The Allies Ball was held this Saturday, April 21st, to help raise money for the Allies for Health + Wellbeing, a local organization dedicated to health and wellbeing, formerly known as the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. The event was held at the Pennsylvanian, and was truly a grand time. Multiple people were recognized, and Bart A. Rauluk was honored with the Kerry Stoner Award for his work with the community through Allies for Health + Wellbeing, especially with the HIV/AIDS community. The dance itself consisted of two sets of music, beginning with a jazzy big band called Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, and ending with DJ Dad, who played total bops from the ’90s. There was also an open bar and delicious desserts.
It was a chance to celebrate the name change for this decades-old organization, as well as to raise money for their worthy cause. According to their mission statement, “To improve health and wellbeing, Allies provides integrated medical care, supportive human services, and community-based education for individuals living with, or at risk of HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections.”
Some of the services they offer include STI/HIV/Hepatitis C testing, PrEP and PEP, as well as treatment and support services for those diagnosed with an STI/HIV/Hepatitis C.
You can find more information about these services at their website. Many of these services, including the testing, are free.
However, these services can only remain free with support from the public, through events like the Allies Ball, which happens yearly, as well as donations and volunteers. If you were unable to attend the ball but still want to support the Allies for Health + Wellbeing, you can find more information on donating or volunteering here. Make sure to look out for next year’s Allies Ball, and come to have a wonderful and charitable time.
This article originally appeared on QueerPgh.com. This article is preserved as a part of the Q Archives project. Please consider donating to help preserve Pittsburgh’s Queer history.