Aid for AIDS of Nevada’s 38th Annual Black & White Party returned to Kaos Nightclub at Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, Sept. 14, and the annual fundraiser raised more than $170,000 – and counting – to support those living and affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.
Hosted by Estevan Velasco and Norma Llyaman, the night featured performances by Vincint, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Trinity K Bonet, “Beyond Brunch,” Gipsy and Piranha Nightclub, Jennifer Romas and the cast of “Exxcite” and “Sexxy,” Harrison Barnes, Skye Dee Miles and the Love Community Choir, “Vegas! The Show” and an appearance by Chippendales.
Guests embraced the night’s black and white theme with extravagant costumes and avant-garde fashion. The event highlighted U=U (Undetectable=Untransmittable), a campaign that emphasizes that individuals on effective HIV treatment cannot transmit the virus.
Every other year, AFAN honors individuals who have shown exceptional generosity of time, resources and energy toward the cause by granting them the “Right to Wear Red” in a sea of black and white. This year’s honorees include leaders across nonprofits, hospitality, advocacy groups and longtime AFAN donors and supporters:
• Anthony DeFelice, Summer Communications
• Chris Adams, Piranha and Gipsy
• Dana Benrud, Urban Nest Realty
• Guy Sheets, The Garage
• Heather Shoop, Clark County Social Services, Office of HIV
• Hydeia Broadbent, HIV activist
• Jennifer Caballero, Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko Drummers
• Joanna Baumann, iHeart Media
• John Waldron, The Center
• Jon Sparer, AFAN Donor
• Kiely Campbell, Wynn Resorts
• Latoya Holman, The Public Education Foundation
• Mike Tafoya, Piranha and Gipsy
• Monica Moradkhan, Wynn Resorts
• Robert Largo, The Garage
“This year’s ‘Right to Wear Red’ honorees represent the heart and soul of our community. Their dedication to our cause inspires all of us to continue fighting for a future free of HIV stigma and inequality,” said Antioco Carrillo, AFAN’s Executive Director.
