With HIV Crisis Greatly Reduced, AIDS Fund Makes Bittersweet Decision to Say “Farewell”

After 35 years of impactful work, AIDS Fund will conclude its operations, effective December 31, 2024. AIDS Fund's beloved GayBINGO and Black-Tie GayBINGO fundraising events will be continued by Philadelphia non-profit Action Wellness.

The staff and board of AIDS Fund issued the following statement:

“Since our founding during the peak of the AIDS epidemic, significant medical advancements in HIV care and prevention have dramatically transformed the landscape, reducing the number of new infections, and improving quality of life for those living with HIV disease. Although our work is concluding, the pursuit of Getting to Zero: Zero Stigma, Zero New Infections, and Zero Deaths, remains a vital task that requires ongoing commitment and resources. 18,658 of our friends, family and neighbors in Philadelphia are currently living with HIV disease, many of whom lack stable housing. It is our hope that local leaders - in government, non-profits, and industry - will put greater effort and resources into supporting this vulnerable community.

Since 1996, we have been proud to host GayBINGO featuring our Bingo Verifying Divas (BVDs), an all volunteer troupe of drag performers that makes GayBINGO an unique and entertaining experience. Over the past 28 years, GayBINGO has become a Philadelphia institution that raises critical funds to help those living with HIV disease.

Starting in January, Action Wellness will take over the production of GayBINGO so that these beloved events will continue to entertain while raising vital funds and awareness to continue to work toward Getting to Zero. We deeply respect and trust Action Wellness, and know they will continue to deliver high quality essential services to people living with HIV disease in our communities along with continuing the tradition and evolution of GayBINGO.

We want to thank our many volunteers, supporters, donors, and partner organizations, who have worked beside us over the years. The work we have done could not have been possible without their collective dedication to ending the epidemic and serving our community.”

AIDS Fund began when volunteers from Philadelphia's lesbian and gay community organized a walk to support area AIDS agencies and raise public awareness about the disease. Since then, participants in AIDS Walk Philly have raised more than $18.5 million for the fight against HIV in our community.

In 2017, AIDS Fund began giving micro grants (averaging just $394) to the most vulnerable of those living with HIV: Those who found their health threatened because of impending evictions or the loss of health insurance or utilities. Over the past seven years, AIDS Fund provided 1,830 grants totaling over $721,013.

Mary Evelyn Torres, Executive Director of Action Wellness, issued the following statement:

“We are honored that AIDS Fund has chosen Action Wellness to uphold the legacy of GayBINGO. We are dedicated to ensuring its ongoing success and utilizing the proceeds to support individuals living with HIV. The LGBTQ+ community has played a pivotal role since the onset of the HIV epidemic, and this dedication remains steadfast, as evidenced by 28 years of GayBINGO. We extend our gratitude to AIDS Fund, its staff, volunteers, and Board for their unwavering commitment to the community and the remarkable contributions they have made in the battle against HIV.”

To purchase commemorative AIDS Fund and AIDS Walk Philly merchandise, visit: www.artisansforaids.org.