Keller and Casey join Board of Directors at Desert AIDS Project

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – May 29, 2009)

Following their triumph as co-chairs of the successful 2009 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Desert AIDS Project, Barbara Keller and Jim Casey have become the organization’s newest Board members.

“Barbara and Jim have both been so generous of their time, talent, and money to D.A.P. They’ve already helped us to raise more than $1 million through the 2009 Steve Chase gala,” said D.A.P. Executive Director David Brinkman. “I was thrilled when the Board asked them to consider joining – and I was even happier when they accepted and were unanimously approved.”

Ms. Keller, well-known for her tireless support of a variety of local charitable organizations, said, “Once I took a tour of Desert AIDS Project and saw the amazing work they do, I couldn’t wait to get started on the 2009 Steve Chase. It was so gratifying to see our community open their hearts in such a big way for this one-of-a-kind organization that we are lucky enough to have right here in our backyard. I’m looking forward to continuing to support D.A.P.’s efforts in their life-saving work. I am honored to be a Board member.”

As the 15th annual gala, the 2009 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards was a great fundraising success for Desert AIDS Project. The event once again contributed significant operating revenue for client services through tickets, purchases of auction items, and sponsorships by individuals and corporations. The single largest contribution of $150,000 as Presenting Sponsor of the 2009 gala was made by Integrated Wealth Management.

Jim Casey, President and CEO of Integrated Wealth Management, says, “D.A.P. is a world-class organization that’s already made a huge difference in thousands of people’s lives. I was happy to be in the financial position to make this contribution and was pleased that so many other individuals and sponsors once again showed their support of D.A.P. I’ve already made the same commitment as Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 Steve Chase Awards. And, I couldn’t be happier to be co-chairing the event once again with my lovely friend – and now, fellow Board member – Barbara Keller.”

With its current operating budget of more than $11.3 million, Desert AIDS Project has a staff of 90 healthcare workers, case managers, community outreach educators, and others who carry out its missions of care, prevention, and advocacy. Over its 25 years, Desert AIDS Project has served the medical and social service needs of thousands of clients and offered free and confidential HIV testing to thousands more. All of this is made possible through the financial support of its donors and the nearly 400 volunteers who contributed more than 60,000 hours of time last year.

D.A.P.’s Board of Directors is made up of community leader volunteers with a variety of backgrounds, including banking and finance, medicine and healthcare, marketing, and more. The current Board includes Curt Ringness, President; Fred Drewette, Treasurer; Tammy Fox, Secretary; Kathy Browne; Andrew Green; Jay Jorgensen, DDS; Steve Kaufer; Hon. Steve Lachs; Gary Riley; Russ Russell; Lanny Seese, MD; Karolee Sowle; and Joy White, MD.

Desert AIDS Project is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers confidential HIV testing at a number of locations and widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or call 760-323-2118.