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:
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!
Have a great day,
Tony Ray 🙂
