EIGHTH EDITION OF THE RED DRESS BALL SET TO SHINE IN SUPPORT OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
'We're not just throwing a party; we're fostering a movement—a dynamic force driving towards a world without HIV stigma while supporting those impacted by HIV.' — Matt Hyams, Director
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, March 31, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- The Red Dress Ball, one of Toronto's most dynamic grassroots fundraisers, returns on Saturday, April 12 at the iconic El Mocambo, calling on the community to raise $100,000 to support people living with HIV. Backed by founding sponsors ViiV Healthcare and DCM, the 2025 edition promises an unforgettable evening of music, performance, and purpose—where every ticket purchased supports frontline services through the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA Toronto).
As Canada marks nearly five decades since the start of the HIV epidemic, the need for stigma-free, community-driven support remains urgent. The Red Dress Ball Foundation, a volunteer-led non-profit, has raised more than $320,000 since its inception to help organizations deliver critical care and resources to people impacted by HIV.
'This isn't just another night out,' says Matt Hyams, Director of The Red Dress Ball Foundation. 'This is about community in action—people coming together in red to support those living with HIV, to challenge stigma, and to fund the programs that make a tangible difference. If you believe in that mission, we ask you to join us.'
This year's gala marks the Foundation's eighth anniversary and features an electrifying entertainment lineup. Internationally acclaimed DJ Kitty Glitter (Sydney, Australia) headlines nightly, supported by an all-star roster of drag performers nationwide. New in 2025 is the first official after-party, produced in partnership with MOJO Toronto, which will keep guests dancing into the early hours while pushing the fundraising goal forward.
'As we face rising HIV rates across Canada, grassroots initiatives like The Red Dress Ball play a crucial role in raising awareness and support,' said Raphael Hebert, General Manager of ViiV Healthcare Canada. 'This event fosters solidarity, strengthens connections, and ensures the voices of those affected remain central in the national conversation. We are proud to continue our support.'
The 2025 Red Dress Ball offers both VIP and General Admission experiences. Doors open at 7 PM for early access and 8 PM for the main event. The night culminates with the after-party from 11:30 PM to 2:00 AM, creating space for celebration, reflection, and continued giving.
Attendees are encouraged to wear red as a symbol of visibility, solidarity, and resistance—anchoring the event's message that no one living with HIV should face stigma or isolation.
'We know that HIV stigma is still a reality for too many,' adds Hyams. 'The Red Dress Ball is a space where we flip that script—where joy, pride, and compassion take centre stage. But we can't do this alone. Every ticket, every donation, and every person in the room helps us move closer to a world where support is the norm, not the exception.'
Tickets are available now through Eventbrite, with all proceeds directed to PWA Toronto, a trusted community partner delivering services in housing, mental health, nutrition, and more for those living with HIV.
Event Details:
● Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
● Time: 7 PM (VIP), 8 PM (General Admission), 1130 PM - 2 AM (After Party)
● Venue: El Mocambo, Toronto
---
About The Red Dress Ball Foundation:
The Red Dress Ball Foundation is a Canadian non-profit dedicated to raising awareness of the continuing impact of HIV/AIDS in Canada and supporting organizations that assist people living with or at risk of HIV. Through inclusive events rooted in celebration and solidarity, the Foundation builds community, challenges stigma, and drives tangible change.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Matt Hyams
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 647-818-3747
Ian Royer
Anansi Tales Marketing
+1 647-999-8013
email us here
YouTube
Legal Disclaimer:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
Styx's Chuck Panozzo asks $1.75M for his Florida home
