

Jonathan Weedman, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Foundation, recently announced a matching $75,000 grant in support of the annual fundraising drive. “Wells Fargo Foundation has been a steadfast and constant supporter and partner for many years, setting a new standard for community-based giving,” said Anton. “Thanks to their generous and much needed donation, we are able to carry on our mission of feeding people who need assistance. We are extremely grateful for their help, and hope their actions will also inspire others to give.”

The Angel Kickoff party is an annual gathering of those who believe in the mission of AIDS Assistance Program – Food Samaritans. Named in honor of philanthropist and activist Jeannette Rockefeller who helped establish the organization, all funds generated through the Angel Program go directly to support AAP’s food voucher program, contributing to the $50,000 needed each month to continue those vital services. AAP receives no federal or state funding, relying on the generosity of private donors and other organizations.

AAP welcomes new supporters and appreciates loyal members who have remained dedicated to the Angel Program throughout the years. Open to all, the Angel Program Kickoff Party provides a chance for people to learn more about AAP, and also serves as a way to thank continuing supporters. Colony 29 [pictured at left and below, right] is a 1920’s artist colony that has been restored to its former glory. Located at 147 S. Tahquitz Drive in Palm Springs, the retreat is surrounded by approximately six acres of gardens and boasts panoramic views of the Santa Rosa and Chocolate Mountains. Cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and valet parking are included, plus an amazing performance by music legend Mary Wilson of The Supremes.

It was a vision of musical stardom as a Detroit teen that inspired Mary Wilson, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, to found The Supremes. Named the most successful girl group of all time by Billboard magazine in March 2015, The Supremes are among the most popular musical artists in history. Wilson, who released her first solo album in 1979, has gone on to record dozens of hit records, write a best-selling autobiography, and perform and lecture on stages and screens around the world. She continues to be a role model for females in the recording industry, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Supremes in 1988.

A tireless humanitarian and supporter of many charitable organizations, Wilson was named a United States Cultural Ambassador in 2003. Angel Program supporters are in for a treat, with a live performance of classic Motown hits such as “Baby Love,” “Stop! In The Name Of Love,” “Come See About Me,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” and “Where Did Our Love Go,” by the incomparable Mary Wilson.

Since its founding in 1991, AIDS Assistance Program – Food Samaritans remains dedicated to providing nutritional support to improve the quality of the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS, and will expand its mission in 2016 to include other chronic illnesses. Initiated by a small group of concerned citizens led by the late Gloria Greene and Jeannette Rockefeller, AAP provides food vouchers to members of the community with low incomes. Hope to see you all there!