The Party: When guests arrived at the Charleston Convention Center for Gay Bingo, they entered a world of rainbow-bedecked decor fitting of this year’s Alice in Wonderland theme. Fabulous hostess Patti O’Furniture began the night with flair during her choreographed performance—complete with an elaborate Mad Hatter-inspired outfit, of course. Costumed Alices, Mad Hatters, and Red Queens in the audience competed to win luxe prize packages during six rounds of bingo, forming Wonderland-inspired shapes on their cards. Locally-made dessert bites labeled “Eat me!” from Charleston Cookies and Cupcakes and Nothing Bundt Cakes were passed around to guests, and 21-and-up attendees could stop by the bar for a drink from Frothy Beard or Smirnoff. This evening filled with outlandish costumes and jovial celebrations was created by Palmetto Community Care to both bring awareness to the HIV/AIDS epidemic as well as advocate for greater unity between the LGBTQ+ and straight communities. In total, $75,000 was raised, which will go towards providing compassionate HIV care and prevention in the Lowcountry.
Highlight: The Divine Divas—staffers and supporters—strutted across the stage in a choreographed performance created by professional dance instructor Tim Brown.
Overheard: “A winning card will have a shape like a hat or teacup, because there are no straight lines at Gay Bingo!”
Beneficiary: Palmetto Community Care
