AFAN Kicks Off Promo At Long Beach Pride

Despite the devastating blow of Proposition 8 at the onset of 2009, California’s gay activists seem reinvigorated. This weekend, Long Beach Pride had over 80,000 attendees come out in support of gay rights.

AFAN was the proud guest of StudioOUT.com, a gay internet radio station and a major sponsor of Long Beach Pride. AFAN kicked off its Black & White Party promotions by distributing hot pink Frisbees. They received overwhelming support from Pride attendees. Tickets are $35, which includes all you can eat and drink. Tickets go on sale June 1.




“It was an honor to take part in the festivities and really see the community come together,” said AFAN Client Services Supervisor, Jared Hafen.

The weekend was filled with a variety of StudioOUT.com artists, including Ari Gold, Guy B as well as other performances by Smashmouth, Jazmine Sullivan, Alec Mapa, Kat Deluna, and Sara Bareilles. One of the highlights included Long Beach Pride’s version of American Idol.

Pride Star was an amazing hit, especially with one ‘celebrity’ judges being Duncan Payton, the CEO and Founder of StudioOUT.com. Payton’s constructive criticism included everything from fashion advice to how to hold a microphone. His judging critiques were almost as entertaining as the performances.


The winner of Pride Star was 19 year old, Niko, from Bakersfield, Calif. He performed Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be” and George Michael’s “Feeling Good.” Niko won over the crowd with his youthful exuberance and unforgettable dimples.

Niko, supported by friends and family, won a $2,500 cash prize, a production deal with his original single by Media Temple Productions, and the airing of his new single featured on the StudioOUT.com Network.


Join AFAN and StudioOUT.com at LA Pride on June 13 and 14 and San Diego Pride on July 18 and 19. Visit the StudioOUT.com booth to win some amazing promotional items for the Black & White Party, held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s pool on August 22.

We hope to see you there!

AIDS Walk Las Vegas Sets Record

More than 8,000 participants raised over $401,000 during this year's AIDS Walk Las Vegas. The event set a new record for individual donations that will help Aid for AIDS of Nevada provide direct service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs, and community outreach.

“We are thrilled that the community not only donated to the event, but also came out in over-whelming support of the cause,” said Jennifer Morss, executive director of AFAN. “It was breathtaking to stand on the stage and see the community support AFAN regardless of the current economic situation.”



During the last six months, AFAN has seen a continued rise in individual support of their agency. Although many corporate sponsors were unable to support the AIDS Walk this year, individual participants and 235 teams worked harder than ever.

The AIDS Walk’s top fundraiser, Judith Domingo-Vicerra, raised $16,415 in support of the cause. Her team raised $17,475, making it the second highest team fundraiser this year. Team Jubilee, Team Tech Results, and Team Winos also raised more than $7,000.

Individual donations was not the only record set at AIDS Walk Las Vegas. Penn & Teller, which hosted their popular Penn & Teller Challenge, set a personal team challenge record by raising $61,292.32.

Penn & Teller matched dollar for dollar of the amount raised, bringing their total to $122,584.64 WOW!

In addition to the astounding support of the AIDS Walk, AFAN used the opportunity to announce the date and venue of the 23rd Annual Black & White Party, August 22 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Baskow & Associates will also be a major sponsor of the event, promising new and exciting entertainment for a whole new feel. For more information about the Black & White Party, e-mail info(at)afanlv.org for more information.