Gaybingo with a black tie! Returns under action wellness

When Sida Fund Philly announced it would be Turn the operations at the end of 2024The organization also handed the reins at Wellness Action – keeping the beloved tradition of the AIDS fundraising fund and fun through gaybingo! And gaybingo with black tie! Even in its absence.

“Gaybingo with a black tie! It is an event full of joy, affirmation and love, “said Mary Evelyn Torres, executive director of Wellness Action Wellness, in a statement. “It is an opportunity to raise money and awareness regarding the conclusion of the HIV epidemic.”

The AIDS Fund – also known for the start of the Philly AIDS, will be honored at this year’s event, which will take place on March 22, for the 35 years of management of the organization in the fight against HIV/AIDS and for creating one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ fundraising in Philadelphia, which was recognized with “Best of Philly”.

“This is our first year as an organization that hosts the event and we are proud to honor Fund AIDS, an organization, such as Wellness Action, which has done incredible work, while having a positive impact on people with HIV over the past 30 years,” said Torres.

“Founded at the height of AIDS epidemic, the AIDS Fund was a steady force in approaching HIV challenges,” Torres continued. “After 35 years of dedicated service, the AIDS Fund ended the operations in December 2024. This marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the HIV in Philadelphia – a chapter defined by resistance, compassion and progress led by the community. Their work has contributed to increasing the awareness, to supporting people and families and financing critical services during crisis periods. “

Gaybingo! It started in 1996 as a way to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS programs and services. This monthly event persists in 2025 in this new management team. Three more events will take place before a summer break in July and August.

Robb Reichard, who was previously the executive director of the AIDS Philly Fund, told PGN in 2024 that he is concerned about “declining perception around HIV emergency.” He underlined that Gaybingo! is a crucial reminder that HIV/AIDS is a continuous crisis – It’s not a problem of the past.

The irreverent approach, Black-tie gaybingo! Subsidies help to cover costs for housing, medical devices, health insurance premiums and other basic needs. There is money for specific needs that vulnerable people cannot access elsewhere.

“A financial crisis could become a health crisis,” Reichard said at the time, stressing that this is why these resulting fund collectors and micrographers are so important.

At this year’s big event, Black-tie Gaybingo! Participants will enjoy a reception of cocktail, seated dinner, entertainment and musical numbers and dancing between gaybingo rounds! The infamous bingo that verifies the divas will be at hand – including Carlotta tendant, who will be this year’s host for games and Stella D’Oro, who will host the prizes and the program.

A silent auction will have gift cards, prizes and packages from local restaurants, hotels, music, museums and small businesses. The top prizes include a table of the cook for four – including alcoholic beverages – at the Press to Tortilla Pennsauken, NJ; Two tickets to an orchestra concert in Philadelphia; a portrait of plastic art photo donated by the Portrait Stephen Taylor; A stay of two nights in ft. Lauderdale, Florida with airport transfers donated by Garry Staegemann; And more.

“At Action Wellness, we are both humble and honored to continue some of the incredible inheritance of AIDS Fund, by taking over the production of gaybingo! – A beloved tradition that has brought joy and laughter to our community as it raised vital funds for HIV combating, “said Torres. “We hired ourselves to keep Gaybingo’s magic! And ensuring that it continues to be a space for holidays, community and significant impact. Together, we can ensure that their vision of a HIV world is transmitted with the same determination and heart. “

Gaybingo with a black tie! It will take place at 6:30 pm on March 22 at the Regency Ballroom in Lowes Hotel, 1200 Market St. For more information or to buy tickets, visit Aidsfundphilly.org.