Story and Photos by Pat Krause

The CHASE held its Sold Out Gala on April 9th at the Jackie Lee Houston Plaza across from the Palm Springs Convention Center. Nearly 1000 people came to the party at this event. There were 101 tables set up on the road between the Center and the Plaza. This was an outdoor gala with temps reaching nearly 100 degrees but a fun-filled event. This was a Brand-New CHASE Gala that was a fundraiser for DAP Health.

Guests arrived on a blue carpet to have their photos taken in front of a CHASE backdrop. The convention center lobby itself was cooled with air conditioning if they wanted to cool off. The front of the Convention center held tables full of appetizers and drink stations. People milled around looking for friends they hadn't seen in two years because of the Pandemic. Guests were encouraged to wear festive colors, pizzazz, and comfort, and many did just that. Dressing up for the occasion was a fun part.

CEO David Brinkman spoke to the crowd of guests to tell them a little about DAP Health and their progress in the Valley. He said the Presenting Sponsor was AMAZON and thanked them for their support. He also mentioned the fantastic help that Eisenhower Health has given and the amount of support day after day. Other local businesses were also mentioned. Many local mayors and leaders were in attendance.

Brinkman told how they now help over 10,000 clients with a dream of increasing that to 25,000 people locally where they can get help when they don't have the resources to pay. The need is great with medical care, physical, mental, dental, housing, drugs and more. He spoke of the expansion planned to continue this dream. But, it takes a lot of money. A raise your paddle donation event was very lively and raised more than 1.4 million dollars thru the generosity of the people present.

They need more dollars to continue with their expansion of the buildings to house even more medical care to those in need in our Valley. The Pandemic hurt all nonprofits and now needs to catch up to continue with the people's needs, many of whom live below the poverty line. DAP met HIV/AIDS, HEPc, STIs and Covid head on. Brinkman said we must be prepared for the next Pandemic and continue to keep our residents healthy. Videos were shown with supporters and clients. An emotional video told of a man who tried suicide a couple of times, but with the DAP Health and the doctor and mental health advisor, was not living everyday life. He thanked them for saving his life, as he would not be living without their help.

Michael Urie took the stage to introduce the entertainers. They said this should not be a Gala but a GAYLA. The singers Eden Espinosa, Seth Rudetsky, and Max von Essen wowed the crowd. Singer Deborah Cox arrived to perform at the end of the evening and brought the guests to their feet clapping.

The Foods stations served Pizza, Bari Burrata and Piccoli Morsi. The guests' surprise was when the meal was served as an excellent box lunch which was great considering the day's heat. The food choices in the box were tasty, as everyone agreed, and there was also a vegan meal for those inclined, thanks to Savory Catering. A dessert table was set up with many goodies at the end of the entertainment program. There was a live auction with only 3 items.

Honoree Raul Ruiz and his wife, Monica. Photo by Pat Krause

This was also an AWARDS night where Congressman Raul Ruiz was given the "Humanitarian Award ."Ruiz felt so honored, but he was the perfect person to get this Award thru his efforts on the part of health care for all the disadvantaged. His resume of concern and getting things done for healthcare in Washington DC is very commendable. Ruiz thanked everyone who has helped him with these efforts and thanked his beautiful wife for her support. The next Award was given to all the volunteers at DAP. They said they were surprised at this Award because this is what they love to do unconditionally.