Our National HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day Dinner was a wonderful reminder of what makes LKAPS so special: the people who come together to support one another and celebrate our community.
One of the evening’s highlights was recognizing two extraordinary honorees with Certificates of Appreciation. We were proud to honor the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation for its generosity and longstanding commitment to people aging with HIV in the Greater Palm Springs area, and Danny Kopelson for his years of service to the HIV/AIDS community and his willingness to share his lived experience as a long-term survivor. Their contributions have enriched countless lives, and we were honored to recognize them.
Events like these don’t happen without many people working behind the scenes. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our LKAPS Board of Directors, Social Committee, and Communications Team for the many hours they devoted to planning this special evening. I am also grateful to the outstanding staff at the Mizell Center, whose hospitality and professionalism helped make the event such a success.
Finally, I want to thank our corporate sponsors, grant makers, individual donors, and everyone who attended. Your generosity and support make it possible for LKAPS to continue creating opportunities for connection, fellowship, and community for long-term survivors and people aging with HIV.
Thank you for being part of LKAPS and for continuing to show up for one another.
Warmly, Jax
Jax Kelly, President Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (AIDS Survivor Syndrome) JaxKelly@lkaps.org
Celebrating resilience, community, and connection. Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Mizell Center for the LKAPS HIV Long-term Survivors Awareness Day Dinner. It was a beautiful night filled with great conversations and wonderful company!Danny Kopelson told his story from Chicago to Palm Springs. Ken Henderson and Joe Seiler from the Richmond/Ermet AID Foundation.
We had a great turnout for our A Queer Arcana docent tour. Big thanks to our docent Vinnie who always brings so much knowledge and understanding to the tour.
Social Events
Social Committee Meeting via Zoom. Wednesday July 8th @ 5:00 PM Join Here!
The Roundtable
The Roundtable is our weekly drop-in discussion group, where we make connections and build community through conversation. Peer coordinators facilitate discussions of topics both serious and fun that include and allow everyone to participate.
Got a topic that’s been on your mind? Send your idea to the roundtable team and join the conversation!
SUMMER ISHERE! So, the ONLINE Roundtable will meet MONTHLY on the LAST Tuesday ONLY.
July 2026 Topics:
July 2 – Do you think of yourself as gay, queer, or part of the broader LGTNQIA+ spectrum?
July 9 – Let’s talk about sex…?
July 16 – As a senior living with HIV, do you feel you have a purpose in life? What goals do you currently have for yourself?
July 23 – Do you feel that you’re using your natural gifts?
July 30 – At this point in the year, where are you emotionally, physically and spiritually?
BONUS TOPIC TUESDAY July 28 Online – At this point in the year, what do you recall was the most important thing you wanted to achieve at the beginning of the year? And where are you in creating that?? What suggestions do you have for getting out and meeting people?
Ristretto 500 S Palm Canyon Dr #100, Palm Springs, CA 92264
LKAPS Dine Around
Wednesday, July 15 – 5:30PM Mark’s Burgers
Delicious Food Served Right! Mark’s Burgers has a wide variety of food from burgers to salads. Located by the Roost and Mary Pickford Theater in Cathedral City with plenty of parking.
Palm Springs Lanes 68051 Ramon Rd, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Potluck/Pool Party
Sunday, July 26th – 1:00 PM
Phil Hastings & Ron Tickerhoeff will be hosting the July potluck/pool party. It will be at Phil & Ron’s home in Palm Springs. Watch for the Evite and Thank you Phil & Ron!
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Our community is built on the strength of our shared history. “Knowing Me, Knowing You” is our dedicated space for members to share their personal HIV journeys—the challenges, the triumphs, and the resilience that defines us as long-term survivors.
Read & Submit: You can read the latest stories from your fellow members and submit your own story online all in one place. You don’t have to be a professional writer to participate; your voice and your journey are what matter most. Sharing your story helps ensure that no one in our community feels they are walking this path alone. Share your story here!
LKAPS Coffee
Sunday, July 19th – 10:00 AM
Ristretto, an easygoing cafe for coffee, tea & pastries plus sandwiches & salads in a casual storefront.There is plenty of parking in their lot.
Ristretto 500 S Palm Canyon Dr #100, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Community Events
Pals Circle
Every Monday 6 – 7 PM
Circle is an informal weekly zoom drop-in for connection and support. There is no agenda, no topic – like getting together at grandmother’s house every week. Enjoy! It’s powerful.
A Death Café is a group-led open conversation about death and dying. It is not counseling or a bereavement group; and there is no agenda, specified topics, or designated outcomes.
TM courses are offered about once/month in Palm Springs, for those living with HIV (and their caregivers) the course fees are fully covered by grants and scholarships. There’s no charge to participate.
July 21: Zero HIV Stigma Day Purpose: This is a global awareness day dedicated specifically to challenging and dismantling the social stigma, stereotypes, and discrimination that surround HIV.
San Diego Pride: The official theme for this year’s celebration is “Pride Shines On.” The main celebration runs over the weekend of July 18–19, 2026 Visit website
Donate your HIV Meds
Donate your not needed HIV Meds at the Positive Life Series monthly. Bring your not needed HIV meds to the Positive Life Series (The first Tuesday of the Month) and give to Jeff Taylor. They are donated to an HIV Clinic in Mexico.
You don’t have to receive ALL emails from lkaps.org. You can choose which ones you would like by updating your email preferences. You can also update your phone number and your birthdate along with wether you would like to be included in the directory. There is always a link at the bottom of every email.
Submit to the Newsletter
Anyone is welcome to submit ideas, stories, photos and videos related to social connection, education, and advocacy for people aging with HIV to our monthly newsletter. Please send to news@lkaps.org by the 25th for inclusion in the following month’s newsletter.
Support LKAPS
Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs sponsors inclusive social activities for people deeply affected by HIV. We are all races, genders, HIV+ and HIV-. Some of our members are outgoing, others are introverted or have been isolated. There are no requirements about participation, we encourage you to come out and meet us.
