When AIDS Fund Philly announced it would cease operations at the close of 2024, the organization also handed the reins to Action Wellness — preserving the beloved AIDS Fund tradition of fundraising and fun through GayBINGO! and Black-Tie GayBINGO! even in its absence.
“Black-Tie GayBINGO! is an event full of joy, affirmation and love,” said Mary Evelyn Torres, executive director of Action Wellness, in a statement. “It’s an opportunity to raise money and awareness about ending the HIV epidemic.”
AIDS Fund — also known for starting the Philly AIDS Walk — will be honored at this year’s event, which will be held on March 22, for the organization’s 35 years of leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and for establishing one of Philadelphia’s most iconic LGBTQ+ fundraising events which has been recognized with “Best of Philly” awards.
“This is our first year as an organization hosting the event and we are proud to honor AIDS Fund, an organization, like Action Wellness, that has done incredible work while positively impacting the lives of people with HIV over the last 30 years,” Torres said.
“Founded at the height of the AIDS epidemic, AIDS Fund had been a steadfast force in addressing the challenges of HIV,” Torres continued. “After 35 years of dedicated service, AIDS Fund concluded operations in December of 2024. This marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the fight against HIV in Philadelphia — a chapter defined by resilience, compassion and community driven progress. Their work has been instrumental in raising awareness, supporting individuals and families, and funding critical services during times of crisis.”
GayBINGO! began in 1996 as a way to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS programs and services. That monthly event persists in 2025 under this new leadership team. Three more events will take place before a summer break in July and August.
Robb Reichard, who was previously the executive director of AIDS Fund Philly, told PGN in 2024 that he’s concerned about the “declining perception around the urgency of HIV.” He emphasized that GayBINGO! is a crucial reminder that HIV/AIDS is an ongoing crisis — not a problem of the past.
Black-Tie GayBINGO!’s irreverent, campy approach to fundraising has generated millions of dollars for microgrants to assist people living with HIV/AIDS since its inception. The grants help cover housing costs, medical devices, health insurance premiums and other basic needs. It’s money for specific needs that vulnerable people can’t access elsewhere.
“A financial crisis could become a health crisis,” Reichard said at the time, underlining that this is why these fundraisers and the microgrants that result are so important.
At this year’s big event, Black-Tie GayBINGO! attendees will enjoy a cocktail reception, seated dinner, entertainment and musical numbers, and dancing in between rounds of GayBINGO! The infamous Bingo Verifying Divas will be on hand — including Carlota Ttendant, who will be this year’s host for the games and Stella D’oro, who will host the awards and program.
A silent auction will feature gift cards, prizes and packages from local restaurants, hotels, music venues, museums and small businesses. Top prizes include a chef’s table for four — including alcoholic beverages — at Tortilla Press in Pennsauken, NJ; two tickets to a Philadelphia Orchestra concert; a fine art photo portrait donated by portrait artist Stephen Taylor; a two-night stay in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with airport transfers donated by Garry Staegemann; and more.
“At Action Wellness, we are both humbled and honored to continue a part of AIDS Fund’s incredible legacy by taking over the production of GayBINGO! — a beloved tradition that has brought joy and laughter to our community while raising vital funds to combat HIV,” Torres said. “We are committed to preserving the magic of GayBINGO! and ensuring it continues to be a space for celebration, community and meaningful impact. Together, we can ensure that their vision of a world without HIV is carried forward with the same determination and heart.”
Black-Tie GayBINGO! will take place at 6:30 p.m. on March 22 at the Regency Ballroom in the Lowes Hotel, 1200 Market St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit aidsfundphilly.org.