Doodling for Dollars for D.A.P … Celebrity-Style

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – March 24, 2010)

The former Loretta Young Estate was filled with “housewives” Saturday, March 20 who were all about raising money for client services at Desert AIDS Project. But these weren’t your typical Palm Springs housewives …

Posters, totes, gift bags, and other items from “Desperate Housewives” of ABC-TV fetched more than $3,600. They were joined by Gretchen Rossi of Bravo-TV’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County” who charmed the crowd with her painting by fiancé/castmate, Slade Smiley.

Host Scott Nevins of truTV’s “The Smoking Gun Presents” welcomed everyone and introduced them to a long list of other celebrities, some in person and others who sent their personal art doodles that were offered at auction. These included art donations by Barry Manilow, Rosie O’Donnell, Danielle Steele, and many others. Suzanne Somers even donated a negligee that she not only signed but kissed! While the total for the event is still being tabulated, more than $8,000 has already been raised.

Desert resident and local favorite Lorna Luft sang like an angel and helped Nevins auction a doodle done in real-time. She and Nevins signed large copies of magazines that featured each of them this month: Luft on the cover of Palm Springs Life and Nevins on the cover of Instinct. Watch for more photos of the event in an upcoming issue of Palm Springs Life.

Eduardo Xol of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” also got in the fundraising spirit by graciously donating an additional art series which will be made available through Peter Konstantine Gallery in the Backstreet Art District, with 100% of the proceeds going to Desert AIDS Project. The gallery plans to continue bringing in celebrity art throughout the year, including Alan Hamel's "Doodle Master" book with all proceeds also benefiting D.A.P.

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.