Mandy Moore gave all the right moves to Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in the Oscar-nominated film Silver Linings Playbook. Remember that dance that captured their tortured love story ... the one that was equal parts clumsy, romantic, and touching? Mandy will give that same delicate touch to the featured dance sequences at the 21st Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards held Saturday, February 7, at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
The gripping story of a couple living with HIV combines the talents of Scott Alan, whose songs have been sung by Broadway's elite, with the creative direction of Live It Up! Productions president Trini Garza and his co-creative director Brandon Alameda. Trini and Brandon teamed up with Scott to write a very tender story that will be told throughout the evening of the gala.
The moves, though, come courtesy of Mandy Moore. She's directed huge production numbers on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. She also created Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour. Mandy both directed and choreographed the movie-cum-Broadway musical, The Wedding Singer. At "The Steve Chase," she will be directing the So You Think You Can Dance All-Stars.
All of the work that Mandy, her dancers, and the other entertainers - Shoshana Bean, Scott Alan, and our emcee, popular comic actor Mario Cantone - perform for the gala help celebrate giants in AIDS research, treatment, volunteering, and philanthropy. Moreover, it raises funds needed to provide the comprehensive and compassionate care that Desert AIDS Project offers our friends and neighbors in Riverside County living with HIV and AIDS.
Staging a glamorous evening that entertains and informs the Coachella Valley about HIV - so we can support those with this harsh and angry disease - is an important chapter in the D.A.P. silver linings playbook.
ABOUT THE STEVE CHASE GALA AND DESERT AIDS PROJECT - As the signature fundraiser for Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.), the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards last year raised more than $1.4 million for client services. Desert AIDS Project (D.A.P.) serves people living with HIV and AIDS by providing comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services, like food, housing, and counseling. D.A.P. also offers free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations throughout the communities it serves. To learn more about Desert AIDS Project, call 760-323-2118, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube.
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