Print
Funds raised, spirits lifted at AFAN’s Black & White Party
Thu, Aug 30, 2012 (12:44 p.m.)
Photo: Claire Hart
Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) brought a sea of monochromatic color to the Hard Rock Hotel’s Nirvana Pool last weekend as the local nonprofit celebrated its 26th annual Black & White Party on August 25.
The event is one of AFAN’s most important fundraising efforts of the year, and this year, over 3,000 people attended and more than $127,000 was raised. The proceeds will go to provide services and support for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.
Party attendees mixed and mingled, all while sampling small bites and beverages from some of the city’s best-known restaurants and vendors. Among them, Maggiano’s served meatballs and ravioli, P.F. Chang’s supplied lettuce wraps, and Bottles & Burgers featured a twist on their delicious risotto fritters. Ketel One vodka bottle ice sculptures that doubled as ice luges were set-up at a beverage station, where partygoers could score free “AFAN-tinis” after watching the libations swirl down the ice-enclosed chute.
The most anticipated entertainment of the night were sets by Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees fame and the men of Chippendales, as the crowd swelled to the edges of the pool for these two acts. The evening also included performances by Vegas! The Show acts, the cast of Le Reve and both Penny Pibbets and Melody Sweets from Absinthe. The VIP portion of the party included a killer set by local DJ Lisa Pittman.
The majority of the party followed the “required” dress code, and several partygoers were dressed (or undressed) to the nines in fabulous black and white costumes and body paint. Local adult film star Christopher Daniels definitely got creative with his outfit, as he showed up in white football pants and black bedazzled shoulder pads. That wasn’t enough to dominate the evening’s Miracle Mile Shops Fashion Contest, though—that win (and a $1000 Miracle Mile gift card) went to a woman wearing a dress made entirely out of black and white balloons (take note, loyal B&W patrons).
If you missed this awesome opportunity to give back to AFAN, stay tuned to afanlv.org. The organization has a yearlong schedule of fabulous events.
Arguably one the coolest joints in town, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino houses some of Vegas' best entertainment, restaurants and nightlife.
At Hard Rock, it's all about the music. From the light fixtures made out of drum cymbals and guitar shaped door handles to stage costumes and tools of the trade of legendary musicians displayed on the walls, the hotel screams rock and roll. The Hard Rock's Joint has hosted some the biggest names in music — from The Who to Bob Dylan to hometown heroes, The Killers.Aside from the music venues, the pool at the Hard Rock is one of its biggest attractions. Spread out over 4.7 acres, the pool area features swim-up blackjack, a bar and grill, private cabanas, a bevy of secluded nooks, a waterfall and an extensive live music venue with a dance floor. During the summer, the pool transforms into the Rehab club on Sunday afternoons.
The resident nightclub Body English fuses European elegance with a rock star bachelor pad and it often a hot spot for visiting celebs and popular DJs. Vintage rock memorabilia lines the walls at Wasted Space, Hard Rock's anti-club.
Restaurants at Hard Rock are just as hip as the rest of the casino. Pink Taco serves up Mexican dishes, as well as a Central American and Caribbean menu. Nobu, one of five worldwide Japanese-specialty restaurants from famed Nobu Matsuhisa, satisfies a different taste. For round-the-clock cuisine, Mr. Lucky's 24/7, is sure to ease your appetite even after a Vegas-all-nighter.
digg
reddit
Newsvine
Fark
E-mail
Discussion:
In an effort to increase the dialogue on our stories, we will be requiring Facebook accounts to leave comments on lasvegasweekly.com stories. We believe that Weekly readers are likely to have Facebook accounts already and more apt to comment on this site with that account rather than have to create an account with us. If, however, you do not have a Facebook account, click here to sign up for one. If you have questions, comments or concerns about this new commenting policy, please let us know.
For any other questions related to commenting on Weekly stories, please read our full policy.