One of Las Vegas' rare rainy days couldn't dampen the spirits of Aid For Aids of Nevada's (AFAN) annual Black and White Party. The unexpected weather did create a bit of a last minute scramble for organizers of the longstanding fundraiser, which has traditionally been held at a poolside location. With just three hours before the festivities were scheduled to kick off, it was decided to move the party from the Hard Rock pool to the Joint, an indoor concert hall within the casino. Although it created a somewhat different dynamic than had originally been expected, the Joint served as a fitting venue for the party which featured unlimited food tasting and drinks, as well as display booths by LGBT friendly businesses, all of which was included within the $35 admission price. All proceeds raised by the benefit will go to funding for treatment and assistance of those suffering from HIV and AIDS in the Southern Nevada area through AFAN.

As has been the case in previous years, attendees were treated to samplings from some of the finest restaurants and chefs in Las Vegas. In place of the poolside cabanas that would normally house the vendors, they were strategically positioned around the three floors comprising the Joint. In addition, several elaborately costumed servers circulated throughout the crowd offering samples on and around the large dance floor in front of the stage. Included among them were two women sporting dresses which featured waist-level rolling tables adorned with tablecloths that made them appear to be a Victorian style dress. Atop the mirrored tables were cupcakes provided by the Cupcakery, a local bakery. Other culinary offerings were provided by Boa Steakhouse, Dos Caminos, Rare 120, Ago, and the Pink Taco , as well as chefs representing P.F. Chang's and Sushi Roku. 

On stage, the entertainment was as impressive as the food. The highlight of the evening was a performance by the seemingly ageless Charo, whose high energy dance routine, including a venture into the audience at one point, offered a fitting reminder of why she was such a sensation in her younger days. Another highlight was the performance of the erotic dance crews of “X” entertainment, comprised of the “”Men of X,” who perform at Hooters, and the female “X Burlesque,” from the Flamingo Hotel. Alternating between the male and female troupes, both of whom were rather scantily clad, they did not disappoint with a sexy, at times acrobatic, performance. Other performers included Strip headliners Nathan Burton and Frank Marino, who was promoting a new show set to open Sept. 4th at the Imperial Palace, as well as Tina Turner and Cher impersonators, Pepper MaShay (“Dive in the Pool”) and LV Taiko, a local Japanese-style drum group. In between the featured acts, music was provided by DJ Alexis and the crowd was entertained by acrobats and jugglers from the Cirque Du Soleil group.

Longtime AFAN supporters Penn and Teller put in an appearance and, along with Charo, provided the opportunity for fans to pose with them for photographs for an additional ($3 min.) donation. Nevada Congresswoman Shelley Berkley also stopped by to present an achievement award to AFAN for their charitable work with HIV and AIDS victims. In spite of the current economic troubles, this year's Black and White Party matched the donations received last year even though the usual $125 VIP pre-party was not held this time around. This, following on the heels of a record $416,000 raised during the annual AFAN AIDS Walk, made for quite a successful evening for the organization.