On October 18, 2009, the legendary Best In Drag Show returned to a full house at The Orpheum Theater and raised more than $300,000 for Aid For AIDS ( AFA ) , which has served Los Angeles County for 25 years. Donations continue to come into AFA from the show.
AFA proudly presented the 7th annual Best In Drag Show because "The Battle" is far from over! Best In Drag Show is unlike anything you've ever seen before -- an outrageous beauty pageant fundraiser that has raised more than $1.8 million during the past seven years. Many thanks go to this year's underwriters, voluntary cast and crew, and the many supporters and donors who enable such a large portion of event proceeds to go directly to client programs and services.
The daring pageant had a roster of celebrity judges that laughed all the way to the crowning of Miss District of Columbia, the pageant's first African-American contestant, as Miss Best In Show 2009. Many judges seek to return to Best In Drag Show year after year, and the list of participants is long and notable.
During the evening, several celebrity judges sent checks up to the Master of Ceremonies, Patrick J. Rush. Mary-Louise Parker, John C. Reilly, and Kathy Kinney -- a former judge -- each donated $10,000. Holland Taylor donated $5,000, and Kathy Griffin, who could not attend for the first time in many years, provided a personal video message and $5,000. Additionally, The Orpheum Theatre donated $7,000. Many other donations came from audience members and were announced during the show. For more details, visit "Events" at www.aidforaids.net .
2009 Celebrity Judges:
MOLLY SHANNON ( "Year of the Dog", "SNL" ) , HOLLAND TAYLOR ( "Two and a Half Men" ) JENNIFER COOLIDGE ( "Legally Blonde" ) , JO ANNE WORLEY ( "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" ) JAYMA MAYS ( "Glee", "Ugly Betty" ) JOHN C. REILLY ( "Vampire's Assistant", "Chicago" ) , CAMRYN MANHEIM ( "Ghost Whisperer" ) ANNA FARIS ( "Scary Movie", "The House Bunny" ) , CHRIS PRATT ( "Parks and Recreation" ) and MARY-LOUISE PARKER ( "Weeds" ) .
About Aid For AIDS:
This is our 25th year of providing assistance. Aid For AIDS has woven a tapestry of support for those in crisis who are impoverished and disabled by HIV/AIDS. Donors, grants, and special events fund our emergency housing assistance, food, and wellness programs. Aid For AIDS has touched the lives of more than 16,000 men, women, children, and families.
The Mission of Aid For AIDS:
To provide the basic necessities of life to men, women, children, and families living with HIV/AIDS through a safety net of essential housing and direct supportive services.
Website:
For more information about the non-profit organization, Aid For AIDS, visit www.aidforaids.net .
