D.A.P. preparing for special World AIDS Day commemoration

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – November 16, 2009)

On Tuesday, December 1, Desert AIDS Project will mark World AIDS Day by unveiling a three-dimensional, red-glass-and-copper-wire sculpture that will permanently hang on the front of its building at Vista Chino and Sunrise Way in Palm Springs. The 3’ x 2’ sculpture has been made possible through sponsorship by the Palm Springs City Council and a generous discount by the artists, Linda and Charles Perkins.

“Even though these are very challenging economic times, following the recent State Budget cuts to HIV/AIDS programs, D.A.P. counts itself very fortunate to provide our services in such a philanthropic community,” said David Brinkman, Executive Director. “It’s our donors and sponsors who make it possible for us to remind everyone that AIDS is not over by marking World AIDS Day in such a significant fashion.”

Anyone wishing to attend the World AIDS Day event should gather at the front entrance of D.A.P.’s building at 1695 N. Sunrise by 4:30 PM. Brinkman will welcome everyone, followed by comments by D.A.P. clients, AIDS activist Morgan Fairchild, and State Assembly Member Manny Perez. Mayor Steve Pougnet will then dedicate the new AIDS ribbon sculpture, followed by a ceremonial lighting of the building throughout December, to mark it as AIDS Awareness Month.

Immediately afterward, everyone will be invited inside for a buffet dinner, provided by Savoury’s Catering, and take self-guided tours of the facility. Volunteers will be on-hand to tell visitors about D.A.P.’s medical and dental clinics, its Community Center with computer lab, and more. Additional signage throughout the building will be a great way for visitors to learn more about the current state of HIV/AIDS and D.A.P.’s dedication to “thinking globally, acting locally.”

The featured speaker for World AIDS Day will be Morgan Fairchild, who was one of the co-hosts at the 2009 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. She is a long-time AIDS activist who has testified before a special Congressional committee about AIDS education, as well as spearheaded numerous fundraising events. Former Surgeon-General C. Everett Koop asked Ms. Fairchild on occasion to substitute for him at AIDS events and she has hosted an AIDS Awareness Special with news anchorman Steve Bell.  She has appeared twice on "Nightline" with Ted Koppell regarding AIDS.

Ms. Fairchild sits on the Board of Governors of AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) and the Board of Directors of the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR, formerly known as the American Foundation for AIDS Research.) As a member of the Entertainment Industry’s AIDS Task Force, Ms. Fairchild starred in an information video entitled “Safe Sex for Men and Women.”

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 free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations throughout the communities it serves. For more information call 760-323-2118.