Best HIV Health Fundraising Organizations of 2016

The generosity of our community is overwhelming! This year, we came together to raise funds in a variety of ways for our AIDS Service Organizations, including a drag show, an AIDS Walk in the desert, a gentleman's ball, several runs and bike rides, a horseback riding event, pageants, lottery tickets, and even a pool party. Way to make a splash to end HIV/AIDS!

The 5th Annual Gentlemen's Ball Raises Funds for Atlanta's Mental Health & Youth Programs
On�Saturday, October 15�at the�Atlanta Marriott Marquis, the 5th Annual Gentlemen's Ball raised funds for The Gentlemen's Foundation.�The night was dedicated to honoring those who have demonstrated a commitment to social change through the enhancement of the quality of life within the minority LGBTQ community.�"The Gentlemen's Foundation was born out of the need to celebrate our differences and shine a light on the multi-faced nature of the men in our community; to highlight their achievements, their strength, their endurance, their passion, creativity, and commitment to social activism," said Founders Juan & Gee Smalls. Click here.

Best in Drag Show Raises Funds for AID For AIDS
The Best in Drag Show, the outrageous and long-running annual fundraiser was held on October 5 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, raising funds for Aid for AIDS. Academy Award nominee Melanie Griffith, Emmy Award winner Holland Taylor, Emmy Award nominee Dot Jones, and Kathy Kinney were part of the celebrity judging panel for the show's 12th anniversary. "Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, ticket buyers and donors, we are able to provide housing and food to those who are struggling with HIV/AIDS and poverty in Los Angeles said Terry Goddard II, executive director of Alliance for Housing and Healing. Click here.

Team Sordid Lives Raises Funds for Desert AIDS Walk
On Saturday, October 22, the Palm Springs community came together for the Desert AIDS Walk, raising funds for the Desert AIDS Project. Participating in the walk is Del Shores of "Sordid Lives" and "A Very Sordid Wedding" fame, who said, "So many live with HIV in the desert and are helped by this amazing organization -- and now we can help them!" said Shores. Click here.

Miss Firecracker Pageant Raises Funds for AIDS Help
On Tuesday, July 1, drag queens -- and this year, for the first time, biological women -- donned their hottest outfits and vie for the chance to be crowned Miss Firecracker. The event raises funds for local AIDS service organizations, including AIDS Help of Monroe County. "The pageant has generated over $100,000 to date for local non-profits, with AIDS Help its main recipient," said pageant producer Smyrna Emphezema, aka Terry Paulson. "And you know what? It's time for a makeover. Last year was the 25th Anniversary since its origination by Charlena Sugarbaker (the late Charlie Powell) in South Carolina. So many women in this community give to AIDS Help, in volunteerism, dollars and support, on this 26th year they too can celebrate Independence from gender rules." Click here.

Cycle for the Cause Raises Funds for NYC LGBT Center
On Sunday, September 20, the riders and crew of the 21st Annual Cycle for the Cause: The Northeast AIDS Ride finished the last leg of their 275-mile journey from Boston back to New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Community Center. The ride raised more than $801,000 to support Center HIV/AIDS programs. "Every year I'm amazed when people on Cycle for the Cause thank me for the opportunity to cycle hundreds of miles and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Glennda Testone, Executive Director of The Center. "It's the people on the ride and their dedication to ending this epidemic and supporting those who live with HIV and AIDS that brings me back again and again." Click here.

Seven-Day Bike Ride from SF to LA is World's Largest HIV/AIDS Fundraiser
From June 5-11, 3,200 cyclists and volunteer 'roadies' set out on a 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles in the world's largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser, AIDS/LifeCycle. The event, which supports the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HIV/AIDS services of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, is on track to raise more than $16M this year for these vital, life-saving services. Now in its 15th year, the event is a fully-supported ride that helps raise awareness about the ongoing HIV epidemic, in addition to funding HIV testing and screenings for other STIs, HIV medical care, prevention services and more. Click here.

11th Annual Saddle Up Benefit Raises Funds for Life Group LA
On Saturday, July 9, head to the Majestic Griffith Park Mountains in Glendale for the 11th Annual "Saddle Up LA," an annual fundraiser to benefit the AIDS service organization Life Group LA. "Saddle Up LA" is an AIDS Benefit Horseback Trail Ride and Country BBQ with all proceeds going to support the work of local Los Angeles non-profit, The Life Group LA.�This year's goal was to raise $100,000. Click here.

Illinois Raises Money for ASOs With 'Red Ribbon Cash' Lottery
In response to rising rates of HIV infection, in 2008, the Illinois Lottery launched the Red Ribbon Cash scratch-off ticket. Purchasing a $3 ticket gives you the chance to win $50,000, with 100 percent of the profits going to support HIV prevention and care. "In 2007, legislation was signed into law creating the Red Ribbon Cash specialty cause instant game in Illinois. The game itself was introduced to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and generate financial support for Illinois Department of Public Health grants that directly benefit HIV/AIDS education, treatment, and prevention programs," said Stephen Rossi, Communications Director for the IL Lottery. Click here.

Debbie Gibson, Tiffany Headline MetroBall11, Benefiting Greg Dollgener AIDS Fund
On June 3 in Dallas, pop music icons Debbie Gibson and Tiffany headlined MetroBall 11, an '80s-style fundraiser to benefit the Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund. The event will be held at the Station 4 Nightclub in Dallas, and will feature world-famous musical talent, surprise guests, a DJ dance party, and incredible art and gifts at the Silent Auction. Dallas artist Chris Chism will open the show. "Charities and local community needs are something I love helping with; it's very fulfilling," said Tiffany. Click here.

'Put on Your Dancing Shoes' To Raise Funds for Iris House
On Monday, June 6 from 7-9:30 p.m., folks headed to MIST Harlem when Iris House, an organization for women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, holds their annual fundraiser, "Put On Your Dancing Shoes." "We'll be honoring three amazing women: �Dr. Theresa Mack, Doris R. Conner and Doris B. Mitchell and thanking them for their years of service to our organization," said organizers. Click here.