Philly AIDS Thrift has plenty of reasons to celebrate, and the nonprofit is doing so the best way it knows how — with a free street party that promises hours of fun, flair, and fundraising.
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the local charity will be throwing their 20th Anniversary Block Party in commemoration of awarding over $5 million in grants and donations to 50+ HIV/AIDS service organizations in the Greater Philadelphia Region. The free all-ages event will be in full swing from noon to 6 p.m. on that date while taking over the 700 block of South 5th Street.
It’s all meant to honor the past two decades of service from Philly AIDS Thrift.
“We are extremely excited to reach 20 years and to have raised more than $5 million for crucial programs focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support,” says Philly AIDS Thrift’s Executive Director and Co-Founder Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou. “Whether they’re competing to see who can shove the most pie into their faces the fastest, staring in awe at a fire-breathing clown, or simply dancing in the middle of the street, everyone who stops by helps us raise additional funds for local organizations, like The Attic Youth Center, Bebashi – Transition to Hope, Planned Parenthood, Philly Black Pride, William Way LGBT Community Center, and many more.”
Recently, Philly AIDS Thrift awarded more than $358,000 in grants to 34 charity HIV/AIDS service organizations and programs across the Delaware Valley. To date, the organization has now donated over $5 million to funding programs focused on HIV prevention, outreach, case management, research, and education for people living with HIV/AIDS. Some of the recipients span Action Wellness, Camp Dreamcatcher, Galaei, Morris Home, The Everywhere Project, Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania, Prevention Meets Fashion, Family Service of Chester County and more.
“Back in 2005, a couple of friends and I, who were longtime AIDS activists and lovers of junk, created Philly AIDS Thrift,” says Kallas-Saritsoglou. “Our first spot was tiny, had no heat, and we literally begged friends to donate their stuff from their apartments. I am incredibly proud of the relationships we have built over the years with our amazing shoppers, the wonderful donors, our invaluable volunteers, and the pivotal organizations that provide essential services. We look forward to the years to come, supporting local HIV/AIDS organizations, and serving the community by selling interesting and inexpensive items through our fabulous thrift stores.”
Now in its 11th year, the Block Party will feature live music, a sword swallowing and fire-breathing clown, food trucks, craft beers, a celebrity dunk tank, games, craft/vintage vendors, a pie-eating contest (registration available online), and dancing in the streets. DJ Robert Drake, a Peabody Award-winning radio host and producer at WXPN since 1998, will be in attendance as the emcee of the event.
In addition to commemorating 20 successful years, the block party kicks off the Halloween season, which is the busiest time for the charity organization that has become known as one of the largest retail stores and destinations for costumes, accessories, and decorations during the spooky season.
“We all have days we look forward to every year, and our Block Party is one of mine,” said Philly AIDS Thrift Board President Michael Byrne. “It embodies everything that makes us great: our staff, our volunteers, our donors, and, above all, our community. Community supporting community, while having a great time.
Reaching 20 years and donating over $5 million are extraordinary milestones and truly humbling,” he added. “Knowing these dollars fuel programs that support people impacted by HIV/AIDS across the Delaware Valley fills us with pride and deep, lasting gratitude.”
To find out more information on the Philly AIDS Thrift Block Party, visit phillyaidsthrift.com
