Historic O’Donnell House Will be the Site of Benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans

PALM SPRINGS – Food Samaritans (AAP) will host an Independence Day Celebration and fundraiser on Sunday, July 4, 2021 at the historic O’Donnell House, also known as “Eye of the Desert” (or Ojo Del Desierto).

The Independence Day Celebration and fundraiser begins at 7:30 p.m. and the City of Palm Springs’ fireworks display is expected to commence at approximately 9:15 p.m. (As of this writing, the city has not confirmed the fireworks display.)

Guests will enjoy traditional American fare catered by Willie Rhine and his team from Eight4Nine who will provide amazing décor, great service, and delicious food and beverages. Tickets are $200, which includes an open bar, dinner, entertainment, and valet parking. (Advance purchase is required.)

AAP – Food Samaritans of Palm Springs is dedicated to providing nutritional support to improve the quality of the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.

Due to the pandemic, AAP has had to cancel several fundraisers over the past year, and is feeling the strain.

In  prepared statement, Mark Anton, CEO and Executive Director of AAP – Food Samaritans said, “I am elated that
California – and Riverside County in particular – is doing so well with regard to the pandemic. With the state scheduled to fully reopen in mid-June, I am going forward with our annual Independence Day celebration on July 4. While I expect that many people will be happy to join us on the magnificent patio of the O’Donnell house, I understand if you are not quite ready for this kind of social interaction. Whichever the case, if you have the means, I ask that you either purchase a ticket and attend or make a contribution. With more people in our community struggling to make ends meet, those with chronic illnesses need us more than ever. They need you.”

“Once again, we are extremely grateful for the generosity of Dr. Tracy Conrad and Dr. Paul Marut for allowing us to hold this fundraiser from this amazing location,” Anton said.

Completed in 1925, the O’Donnell House served as the winter home of oilman Thomas O’Donnell and his wife, Dr. Winnifred Willis Jenny, a well-known Long Beach osteopath. The two-story Mediterranean Revival-Monterey residence remained the highest mountainside home in Palm Springs until the 1960s. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

Tickets for the Independence Day Celebration may be purchased at aapfoodsamaritans.org or by calling 760-325-8481.

ABOUT AAP – FOOD SAMARITANS
Now in its 30th year of service to the community, AAP – Food Samaritans of Palm Springs was initiated by a small group of concerned citizens led by the late Gloria Greene and Jeannette Rockefeller, AAP provides nutritional support to members of the community with low incomes. For more information, please call 760-325-8481 or click here.

Image Sources

  • Animal Samaritans: O'Bayley Communications