By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 3/6/26 – On Saturday, February 21, more than 1,000 supporters gathered at the Palm Springs Convention Center for DAP Health’s 32nd Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, presented by Desert Care Network. By the end of the evening, the community had raised an extraordinary $2.15 million to support DAP Health’s lifesaving programs and services across the Coachella Valley and beyond.
Motown energy set the tone throughout the evening, building to a show-stopping performance by the legendary Temptations, a moment guests will not soon forget.
As gala chair Kevin Bass reminded the crowd while welcoming attendees, DAP Health was founded in 1984 during the AIDS crisis.
“Different times. Different challenges,” Bass said. “The same truth: progress happens when a community stands together.”
The 32nd Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards unfolded as an unforgettable night of purpose, performance, and philanthropy. As a media sponsor, The Hollywood Times was honored to attend among distinguished benefactors, including the celebrated Trina Turk sponsors, and witness a gala that blended community spirit with Motown magic.
Adding to an already impactful evening, The Temptations, the iconic Motown vocal group and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, delivered a headline performance that electrified the ballroom. Their soulful set, filled with timeless hits like “My Girl” and “Just My Imagination,” provided both entertainment and inspiration, creating a memorable soundtrack for an event dedicated to expanding compassionate healthcare.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 Community Service Award to former Palm Springs mayor Lisa Middleton. Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz presented the honor, recognizing Middleton’s decades of civic leadership and dedication to inclusive community development.
During her remarks, Middleton thanked the community for giving her and her wife Cheryl “a home we never imagined possible,” and called her family “my rock and my foundation.” Her recognition reflects a career devoted to expanding equitable opportunities across the Coachella Valley, including her historic role as one of California’s trailblazing openly transgender elected officials.
The evening also included a powerful video spotlighting the work of four DAP Health clinicians, Dr. Jason Halperin, Dr. Mercay Romero, Dr. Evan Schwenk, and Anthony Velasco, PhD, whose daily efforts embody the organization’s commitment to compassionate care.
DAP Health CEO David Brinkman followed with remarks honoring healthcare workers and affirming the organization’s mission.
“To those living in isolation, you are not alone,” Brinkman said. “To those who’ve been told you’re not welcome, you belong. To those seeking dignity, it lives here.”
Throughout the evening, attendees were reminded that every ticket purchased, auction bid placed, and sponsorship secured fuels DAP Health’s mission to provide accessible, judgment-free care. The organization continues to expand services including HIV specialty care, behavioral health, sexual wellness services, and primary care through both fixed clinics and mobile health units serving communities across Southern California.
Multiple local outlets, including NBC Palm Springs and community news sources such as Gay Desert Guide, highlighted the significance of the evening, including interviews with Middleton and coverage of the broader community support surrounding the gala.
This year’s event continued a long-standing tradition of bringing together healthcare advocates, business leaders, philanthropists, and community members in support of an organization that began amid the AIDS crisis and has evolved into a cornerstone of holistic, inclusive healthcare in the region.
As the sounds of Motown faded and guests departed the ballroom, the impact of the evening remained clear. When community, compassion, and culture come together, the results extend far beyond a single night.
DAP Health’s continued ability to unite purpose and performance ensures that the organization’s lifesaving work is not only sustained but celebrated.
