Cast of FANTASY, Chippendales, Frank Marino’s Divas, Penn & Teller, Michelle Johnson and more at Aid for AIDS of Nevada 31st Annual “Black & White Party” at Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas
More than 2,500 guests dressed for a cause at Aid for AIDS of Nevada’s (AFAN) 31st annual Black & White Party at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, raising more than $130,000 to benefit AFAN’s advocacy for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS (Photo credit: Te Ann Lakeotes).
The Girls of FANTASY – Soolin, Lorena and Mariah – stop by to support AFAN
Photo credit: Jesse Lambert / Arch Angel Studios
Marco and Joanna from Sunny 106.5 kicked off the evening by introducing performances from East Side Riot and Michelle Johnson. Pia Zadora showed her support with a surprise donation of $1,000 through a representative, and Assemblyman Nelson Araujo presented an official proclamation honoring AFAN and the outstanding work they do in the community.
Hosts Norma Llyaman and Miguel Martinez-Valle lead the crowd in a toast
Photo credit: Te Ann Lakeotes
Stars aligned as local entertainers, socialites, and personalities came out in their best black and white for AFAN including longtime supporters Penn & Teller, Chippendales, Pole Show LA, Miss Grand Cuba 2017 Yvette Blaess, the cast of Reverie, Coco Montrese from “Rupaul’s Drag Race,” Zowie Bowie, Murray Sawchuck, the girls of FANTASY, Jarrett and Raja from “America’s Got Talent,” the Tenors of Rock, Chloe Crawford from Criss Angel’s Mindfreak, Brittany Brooks and Katrina Stuart from female empowerment band Femmology, Hayley and Emily Ferguson from “The Bachelor,” Jeff Timmons from 98 Degrees, the cast of Frank Marino’s Divas, and Paul Hollowell from “Finding Prince Charming.”
Cast of Frank Marino’s Divas perform at Black & White Party
Photo credit: Preston Powell Photography
Hosts Miguel Martinez-Valle and Norma Llyaman, the Duke and Duchess of Decadence for the evening, greeted the crowd and led them in a festive Mardi Gras parade into the “New Orleans Soiree,” where guests were treated to samples from Culinary Dropout, Pink Taco, Goose Island Beer Co., MB Steak, Shake Shack, Nobu, Brio Tuscan Grille, Dunkin Donuts, Ninkasi Brewing Company, Stoli Vodka, Kimo Sabe, and Born and Bred American Craft Vodka.
Michelle Johnson with her dancers
Photo credit: Te Ann Lakeotes
The stage came alive with performances from Human Nature, Frank Marino’s Divas, “Rupaul’s Drag Race” Adore Delano, Piranha nightclub, BAZ, Miss Behave Game Show, Culture Shock, Pole Show LA, Absinthe’s Melody Sweets, Jacinthe Morearty, silk aerialist Brandon Scott, and aerial hoop performer Lyndsi Hardin. The cast of Magic Mike Live also made a surprise appearance as they revealed it all on stage and hosted a meet and greet.
Cast of Chippendales walk the red carpet
Photo credit: Jesse Lambert / Arch Angel Studios
From ball gowns, balloon and showgirl dresses, stilt walkers, and illuminated garments, the highlight of the evening was the over-the-top and barely there fashions. Partygoers also had the chance to look into the future with a fortune teller, get their hair braided with glitter from Kelly Cardenas Salon, and interact in virtual reality using high-tech equipment.
Rupaul’s Drag Race Coco Montrese attends the Black & White Party
“We are honored to have so many people in the community involved to help put this event on year after year,” said AFAN’s Executive Director Antioco Carrillo. “We are here tonight to continue to raise funds to help those affected by HIV/AIDS and make Nevada AIDS-free. Until we find a cure we will continue to have this party and when we do, we will throw an even bigger party!”
Long time AFAN supporters Penn & Teller attend the Black & White Party
Photo credit: Jesse Lambert / Arch Angel Studios
Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. 2017 marks AFAN’s 33rd anniversary of practicing its unyielding commitment to the community by providing unparalleled health expertise, support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. For more information, please visit afanlv.org. Keep up with AFAN events and news on Facebook and Twitter.