For the past 26 years, Black-Tie GayBINGO! has been brought to life to help support programs and services for thousands of people in Philadelphia and Delaware counties. In 2025, Action Wellness will be taking over the glitzy event, which will be held at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market St.) on March 22.
“Black-Tie GayBINGO! is an event full of joy, affirmation and love. It’s an opportunity to raise money and awareness about ending the HIV epidemic, ” said Action Wellness Executive Director Mary Evelyn Torres in a statement.
“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. Please join us for a night of dining, dancing and GayBINGO! with the incredible Bingo Verifying Divas.”
The Best of Philly award-winning event has raised more than $4 million for the cause over the years. AIDS Fund created the event in 1996 as a way to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS programs and services. They took the common practice of people gathering every month with a different theme for Bingo, and upped the ante to now holding this popular event every year (the Black Tie element was officially introduced in 1999.)
As always, the event is hosted by “Bingo Verifying Divas” (or BVDs) who bring their own fun with musical numbers and chances to win prizes.
“Founded at the height of the AIDS epidemic, AIDS Fund had been a steadfast force in addressing the challenges of HIV,” continued Torres. “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.”
The event will include a cocktail reception, seated dinner, music, dancing, and rounds of GayBINGO! As a release notes, during the night, guests can also help raise additional funds through a silent auction featuring gift cards and packages from local restaurants, hotels, music venues, museums and small businesses.
Some prizes include a Chef’s Table for four (including alcoholic beverages) donated by Tortilla Press in Pennsauken, a voucher for two tickets to a select Philadelphia Orchestra concert in Marian Anderson Hall in the 2024-25 season, fine art and more.
For the grand finale of the evening, Action Wellness will honor AIDS Fund with the 2025 Black-Tie GayBINGO! Community Award for their work. Former Executive Director Robb Reichard will accept on behalf of AIDS Fund, along with former staff and board members.
Monthly GayBINGO! will continue from April to June, before taking a break for the summer season. Saturday, April 26 will hold a Mad Hatter Tea Party theme; Saturday, May 17 will be Y2K Prom; and Saturday, June 7 will conclude with a ‘White Lotus’ themed event.
“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 finished.
“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. Join us in honoring AIDS Fund and paying tribute to their important work.”
Tickets and sponsorship packages are on sale now at aidsfundphilly.org/gaybingo. For more information and event previews, follow @actionwellnessphl on social media.
