This year, Mazzoni Center’s annual gala will commemorate the community organization’s milestone 35th anniversary.
Elixir: the Cure for the Common Gala will take place 6-11 p.m. May 15 on the Mill House Deck of the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge, 640 Waterworks Drive. Tickets are $125; VIP, $250. Sponsored by Walgreens, the event will feature live music, dancing, DJ entertainment, food, open bar, a silent auction and special live performances by Rainere Martin as Donna Summer and Philadelphia Voices of Pride.
The 2015 Elixir master of ceremonies is 13-time Emmy Award-winning CBS 3 “Eyewitness News” consumer reporter Jim Donovan.
“This event is a great opportunity to give back and celebrate the incredible progress that Mazzoni and the communities it serves have made over the years,” said Elixir co-chair Tom Runkle.
Franny Price, executive director of Philly Pride Presents and longtime community activist and advocate, will be honored with the Gloria Casarez Activist Award. Michael Tambón, aka “Cherry Pop,” also will be honored for his advocacy work for people living with HIV. His drag performances have helped raise awareness and reduce stigma around the disease.
“Franny Price and Michael Tambón are remarkable and accomplished individuals,” said Mazzoni Center CEO Nurit Shein. “I believe they each embody Mazzoni Center’s spirit of dedicated service to Philadelphia’s LGBT community, and the promise of a bright future ahead.”
Proceeds from the event will support Mazzoni’s wide range of health and wellness services, including primary health-care, mental and behavioral health services, LGBT legal services, HIV and STD testing, food-bank and housing subsidies for families and individuals affected by HIV, support groups, outreach and education.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.mazzonicenter.org/elixir2015.