AIDS Fund: 35 Years of Service and a Lasting Legacy
Founded at the height of the AIDS epidemic, AIDS Fund played a critical role in addressing the challenges of HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia. For 35 years, the organization provided vital funding to local agencies, raised awareness, and supported individuals and families affected by the disease. A key part of their fundraising efforts was GayBINGO!, an event they created in 1996. In December 2024, AIDS Fund announced the conclusion of its operations, leaving a legacy of compassion, resilience, and community-driven progress.
GayBINGO!, conceived and nurtured by the AIDS Fund, became far more than just a fundraiser. It evolved into a Philadelphia institution known for its irreverent humor, fabulous drag queen hosts (the Bingo Verifying Divas), enthusiastic crowds, and unwavering commitment to supporting the HIV/AIDS community. The monthly event, along with the annual Black-Tie GayBINGO! Gala, raised over $4 million over its lifetime.
The decision to transfer the production of GayBINGO! to Action Wellness was natural. Action Wellness, one of Pennsylvania's largest AIDS service organizations, shares a similar mission and a long history of serving the Philadelphia community. With over 400 volunteers and over 80 professional staff, Action Wellness provides a wide range of services, including medical case management, treatment as prevention, and supportive housing.
Action Wellness is committed to preserving the unique spirit and energy of GayBINGO!. The organization recognizes the event's importance as a fundraiser and a beloved community tradition. While changes and updates may occur over time, the core elements that make GayBINGO! so special – the drag queens, the irreverent humor, the enthusiastic participation, and the commitment to raising funds for HIV/AIDS services – will remain central to the experience.
The 26th annual Black-Tie GayBINGO!, scheduled for March 22, 2025, at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, will symbolize the torch's passing. The event will honor AIDS Fund with the 2025 Black-Tie GayBINGO! Community Award, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the community and their creation of this iconic event.
The transition of GayBINGO! from AIDS Fund to Action Wellness marks a new chapter in the event's history, but it also represents a continuation of its vital mission. Action Wellness is well-positioned to carry forward the legacy of GayBINGO!, ensuring that this beloved Philadelphia tradition continues to entertain, inspire, and positively impact the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS for years to come. The future of GayBINGO! is bright, built on a foundation of community, compassion, and a lot of fabulous fun.
