Donna Karan, Desert Healthcare District to be honored, Darren Criss to perform at 29th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards

DAP Health announced Monday it will honor fashion icon and philanthropist Donna Karan and the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation at its 29th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (The Chase) on March 25.

Karan, who has supported several philanthropic efforts for AIDS and cancer research, will receive the DAP Health Equity Award, while Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO Dr. Conrado E. Bárzaga and the organization’s board of directors will be honored with the DAP Health Humanitarian Award. The district is a local government agency that aims to help Coachella Valley residents receive health care resources, housing, food and other services.

“The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation is the epitome of what the DAP Health Humanitarian Award stands for, and we can think of no organization more deserving to receive this honor,” DAP Health CEO David Brinkman said in a statement. “It’s a testament to leadership shown by Dr. Conrado E. Bárzaga and the board during both the COVID-19 and mpox crises. It allowed our organization to make an enormous impact on the lives of valley residents.”

The nonprofit also announced that Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor and musician Darren Criss will be the evening's headline performer. The actor is known for his work on "Glee," "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" and "Hollywood."

The fundraising event, which will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, supports the ongoing mission of DAP Health, an advocacy-based health care organization serving thousands of patients via primary care, mental health, dental and HIV specialty care. The organization also has plans to expand with Vision Forward, the nonprofit's 10-year strategic plan that aims to serve 25,000 patients a year by 2025 with expanded medical, dental and mental health clinics and a new on-campus affordable housing complex.

The Chase, first organized by and named for famed interior designer Steve Chase, has raised millions of dollars for direct client services at DAP Health.

Attendees can expect a fast-paced evening led by returning host Michael Urie (of “Shrinking”), with additional performances by Broadway’s Nick Adams (of “Fire Island”) and Tony Award nominee Saycon Sengbloh. The awards are presented by Eisenhower Health.

For more information on The Chase and to purchase tickets, visit daphealth.org/thechase

Past honorees, award presenters and entertainers have included Diahann Carroll, Carol Channing, Kristin Chenoweth, Joan Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Queen Latifah, Wynonna Judd, George Hamilton, Tom Hanks, Sen. Ted Kennedy, Patti LaBelle, Angela Lansbury, Judith Light, Shirley MacLaine, Bob Mackie, Barry Manilow, Harold Matzner, Liza Minnelli, Debbie Reynolds and Dionne Warwick.

Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Darren Criss to perform at 29th annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards