Black & White Party praises work in fight against AIDS
Aid for AIDS of Nevada hosted its 26th annual Black & White Party at the Hard Rock Hotel on Aug. 25, honoring people for their dedication to fighting HIV/AIDS through their donations of time, money and services.
Receiving recognition were John Saksa of Findlay Cadillac; Dr. Dino Gonzalez of Internal Medicine Associates; Scott Washburn of Event Consultants; Tom Deitz of R&R Partners; Pamela Jenkins of The Cupcakery; Fabian Mera of The Apothecary Shops; Lea Carrasco-Zanini of Golden Rainbow; Lauren Toya of Salon Dushons; Chris Saldana, news anchor at KLAS-TV, Channel 8; Herb Schultz, regional director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Kanika Toston, Cathy Roberts and Rob Saunders, representing Team Walgreens.
Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., was the inaugural People's Choice honoree.
The evening began with an exclusive VIP reception to benefit Golden Rainbow, an organization that provides housing and financial assistance to those with HIV/AIDS. The pre-event reception took place in the Hard Rock's Breathe Pool Lounge overlooking the Strip.
Guests were greeted by Golden Rainbow Executive Director Carrasco-Zanini as they enjoyed hors d'oeuvres from 35 Steaks & Martinis and entertainment.
The VIP guests overlooked staff putting the finishing touches on the Nirvana Pool below where the Black & White Party was to begin at
9 p.m. and last all night long.
The dress for the Black & White Party featured just about anything, including tuxedos with lots of bling and even a gown of black feathers.
Black and white balloons decorated many of the kiosks surrounding the gigantic pool where partygoers were offered Ketel One and Absolut Vodka at ice bars, lettuce wraps from P.F. Chang's China Bistro, California chicken salad and seared ahi tuna from Outback Steakhouse, cupcakes from The Cupcakery, tequila by Don Julio, sliders from Bottles & Burgers, mushroom ravioli and meatballs from Maggiano's Little Italy, and braised pot roast and strawberry milkshake shooters from Mr. Lucky at the Hard Rock.
Music was by DJ Axis.
Artists Mike Wagner and Amanda Zaidemani of Cartoon Vegas drew scenes of the evening, and there was a best dressed contest.
Onstage, AFAN Executive Director Antioco Carrillo welcomed the 2,000-plus guests and introduced the master of ceremonies, Saldana.
Entertainment throughout the night was provided by Jaymes Vaughan, Chippendales, Jeff Timmons, former "American Idol" contestants Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, former "America's Got Talent" contestant Bryan Cheatham, "Le Reve" cast members, "Absinthe" singer Melody Sweets, tap dancers Sean and John, singer Reva Rice, and dancer Tara Palsha from "Vegas! The Show," "Tony n' Tina's Wedding" cast members, and the Las Vegas Tenors.
