AIDS Walk Philly

After 35 years of impactful work, AIDS Fund will conclude our operations, effective December 31, 2024.

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.

Throughout the past 35 years, AIDS Fund has always remained laser focused on the HIV epidemic.
As a result of this singular focus, we always hoped that one day our work would be completed. We are proud of our contributions to the fight against HIV in Philadelphia, and believe that with the advances in both the prevention and treatment we can conclude our work at this time.

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, Philadelphia non-profit 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.

Mary Evelyn Torres, Executive Director of Action Wellness, shared with us:
“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."

"Like so many in our community, we’ve loved participating in the AIDS Walk for many years. AIDS Fund is sharing its AIDS Walk resources and information with us. But, for now, we are focusing on delivering a great 2025 GayBINGO lineup starting with January’s Rhinestone Cowgirls theme, Black-Tie GayBINGO in March, and our annual Dining Out for Life in April."

"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."

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 your collective dedication to ending the epidemic and serving our community.

Sincerely,
AIDS Fund Staff & Board

Proud to be supporting the 38th AIDS Walk Philly and the AIDS Fund.