Jarrett and Raja, RuPaul, Tape Face, Carrot Top, Penn and Teller and Tyson Beckford help AIDS Walk Las Vegas Raise Nearly $300,000
More than 5,500 walkers, family, friends, and pets poured into Town Square Las Vegas in support of Aid for AIDS of Nevada’s (AFAN) 27th annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas, raising more than $300,000 to benefit those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. (Photo credit: Te Ann Lakeotes/ TMLphoto).
Tape Face performs for the crowd
Photo credit: Te Ann Lakeotes/ TMLphoto.
Longtime AFAN supporters Penn & Teller served as grand marshals for their 16th consecutive year, encouraging individual walkers to fundraise a minimum amount of $250, matched dollar for dollar by the duo with their Penn & Teller Challenge.
Human Nature poses for pictures
Photo credit: Te Ann Lakeotes/ TMLphoto.
Marco and Johiah of Sunny 106.5 kicked off the walk as they introduced some of Las Vegas’ best talent, including a number to “Hallelujah” by the Las Vegas Pride Spinners and a moving serenade by Broadway in the Hood, along with performances by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Coco Montrese, Absinthe’s ‘Green Fairy’ Melody Sweets, “America’s Got Talent” finalist Tape Face, Human Nature and original musical act “Clowntown” written by Michael Brennan. Carrot Top and Tyson Beckford made appearances along with cast members of Magic Mike Live Las Vegas and Men of The Strip in support of AFAN and its cause.
Tyson Beckford and Chippendales cast members make an appearance
Photo credit: Te Ann Lakeotes/ TMLphoto.
Walkers donned over-the-top costumes and festive gear as they perused family-friendly activities, including carnival games, pop-up shops, a complimentary braid bar from Kelly Cardenas Salon and more. Guests warmed up with a high-energy Zumba number before heading to the start line.
Walkers don their AFAN AIDS Walk Las Vegas Shirts
Photo credit: Te Ann Lakeotes/ TMLphoto.
Walgreens showed up in numbers as the largest team to cross the finish line with a team of 125 and Bank of America followed closely in support with 72 walkers. Raising more than $6,000, MGM Resorts International was the top fundraising team of the day.
Thousands walk for AIDS Walk Las Vegas
Photo credit: Madison Freedle.
Assemblyman Nelson Araujo and U.S. Representative Ruben Kihuen, along with other Nevada government officials, honored AFAN with proclamations for their unyielding commitment to making Nevada AIDS-free.
“We are incredibly thankful year after year for the strong show of support and dedication the community has for AIDS Walk Las Vegas,” said AFAN Executive Director Antioco Carillo. “As our largest fundraiser of the year, this event helps fund vital services for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Everyone here today deserves a round of applause for their commitment to making Nevada AIDS-free.”
The community continues to show strong support of AIDS Walk Las Vegas through team fundraising and sponsorships. This year’s presenting sponsors of AIDS Walk included Penn & Teller, Walgreens, CBS Radio, Greenspun Media Group, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Back Bar USA, PDQ Printing, Coffee Bean and Jamba Juice, The Walking Company, and iHeartMedia’s Sunny 106.5.
For more information, please visit afanlv.org. Keep up with AFAN events and news on Facebook and Twitter.