39th annual fundraiser event at KAOS takes a country turn with sizzling hosts and a new theme…
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to attend AFAN’s 39th Annuel Black and White Party. To prepare, head to Boot Barn and seek out the sexiest country fashions you can find. Only black and white will do. You have until September 20th to get into peak physical condition. Showing off your hard work will be vital to the success of this operation. Good luck!”
This is the big one — a really huge event. AFAN’s Black & White Party is so awesome that this writer previously flew in from Florida and Oregon to attend each year. Now that I’m a member of the Las Vegas community, the significance of such a city-positive evening resonates even more.
KAOS at Palms Casino is hosting the 2025 AFAN gala, which will be an indoor/outdoor affair. If you haven’t been to KAOS before, the nightclub is stunning. So is its gorgeous SOAK Pool Club. The Greek-themed playground offers 73,000 square feet of luxurious space, so hardbodies can dance, splash, frolic, and flaunt. But lest we forget, the evening is dedicated to a worthy cause.
Every dollar of proceeds from the Black and White Party goes to support AFAN – Aid for AIDS of Nevada. This non-profit organization provides resources and support for those living with AIDS. It also works to reduce HIV infection through prevention and education…and to eliminate fear, prejudice, and the stigma associated with the disease.
AFAN has been helping AIDS-impacted Nevada residents since 1984. This marks the organization’s 41st year of community service. Generous benefactors like Wynn Resorts, iHeart Media, Walgreens, United Health Care, and the always-supportive Penn & Teller regularly sponsor AFAN and its numerous projects.
VEGAS 411 always appreciates the opportunity to cover AFAN fundraising activities. This spring, our readers joined the march for their annual AIDS WALK. As much fun as it was, nothing can match the Black and White Party for sheer unadulterated Sin City excess.
Fundraisers can be made or broken by their hosts, and this year AFAN has tapped two dynamic individuals. Freddy Godinez and Alexander Stabler are two of the city’s most noteworthy LGBTQ+ members. The couple made national news last fall with their effort to “change the landscape” for entertainers’ rights (read the Bloomberg Law report here).
In February, Freddy and Alex helped organize an effort to assist California fire victims (we covered it in this piece). The duo also helped to invigorate a beleaguered business district off E. Charleston Blvd. Their award-winning Frederic Alexander Studio lends a distinctive flair to interior design and landscaping projects.
Freddy Godinez (left) and Alexander Stabler (right) with AFAN’s Andrew Ryan
But back to the Black and White Party. Guests will enjoy an incredible lineup of entertainment, samples from local restaurants and vendors, over-the-top fashion, and a few naughty surprises. As always, AFAN encourages guests to wear as much black and white as possible or as little as they can get away with. Here are a few VEGAS 411 photos from the 2024 edition:
AFAN Black and White Party invites organizations, businesses, and entertainers to offer their talents and products. Silent auction items make terrific contributions, as do funds and volunteer efforts. You can become involved by sending an email to events@afanlv.org. or make a monetary donation by following this link.
Early bird General Admission tickets are currently on sale for the reduced price of $50 (regularly $75). VIP tickets include early entry, a welcome reception, and an open bar from 8 pm to 9 pm. The main event begins at 9 pm on Saturday, September 20th.
There are various levels of tables, booths, balcony locations, and bottle service to choose from. This is a ’21 and over’ fundraiser. Get the full details and learn more about the AFAN organization by heading here.
Palms Hotel Casino is located at 4321 W. Flamingo Road. Free parking and valet services are available.
