Partners For Life Season Finale Honors Donors and Calls for Continued Commitment

Words by Daniel Vaillancourt

Photography by Albert Angelo

DAP Health supporters gathered at the iconic Abernathy House in Palm Springs on Thursday, May 8, for the community health center’s end-of-season Partners For Life (PFL) celebration. It was an evening filled with gratitude, reflection, and purpose.

The Abernathy House, also known as the James Logan Abernathy Residence, is a distinguished example of midcentury modern architecture. Designed in 1962 by renowned architect William F. Cody, the home exemplifies the Desert Modernism style, characterized by clean lines, expansive glass walls, and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The setting was perfectly suited to pay tribute to a donor community rooted in legacy and vision.

PFL Co-Chairs Grant Elder and Read Brown kicked off the event, welcoming guests and recognizing the gathering as an ode to philanthropy, community, and generosity. They then introduced Board Chair Patrick Jordan, who delivered a deeply personal and inspiring address.

From the Outgoing Chairman of the Board

Jordan reflected on his journey with DAP Health, recalling how he and his business partner Stewart Smith became involved in 2006 by raising funds for the AIDS Walk. “Like so many of you tonight, I wanted to get involved and pay the gift of my own achievements forward as I recognized from the AIDS crisis that I was one of the lucky ones,” he said.

Jordan emphasized both the courage it took to care openly at a time when stigma still surrounded HIV/AIDS,  and the joy of finding community through action. “It was so easy — to care, to give your heart,” he revealed, referencing the sense of belonging the Walk fostered.

His moving anecdotes, including one involving heartfelt thanks from a father at DAP Health’s Winterfest last December, and another from a restaurant manager grateful for care given to her trans child, underscored the real-world impact of DAP Health’s mission.

Jordan also looked back on the organization’s transformation — from a grassroots response to HIV/AIDS to a community health center (CHC) in 2015. He proudly noted that DAP Health now provides care that goes far beyond HIV prevention, testing, and specialty care: women’s health, mental health, gender health and wellness, services for farmworkers, and so much more — all within an environment free of shame.

“At the end of the day, what we do is take care of humans. Full stop,” he stressed. “That’s our gig and you are all part of that.”

Jordan announced his forthcoming departure from the board after 20 years of service, and introduced his successor, current Co-Vice Chair Eve E. Fromberg-Edelstein, Esq., who will officially assume the chair role at the end of the month, with Kevin Bass continuing as sole vice chair.

From the Longtime Chief Executive Officer

CEO David Brinkman (who will mark 20 years at the helm of the nonprofit in 2026) followed, expressing gratitude for the Resource Development team, including interim Chief of Development Steven Henke; colleagues Debbie Chapman, Rico Montero, and Ana Pfaf; and Director of Individual Giving and Donor Relations Matt Swearman and his colleagues Beth Newton, Chas Kidder, and Olen “Bubba” Collins.

Brinkman thanked PFL members for helping to fund crucial services like DAP Health’s three free sexual wellness clinics, plus transportation and food assistance for 4,300 patients.

He then turned to the broader context: federal budget proposals that threaten deep cuts to Medi-Cal and other essential programs. He outlined the budget cuts proposed by the current administration that will impact communities living on the margins, calling on Congressman Ken Calvert to support community health centers and Medicaid in the budget process.

Brinkman emphasized DAP Health’s resilience and resolve. “It’s like 1984,” he said. “And just as we did four decades ago, we will emerge victorious.” He stressed DAP Health’s recommitment to advocacy efforts focused on protecting Medicaid/Medi-Cal, which ensures 80% of the patients served by DAP Health have access to the care they and their families need.

As the sun dipped behind the San Jacinto Mountains, guests mingled and sipped cocktails, enjoying bites provided by the catering team from Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge, owned by Willie Rhine and Albert Gonzalez. The community event concluded on a note of hope, camaraderie, and commitment to health justice.

If you would like to become a PFL member, please contact DAP Health’s Director of Individual Giving and Donor Relations Matt Swearman at [email protected].

To learn more about PFL, please click here.