More Fun Gay Events in Tucson and Southern Arizona

SAAF Jello Wrestling

Tony Ray Baker
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SAAF Jello Wrestling
SAAF Jello Wrestling has grown to become one of Tucson’s most anticipated yearly events!  From the glamorous costumes to the hilarious personas, you’re going to love the pageantry and air of theatre that pervades the entire event. However, once the competitors are in the green ooze, then you truly see the captivating spectacle for what it is.  It’s friends and lovers, in the spirit of teamwork and competition, locked in intense combat.  It’s that raw, animalistic spirit that animates the entire event and makes SAAF’s Jello Wrestling such a wonderful thing to do in Tucson!

How Jello Wrestling Came to Tucson

This is the tale of Reno Gannon. In 1987, while tending bar at a local watering hole entitled “Rumor Hazzitt”, he went on vacation to Mexico and came back with a fantastic fundraising event. Wrestling in vats of Jell-O! Together with the owner of Rumor Hazzitt, they pulled together the first such event!  It was a fundraiser for Shanti, an early AIDS Service Organization that merged with other local agencies to form Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. The tale of Reno has a tragic end, however, as this wonderful, loving man was cut down at the precocious age of 23 by the scourge of AIDS.  To this day, the Jello Wrestling event remains a memorial to his legacy.

What Happens at SAAF Jello Wrestling?

SAAF Jello Wrestling is a team sport.  Each team of wrestlers raises funds to wrestle during a pit of Jell-O, typically with extraordinary costumes and characters. Between wrestling matches, the Drag Diva Hostesses will run a live auction that includes a wide range of fantastic items to titillate the crowd. Funds raised through Jell-O Wrestling assist SAAF with their awesome mission of cultivating a healthy & stigma-free society through transformative action.

How Can I Help?

Wrestling in the SAAF Jello Wrestling event is an awesome way to support the programs and services of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF). All wrestlers should raise a minimum of $500 in sponsorships. With the addition of online giving through the SAAF website, raising sponsorships can be done with an email!  Find Out More Here:
Wrestle/Sponsor a Wrestler
Not the wrestling type?  Don’t worry, there are tons of volunteer opportunities at SAAF Jello Wrestling! Visit this page to choose what you’d like to do and when!
Volunteer
Have a great day, Tony Ray 🙂

IBT’S BLACK(out) WEDNESDAY THANKSGIVING EVE

Tony Ray Baker
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IBT’S BLACK(out) WEDNESDAY THANKSGIVING EVE

The 6th Annual…

IBTS Thanksgiving Eve BLACK(out) Party

Is BACK for the biggest bar night of the year! Yes, we know that might sound strange given that New Year’s Eve is right around the corner but trust us on this, you’re going to want to attend an IBTs Thanksgiving. Get your glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark body paint ready because it’s about to be a black light fiesta. This isn’t your typical Thanksgiving party, it’s an IBT’s Thanksgiving sure to be filled with fabulousness. Expect dancing in the dark, drag shows, gorgeous go-go boys, and lots of whiskeys! Glow from 9 pm to 2 is in the moonlight and blacklight. The party is going to start on the patio at 9, full DJ inside starting at 11. Drag performances by Viva La Diva at 9 pm with special guests – Piper M’Shay, Luna Love St. James, and Miley Mitchells. Not enough? Let’s throw in a night of gyrating gents as Gogo boys tickle your fancy from 9-11. Still not enough? Drink specials, we got them, Whiskey Breath Drink Specials from 12-close! $2 Well $3 You Call It’s / *$4 Top Shelf *Select Whiskey / Bourbon / Scotch You can read the full details about this spectacular party on the post we just wrote and other gay Thanksgiving holiday events on our gay event calendar!

 BLACK(out) Party full post…

SAAF Moda Provacateur

Tony Ray Baker
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SAAF Moda Provacateur

Moda Provacateur: A Runway Show Done the Fun Way

Raising funds for programs and services of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation

The first Moda Provacateur, held in 2004, was created by Kevin Casey from Avalon for Hair, Skin and Nails after he participated in ‘Crème de la Do’ in 2003, a fashion and style show organized by an agency in Albuquerque helping to raise funds for local HIV/AIDS agencies around the country. Since 2004, Moda Provacateur has raised more than $141,000 in support of SAAF’s programs and services. The incredible, continued support for Moda Provacateur from the local salons, boutiques and businesses through their participation and underwriting of the cost of the event, helps to build tradition and ultimately, the success of this exciting fundraiser.

Tucson Pride 2019 Photos

Tony Ray Baker
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Tucson Pride 2019 Photos

Tucson Pride 2019 - Photo Review

Here are pictures from the incredible event that was Tucson Pride 2019!

Tucson Gay Pride 2007

Tony Ray Baker
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Tucson Gay Pride 2007

Wingspan Dinner

Tony Ray Baker
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Wingspan Dinner
Moving Forward
The Wingspan Annual Benefit Dinner
September 20, 2008
Wingspan’s Benefit Dinner – 20 years on September 20th
 
This years event was very well done.  The silent auction was well organized and a great time to catch up and socialize.  The appetizers (cheese, fruits and veggies) looked beautiful and there were plenty of bars so very small lines if any.   The dinner tables looked great (see photos below) and so did the room. The centerpieces were beautiful and in hindsight I wish I had bought one.   Jason Cianciotto, the new Executive Director of Wingspan, gave a strong and meaningful speech.  I took a photo of him on the big screen (see below).  I have had the pleasure of meeting Jason several times before the dinner and I am definitely impressed and excited to see what changes he will bring.  Personally, I think Jason is just what Wingspan needs to move forward. 
 
Tony Ray
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