Aids Assistance Program held its 19th annual Evening Under the Stars at the O’Donnell Golf course on Saturday, May 5th. The evening was filled with Cocktails, Dinner, an Awards ceremony, Celebrities and dancing. Entertainment was provided by the GoGo’s. a 80’s pop group. They have continued to perform for more than 3 decades singing their own original songs. The GoGo’s consist of 5 dedicated and talented women. Some of the hits included We got the Beat and Head Over Heels.
Mistress of Ceremonies was celebrity Lainie Kazan. Lainie is a Emmy nominated actress, Award winning singer and broadway star. Her sense of humor had the audience laughing a lot. 1200 people attended this star studded event. Over $800,000 was raised for AAP which is fantastic. That will help them continue the great work that is done by this charity.
Another celebrity Barbara Eden was the award presenter. We all remember “I Dream of Jeannie” which ran for 5 seasons on TV and launched Barbara’s career in films. She has had starring roles on Broadway and was a leading lady in an Elvis Presley Film.
Robert Archer and Charles Hilliar received the Jeannette Rockefeller Humanitarian Award, Tony Marchese and Mark Van Laanen got the Gloria Greene Inspiration Award. KPSP Local 2 was given the Herb Lazenby Community Service Award while John Federbusch and Gary Frey was given the Joanna Jakway Community Hero Award. Bob Crebo and Dana Adkins received the Frank Jurszyk Volunteer Award for service to the community.
These honorees are chosen for all the work they have done for the community and AIDS. A special video was shown in memoriam for Jackie Lee Houston and others were recognized as special angels, Guy Lawson and Thom Adams.
A huge silent auction was held during the cocktail hour. A live auction was held prior to the performance by the GoGo’s. All money raised will go to AAP’s primary goal to provide nutritional support for clients and their families. AAP’s support is crucial to those in need and even now there are over 180 people on a waiting list for food vouchers and aid according to CEO.Executive Director Mark Anton.
