Fundraising for a good cause has never been this fabulous
Every year, Southern Nevada’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization—Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN)—brings the Las Vegas community together for its annual Black and White Party. This wild celebration, now in its 36th year, benefits adults and children affected by HIV/AIDS and will take place at Virgin Hotels on October 22.
The Black and White bash is touted by many as one of the hottest parties in the city.
The festivities will start at 8 p.m. with the VIP reception in the Manor, a 5400 square feet meeting hall on the property. Guests are then invited on the lawn at 9 p.m. for refreshments, entertainment and a conglomeration of monochromatic excellence, AKA a lot of incredible outfits.
Select attendees will receive the “Right to Wear Red” honor. Recipients include those that made contributions to AFAN during the pandemic and beyond, according to executive director Antioco Carrillo.
Compassion is Always in Fashion
This is not the time for modest dressing. Guests are “encouraged to wear as much black and white as possible or as little as you can get away with,” to properly enjoy the “over-the-top black and white fashions” of the evening.
Infamous drag queen Norma Llayman and Las Vegas television personality Ricky Cornish will host this year. The 2022 roster of performances include: local Las Vegas burlesque show ROUGE, iconic male revue Chippendales, Kameron Michaels from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and more. The evening is sponsored by Penn and Teller, who will also be performing.
In support of AFAN’s mission, Huntridge clinic will provide on-site rapid HIV testing and monkeypox vaccinations for guests who are interested.
Fun fact: the original event started as a house party, with food brought by guests bearing black and white labels.
From Virgin Hotels’ restaurant collective, refreshments will be provided by Kassi Beach House and Night + Market Vegas. Additional food and beverage venues serving snacks and sips include Locale Italian Kitchen, El Luchador Mexican Kitchen + Cantina, Bad Ass Coffee, and Caked Las Vegas, among others.
Past and recurring events include the annual AIDS walk and recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1. The organization was also present at Las Vegas Pride 2022 with a promotional booth for the company and the upcoming Black and White Party.
A Brief History of AFAN
AFAN’s legacy began in 1984, to offer health and advocacy services for those affected by HIV and AIDS in southern Nevada. The health and wellness of Nevada citizens is AFAN’s top priority, as exhibited by the numerous medical and health services the organization provides. The growing list of offerings includes community outreach organizations, food programs, education outlets and more.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.afanlv.org/events. Can’t make it? Make donations for AFAN through their website.
