AAP – Food Samaritans' Evening Under the Stars returns; Serflings, Linsk honored

Al Jones
·2 min read

The exuberance was palpable when 350 benefactors enjoyed AAP – Food Samaritans’ “Evening Under the Stars — Genesis” after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Against the backdrop of the majestic mountains, the Oct. 14 Garden Party was held at the Old Las Palmas estate of Brad Lampley and Rigo Lomeli, formerly owned by local philanthropists Jim and Jackie Lee Houston. DJ Modgirl provided upbeat music during the event, which was catered by Eight4Nine Fine Catering and Events.

Eisenhower Health President and CEO Martin Massiello enthusiastically shared that “tonight is another one of those exciting evenings. Eisenhower is an organization with a similar mission of caring for people, and we are very pleased to be tonight’s presenting sponsor to raise funds to support those in need of food.”

More: AAP - Food Samaritans fundraiser returns after 3-year hiatus; Lily Tomlin to special guest

Gino LaMont served as emcee at AAP - Food Samaritans' "Evening Under the Stars — Genesis" on Oct. 14, 2023.
Gino LaMont served as emcee at AAP - Food Samaritans' "Evening Under the Stars — Genesis" on Oct. 14, 2023.

Gino LaMont, former co-anchor at KMIR, ensured the evening program moved quickly and smoothly. He complimented AAP CEO and Executive Director Mark Anton for bringing the nonprofit back to its roots as the original Palm Springs Garden Party. Legendary actress Lily Tomlin, an AAP supporter for more than 20 years, was the evening’s special guest.

Mark Anton presented The Community Impact Award to Lori and Aubrey Serfling and Nelda Linsk for their long-standing partnerships with AAP and all they do for the community.

Lily Tomlin, an AAP supporter for more than 20 years, was a special guest at AAP - Food Samaritans' "Evening Under the Stars — Genesis" on Oct. 14, 2023.
Lily Tomlin, an AAP supporter for more than 20 years, was a special guest at AAP - Food Samaritans' "Evening Under the Stars — Genesis" on Oct. 14, 2023.

Eisenhower Foundation Senior Vice President Wendy Beerbower explained that “AAP is a great partner with Eisenhower, knowing that our patients who are struggling with food insecurity and other chronic illnesses have a resource while getting medical treatment.”

Real estate agent Lindell Campbell observed that AAP was doing a great job of helping people experiencing food insecurity. “Mark Anton has created a great organization and program that has brought so many people back,” Campbell observed.

Eisenhower Health was the presenting sponsor. Major supporters included Brad Lampley and Rigo Lomeli for hosting the event, the Auen Foundation represented by Sherri Auen and Catharine Reed, Steve Tobin and Johnny Krupa and the Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation, Hot Purple Energy, Scott Histed, Bill Nicholson and Flooring Innovations, State Farm, Imagine IT, Image360, Desert Sun, LocaliQ, the Standard, The Palm Springs Post and Palm Springs Life.

The Community Impact Award was presented to Aubrey and Lori Serfling at AAP - Food Samaritans' "Evening Under the Stars — Genesis" on Oct. 14, 2023.
The Community Impact Award was presented to Aubrey and Lori Serfling at AAP - Food Samaritans' "Evening Under the Stars — Genesis" on Oct. 14, 2023.

Now in its 32nd year of service to the community, AAP – Food Samaritans remains dedicated to providing nutritional support to help address food insecurity and improve the quality of the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses by distributing monthly food vouchers to low-income men, women and children living with chronic illnesses.

Al Jones is president of the Palm Springs Sister Cities board of directors and president of the Palm Springs Pride Art Installation board of directors. He is also a trustee and treasurer of the Palm Springs Library. He was the former chairman of the Palm Springs International Airport Commission and is a current member of the board of directors of Dezart Performs and the CSU Palm Desert Campus Advancement board and a former member of DAP Partners for Life and board member of the LGBTQ+ Community Center.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: AAP – Food Samaritans' Evening Under the Stars returns