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Desert
AIDS Project Eighth Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 2003 Special guests: Honorable Congresswoman Mary Bono, Movie Legend Anne Francis, Actor Gordon Thompson, Singer Jennifer Holiday and Actress Carol Channing. Steve Chase founded Steve Chase Associates, his Rancho Mirage interior design firm, in 1980, following a lengthy and noted affiliation with Arthur Elrod Associates of Palm Springs. An acclaimed designer, Chase was active for many years in community organizations, including the Desert AIDS Project, the Palm Springs Desert Museum, The Living Desert Reserve and The McCallum Theatre. During his firm's formative stages, Chase offered design, consulting, and purchasing services to the McCallum Theatre, confirming his long-time passion for the performing arts. In addition, numerous projects were undertaken at The Living Desert Reserve where Chase was a Board Member. Chase worked closely with Reserve administration, offering both design and financial support for recent additions including Eagle Canyon and the Meerkat Café. Chase contributed $2.5 million to The Living Desert for construction of an administrative center and a collection of California landscape art. In addition, he gave $1.5 million and 132 works of art to the Palm Springs Desert Museum, which opened the Steve Chase Art Wing and Education Center in 1996. Chase's introduction to the Desert AIDS Project followed his Board work with The Design Alliance to Combat AIDS (DACA) in Los Angeles. The impact and need for local community services was apparent early, and Chase was committed to serving the desert community following his departure from the DACA Board. He was an annual participant in the Desert AIDS Walk and he was instrumental in bringing "Heartstrings" to the Coachella Valley in 1992. This production was followed by "A Valentines Gala" in 1993, when Betty Ford, Joan Krok, and Chase were honored for their long-time compassion and personal dedication to the Desert AIDS Project and its clients. Chase introduced his friends, business associates, and client to the Desert AIDS Project and encouraged their financial and personal involvement. This introduction led to the dedication and donation of the private residence of Joan Krok to the Project, a significant donation which allowed the Project to expand and broaden its mission. Chase's professional honors include Interior Design Magazine Hall of Fame Award, and Designer of the Year, presented to him by Designers West Magazine. The
Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards honors Steve Chase's commitment to the
fight against AIDS. |