Come Adorned.
Leave Transformed.
For more than three decades, The Chase has defined what a night of purpose can be. A night where design is not decoration, but transformation. Where beauty is not indulgence, but impact.
In 2027, that legacy transforms.
Inspired by centuries of masquerade — from the candlelit canals of Venice to the most legendary parties in modern history — Masquerade invites you into something entirely new.
A night where design is not decoration, but transformation. Where beauty is not indulgence, but impact.
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Lineage of Extraordinary Nights
Long before The Chase, there were evenings that redefined what a gathering could be. From the masked streets of Venice to the grandest salons of New York and Paris, these evenings were never simply parties. They were transformations. In 2027, Palm Springs writes the next chapter.
15th – 18th CENTURY · VENICE
The Venetian Carnival Balls · La Serenissima — The Original
Source
Every modern masquerade traces its bloodline here. For weeks each year, the entire city of Venice masked itself — doge and beggar, merchant and courtesan — and the strict hierarchies of La Serenissima dissolved into shared anonymity. The Venetian Carnival was revived in the late 1970s by artists remaking traditional papier-mâché masks, the direct ancestor of the contemporary masquerade gala.
1883 · NEW YORK CITY
The Vanderbilt Fancy Dress Ball · Alva Vanderbilt’s Fifth Avenue Mansion · March 26
Alva Vanderbilt’s housewarming masquerade forced the city’s reigning social queen, Caroline Astor, to acknowledge the Vanderbilt family for the first time in order to secure her daughter an invitation. Some 1,200 guests attended in elaborate costumes — one arriving as “Electric Light,” a gown that actually illuminated.
1966 · NEW YORK CITY
Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball · The Plaza Hotel · November 28
At this, widely called the party of the century, 540 of the most famous people alive — Sinatra, Warhol, Bacall, et al. — arrived masked in black and white, and the masks came off at midnight. Capote secured his own for 39 cents at FAO Schwarz. The New York Times published the guest list in full, the only time it has done so for a private event. Halston, then a young milliner at Bergdorf Goodman, designed many of the masks. The event single-handedly revived the masquerade tradition for the modern age.
1969 · PARIS
Baron de Redé’s Bal Oriental · Hôtel Lambert, Île Saint-Louis · December 5
Hosted by the legendary aesthete Baron Alexis de Redé at his 17th-century private palace on the Seine, the Oriental Ball proved that a private house, lit and dressed with intention, surpasses any hotel ballroom. The Duchess of Windsor attended. Guests arrived as potentates and desert princes. The rooms themselves became the masquerade.
1972 · CHÂTEAU DE FERRIÈRES, FRANCE
The Rothschild Surrealist Ball · Dîner de Têtes Surréalistes · December 12
The invitations were printed in mirror-reverse, legible only in a looking glass. The dress code: “black tie, long dresses, and Surrealist heads.” The château was bathed in moving orange floodlights, giving the impression the palace was perpetually ablaze. Footmen dressed as cats slept on the staircases. The Baroness de Rothschild wore a stag’s head adorned with real diamond tears. Salvador Dalí shaped the décor. Many believe this evening directly inspired Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.”
1977 · NEW YORK CITY
Bianca Jagger’s Birthday at Studio 54 · Hosted by Halston · May 2
Halston hosted. The room was flooded with white balloons. A nude couple painted in shimmering body paint led a white horse across the dance floor, and Bianca Jagger mounted it and rode through the crowd, an image that circled the globe by morning. Mick Jagger, Liza Minnelli, Andy Warhol, David Bowie, and more luminaries were in attendance.
2027 · PALM SPRINGS
The Chase 2027: Masquerade · February 20
The mask has never been about hiding. It has always been an invitation, to be exactly who you are, more fully than you ever dared.
You are invited.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Chase?
Created by (and named after) the late, world-renowned interior designer passionate philanthropist Steve Chase — an early DAP Health donor, volunteer, and board member who worked touring the globe but loved Palm Springs best — this event celebrates his legacy as one of DAP Health’s earliest and most influential donors, volunteers, and board members. Known for his global work but forever devoted to Palm Springs, Steve envisioned a community where wellness thrives.
Who is The Chase 2027 Honoree?
The Chase 2027 honoree will be announced soon. Please check back for updates.
Who will the entertainment be for the evening?
The entertainment will be announced at a later date. Please check back for updates.
How do I purchase tickets?
You can purchase tickets here. We offer four ticket options: single ticket ($500), VIP ticket ($1,000), table of 10 (10 single tickets), VIP table of 10 (10 VIP tickets).
Where does the money raised from the event go?
All funds raised benefit DAP Health to support its patient-centered programs and services.
When and where is the event taking place?
The 33rd annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will be held on Saturday, February 20 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
What is the dress code for the event?
The event is “Creative Formal,” inviting guests to express their personal style with elegance and flair. Feel free to blend classic formal wear with creative touches that reflect your authentic self and unique personality—whether that’s through bold accessories, a standout piece, or a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Can I donate if I can't attend?
Absolutely! You can still support DAP Health’s mission by making a donation. Donate here.
Will there be opportunities to network or connect with other guests?
Yes, the event includes a cocktail reception and social time to allow guests to connect and celebrate together.
How can I become a sponsor for the event?
We offer various sponsorship opportunities that provide meaningful ways to support DAP Health’s mission and gain recognition at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. You can view last year’s sponsorship levels here. The 2027 sponsorship opportunities will be available at a later time.
Please submit the form above if you would like to be notified when sponsorship opportunities become available.
Are there marketing opportunities available at the event?
Yes. DAP Health offers multiple marketing opportunities through our sponsorship packages, which provide valuable visibility before and during The Chase. Sponsors are recognized throughout the event — from on-site signage to program materials and digital promotions — ensuring meaningful exposure while supporting DAP Health’s mission to advance health equity.
The 2027 sponsorship opportunities will be available at a later date. Please submit the form above to be notified.
Why We Host The Chase Every Year
DAP Health exists to protect and expand health care access for all people, no matter who or where they are, their health status, or whether they have health insurance. Founded in 1984 by community volunteers as Desert AIDS Project, DAP Health has always answered the call to meet urgent needs with compassion and innovation.
In 2023, DAP Health made a successful bid to absorb the Borrego Health system, expanding our mission across Southern California. Today, 950 dedicated health care professionals serve more than 80,000 patients — of all populations, genders, and ages, from newborns to seniors — at 23 clinics spanning 240 rural and urban ZIP Codes, from the Coachella Valley to the San Diego Coast.
Your support of The Chase directly fuels this mission — keeping doors open to critical, life-affirming care for thousands of people who rely on us.
Looking Back at The Chase 2026
Step back into the unforgettable moments of The Chase 2026. Live from the Orange Carpet and behind the scenes of the Coachella Valley’s most anticipated fundraising event.
The Heart Behind the Care
At The Chase 2026, we heard directly from DAP Health providers about what calls them to this work — and what keeps them showing up each day with compassion, courage, and purpose. Their stories offered a powerful reminder that health care is not only about treatment, but also about listening, advocating, and making every patient feel seen, supported, and welcomed.
From women’s health and pediatric dental care to gender-affirming services and HIV care, each voice reflected a shared commitment to standing beside those who need care most. Together, these stories revealed the heart behind DAP Health’s mission: to be there for every patient with dignity, compassion, and unwavering support.
Thank You to our 2026 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor