Nonprofit prepares for 3,000 guests at annual Black & White Party

Twenty-nine years ago, a group of people concerned about the growing HIV/AIDS situation — who wanted to help members of the community dealing with spiraling treatment costs and other challenges — threw a little backyard party in Green Valley to raise funds and awareness about the situation.

Since that time, Aid for AIDS of Nevada's annual Black & White Party has grown, filling two event spaces in the Hard Rock Hotel, 4455 Paradise Road, with music, performances, food and drink, and a number of other special features that defy categorization.

The color theme of the event was chosen to emphasize the black and white lettering of generic food labels, which were commonly donated for AFAN's food bank. This year, organizers hope to have around 3,000 black- and white-clad attendees at the Aug. 29 event.

Nikki Ferraro, president of AFAN's board of directors, said that her restaurant, Ferraro's Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, 4480 Paradise Road, will be one of many providing free food at the event.

"We have 10 vendors providing food this year," she said. "Last year, there were 3,000 attendees, and we brought 4,000 meatballs, and they ran out. This year, we're going to bring more."

Food vendors also include Hard Rock Hotel's Culinary Dropout, 35 Steaks + Martinis and Pink Taco, as well as Brio Tuscan Grille.

Ferraro noted that the entertainment is geared more toward music this year, with several celebrity disc jockeys lined up, including the Perry Twins, Maren Wade, Brandon Godfrey and DJ Axis. Members of the cast of "Legends in Concert" are also set to perform.

Antioco Carrillo, AFAN's executive director, said there continues to be an increasing need for the organization.

"About 30 new cases are diagnosed in Southern Nevada every month," Carrillo said. "A lot of them are younger now, which is perplexing to us. It also affects the minority communities disproportionately, especially the Hispanic and black community."

He feels that there is a false sense of security now that word has gotten out that HIV/AIDS is no longer the quick death sentence it was when the organization formed.

"We have drugs that are able to prolong their lives, but they don't work for everyone, and there is an increased resistance to some of the drugs," Carrillo said. "That's a concern for all of us. We have to think in terms of prevention and prevention education."

The Black & White Party is the highlight of the year's social calendar for many Las Vegas residents, and Carillo thinks this year's party will be bigger and more extravagant than the previous one.

"We're very excited about it," Carrillo said. "One thing we have to keep in mind, though, is that no matter how crazy, exciting or fun it may sound, it's a fundraiser for our clients."

A VIP reception is scheduled from 8 to 9 p.m. Aug. 29, when the event opens to general admission. The party at the Hard Rock is set to end at 1 a.m., with the official after-party beginning at 1 a.m. at Piranha Nightclub, 4633 Paradise Road. All tickets also allow admission to the Temptation Sundays pool party from 1 to 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $50 in advance for general admission and $130 for advance VIP and will be $60 and $140 at the door.

Visit afanlv.org or call 702-382-2326.

— To reach East Valley View reporter F. Andrew Taylor, email ataylor@viewnews.com or call 702-380-4532.