By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 2/16/26 – On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the DAP Health will host the 32nd Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards at the Palm Springs Convention Center, bringing together more than 1,000 guests for one of the Coachella Valley’s most anticipated evenings of purpose and celebration.
Affectionately known as The Chase, the annual gala is far more than a social highlight, it is a powerful engine for health equity across Southern California.
Every ticket purchased, sponsorship pledged, and paddle raised directly supports DAP Health’s mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to nearly 80,000 patients across 25 fixed locations and six mobile health units.
Founded in 1984 in response to the AIDS crisis, DAP Health has grown into one of the nation’s most respected community health networks. What began as an emergency response driven by volunteers has evolved into a multi-service healthcare system rooted in inclusivity, dignity, and access for all, regardless of income, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The annual gala continues that legacy by ensuring lifesaving and life-affirming services remain accessible throughout the region.
This year, DAP Health will present the Community Service Award to Lisa Middleton, recognizing her enduring commitment to Palm Springs and the broader Coachella Valley.
Middleton’s leadership has championed affordable housing initiatives, advocacy for seniors and veterans, and policies that support working families. Her recognition underscores the importance of authentic, inclusive leadership in shaping communities where everyone belongs.
As Gala Chair Kevin Bass noted in advance of the event, honoring Middleton reflects gratitude for the many ways she has strengthened and uplifted the region through integrity and service.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recipients of multiple Grammy Awards, The Temptations have shaped American music history with enduring hits such as “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.” Originally formed in Detroit in 1961, the group rose to prominence under Motown Records and continues to captivate audiences worldwide, led by founding member Otis Williams.
Their performance promises to elevate an already electric evening of philanthropy and celebration.
The event is named in honor of Steve Chase, the internationally renowned interior designer and philanthropist whose early generosity helped ensure DAP Health’s growth during its formative years. His spirit of compassion and commitment to community continues to define the gala’s purpose.
Now in its 32nd year, The Chase has become a signature Coachella Valley tradition, one that blends elegance, entertainment, and impact.
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5:30 p.m. – Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
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6:30 p.m. – Dinner & Live Auction
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9:00 p.m. – Headline Performance by The Temptations
Guests are encouraged to embrace the evening’s “creative formal” dress code, bringing their own uniquely fabulous flair to the ballroom.
This marks the tenth time Kevin Bass has chaired the event, and his seventh consecutive year in the role, helping guide one of the region’s most impactful fundraising efforts.
The 2026 gala is presented by Desert Care Network, with support from an extensive roster of producing and major sponsors, alongside a strong coalition of media partners, including The Hollywood Times.
As Palm Springs gathers once again for The Chase, the evening stands as a reminder that community health is built not only in exam rooms and clinics, but in ballrooms filled with compassion, generosity, and shared purpose.
For DAP Health and the tens of thousands it serves, The Chase remains not just a celebration, but a commitment to a healthier, more equitable future for all.
See our interview with Kevin Bass in our previous interview:
