D.A.P. honors local community leaders

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – February 1, 2010)

Mary Cone will be honored with the 100 WOMEN Award, while Steve Kaufer and Scott Van Dyke will receive the Partners for Life Award, at the 2010 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, benefiting D.A.P., on February 27 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

“Desert AIDS Project counts itself lucky to provide its services in a community that is not only philanthropic but just as generous of its time and talents,” said David Brinkman, D.A.P. executive director. “We feel honored that Mary Cone, Steve Kaufer, and Scott Van Dyke have agreed to accept these awards, in recognition of all they have given to D.A.P. over the years.”

Mary Cone was a D.A.P. Board member in the earliest days when the organization was initially called the Community Counseling and Consultation Center (CCCC) because founding volunteers thought they dare not use the word “AIDS.” She is the widow of Dr. Lawrence Cone, a renowned infectious disease specialist, who received the Science and Medicine Award at the Steve Chase gala in 2000.

Having already managed her husband’s medical practice for many years before “the CCCC” was founded in 1984, Mary became acquainted with many of Dr. Cone’s patients with HIV/AIDS. As personal friends of Steve Chase, they were long-time supporters of and major contributors to Desert AIDS Project while helping to involve local luminaries like Betty Ford and Dolores Hope in D.A.P. fundraisers. Mrs. Cone has long been a member of a number of other local charitable causes and was Chairman of the Board of the Living Desert in 2007-2009.

Steve Kaufer also served as a D.A.P. Board member from 1987-1997, rejoining the Board in 2007. Kaufer has always been active in D.A.P. fundraising. In the years before D.A.P. was chosen to participate locally in the national Dining Out for Life fundraiser, Kaufer suggested that area restaurants donate a portion of their sales to D.A.P. Kaufer and fellow long-time Board member Andrew Green met with Steve Chase and convinced him to join them on the D.A.P. Board.  

Kaufer is a nationally known security consultant and expert on workplace violence. He advises a wide range of government agencies and companies, including those in the Fortune 100. With over 30 years in the security industry, he designs multi-faceted solutions to complex security and violence issues. Kaufer has earned the designation of Certified Protection Professional (CPP) from ASIS International, the largest professional security association in the world.  

Kaufer’s partner, Scott Van Dyke, has also been active for many years as a D.A.P. volunteer. Together, Kaufer and Van Dyke have been generous donors.  

Van Dyke is a well-known photographer, specializing in architectural and interior design photography for clients internationally. Among others, Van Dyke’s clients include Westin Hotels, Quintess Resorts, Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas, Merrill Lynch, Kingsley Bate Furniture, and publications such as Architectural Digest, the New York Times, The Robb Report, Travel and Leisure, and Western Interiors Magazine. In 2009, Van Dyke made his directorial debut with several TV commercials. He has also created a number of unique series of images, such as the mid-century architecture of Palm Springs, that are in both private and corporate collections throughout the world.  

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.