There will be several new additions to Mazzoni Center’s annual fundraising gala this weekend, including a new host venue.
Elixir: the Cure for the Common Gala will be held 6-11 p.m. May 20 in the Lubert Plaza at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
“We try to change it up most years because people come year after year so we want to keep it interesting,” said Elisabeth Flynn, senior communications manager at the LGBT health facility.
She noted last year’s 35th-anniversary event at Water Works “set the bar high.”
“That venue was incredible so we thought, How do we match that atmosphere? We did a bit of searching and we made the connection with Jefferson, which offered the opportunity to use their plaza. It’s literally in the heart of our service area, between the medical practice and our office, and is right in the middle of the Gayborhood. We also have a longtime relationship with Jefferson, so this was a natural location in a lot of ways.”
Jefferson hosts parties, graduations and other events at the plaza, so has tents at the ready in case of inclement weather, Flynn noted.
Elixir also has a new event running concurrent with it. Tonic will be held from 10 p.m.-midnight at Voyeur and will feature music by DJ Carl Michaels and performances by a number of local drag queens. Proceeds from the $20 admission will benefit Mazzoni.
Also joining the Elixir lineup is Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. The silver sponsor venue will host a casino lounge at Elixir, where guests can try their hands at card games for a chance to win a number of Borgata packages. The event also features a silent auction.
“I think it’s going to add a lot of fun and a dash of glamour,” Flynn said. “People love games and chance competitions of all kinds, and knowing the proceeds benefit Mazzoni Center puts a nice spin on the gambling experience; you can go all in and have fun and know that you can’t really lose no matter what because everything is going to support a great cause.”
Two honorees will be recognized this year. Mazzoni will honor the Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, vice president of community affairs at Independence Blue Cross. She also leads IBC Foundation, the organization’s philanthropic arm.
Marshall-Blake was an early board member of HIV/AIDS organization BEBASHI and currently sits on more than two-dozen nonprofit boards.
“She’s a really community-focused person who cares so much about making Philadelphia a healthier place,” Flynn said.
Joining Marshall-Blake is LGBT sports league Stonewall Sports.
“Stonewall promotes healthy activity, teamwork and fun for many folks who grew up thinking team sports were not somewhere they’d be welcomed; they’re breaking that myth apart,” Flynn said. “Philanthropy is also central to what to do. While they’re having fun, they’re raising money to support vital community organizations and projects.”
The event features performances by Brian Sanders’ JUNK and ArcheDream for Humankind. Joshua’s Catering and Front Street Café will provide the food, with the open bar by Woody’s.
“When people hear the word ‘gala,’ I think they have an image in mind, but this is really the opposite of the stuffy type of event people might expect,” Flynn said. “From the food to the drinks to the entertainment, the casino games, the auction, there’s truly something for everyone. It’s a great night, a great crowd and a really great cause.”
Organizers are aiming to raise a net of at least $105,000; last year, Elixir netted about $83,000.
Fundraising from this year’s event will go directly to support Mazzoni Center’s planned site consolidation and move to Bainbridge Street, which is expected next year.
Mazzoni Center director of development and marketing Perry Monastero said that project is on track.
“Things are moving along with construction and, if things continue at the current pace as planned, we’ll be moving into our space and have a new landlord come June 2017,” he said.
For more information or Elixir tickets, visit www.mazzonicenter.org/elixir-2016.