Come 'sell' away with Styx co-founder and bassist Charles 'Chuck' Panozzo, 76, who is listing his magical oasis near Fort Lauderdale, Florida for $1.75 million. The mid-century sanctuary — think Southeast Asia meets South Florida — is at 2020 NE 3rd Terrace in Wilton Manors, which is a suburb of Fort Lauderdale and known as a buzzy destination for the LGBT+ community. Panozzo, who is gay and has been open about living with HIV, bought the property for $305,000 in 2007. The '70s rock band, known for hit songs like 'Come Sail Away' and 'Renegade,' is currently on tour. Panozzo co-founded the band with his fraternal twin brother, drummer John Panozzo, who died in 1996, and singer/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung. 11 Panozzo is listing the home for sale, but that doesn't mean he's going far. Getty Images 11 The property is a genuine oasis. Lifestyle Drone 11 The outdoor spaces are equal parts relaxing and delightful. Lifestyle Drone 11 The vibes are Southeast Asian. Lifestyle Drone 11 The pool is the perfect splashy escape. Lifestyle Drone 11 Space for outdoor dining. Lifestyle Drone 11 A view of the grounds. Lifestyle Drone The two-bedroom, three-bath home was built in 1952 and sits on just under a quarter of an acre. At 1,608 square feet, it features two bedrooms, a home office/convertible bedroom — plus a landscaped garden and a pool. And as an added bonus, it comes furnished. 'This house is special to me because of the magic it has,' Panozzo told Gimme Shelter by email. 'When I open the door and cross the koi pond and look around, I know I am safe and at home. It was a blank canvas on the perfect lot in the neighborhood, so I sold my Miami condo and I moved here. Every area became an environment that you can explore depending on your mood — whether I need to relax, reflect or turn up the volume after touring,' he wrote. The home, 'by the energy of Wilton Drive,' was designed as a 'personal sanctuary.' Design details include wood finishes, and an indoor/outdoor flow. The landscaped backyard also boasts fountains and coral-lined walkways, along with teak sculptures, bonsai and Ashoka trees, and animal-shaped hedges. Most of the sculptures and art are included in the sale, said listing brokers Juan Zapata and Susan Rindley of ONE Sotheby's International Realty. Panozzo loves the property but, he told Gimme, it's time for him to return to high-rise living. 11 The perks continue inside, where there's enough space for a music room. Lifestyle Drone 11 Touches include beamed ceilings. Lifestyle Drone 11 The kitchen. Lifestyle Drone 11 A view of the layout. Lifestyle Drone 'I am moving because after living in high-rises in Chicago and Miami, I realize that it's best for me to return to the sky,' Panozzo said. 'I still actively tour with my band and while I have lived here for [more than] 15 years and made my home into my creative space, I am ready for a new challenge and a downtown balcony with a view.' Panozzo will be staying in Fort Lauderdale. He is planning to move to a new luxury building in the downtown area. Fort Lauderdale, Panozzo said, 'has this beautiful mix of natural beauty and cultural energy. There's great food, a growing arts and tech scene, and a rhythm to the city that feels both grounded and forward-thinking.' 'As someone who came up during a time when rock was pushing every boundary, I feel that same sense of possibility here now,' he added.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
"If I was bisexual or gay, I would come out" - Magic on the gossip that surrounded him after contracting the HIV virus
"If I was bisexual or gay, I would come out" - Magic on the gossip that surrounded him after contracting the HIV virus originally appeared on Basketball Network. When Magic Johnson announced in 1991 that he was HIV-positive, the whole world was in shock. One of the biggest basketball players in history was dealing with a serious medical situation that no one knew enough about, and they could only assume the worst. However, amidst people feeling sorry for Magic, a good chunk of the media and people criticized Johnson. Due to his peculiar and flashy style of living, Earvin got blasted, as certain people claimed the point guard got what he deserved. Also, due to the disease being most common among gay men, naturally, rumors arose about the sexuality of the Los Angeles Lakers' superstar. However, in the infamous 1992 ABC interview, Magic reacted to those speculations and explained his point of view. "First of all, if I was bisexual or gay, I would come out, but that's just not me. People out here they play with me, they play against me, they all know that. Because we all ran together, we all hung out together. So, no way that Magic Johnson can be bisexual or gay, and not everybody knowing it. There's just no way," Earvin dismissed the rumors. Magic was the ultimate "player" Being the star of the most popular franchise in the NBA under the bright lights of Los Angeles made Johnson the man in the city. When you mix in the charisma and the million-dollar smile, Earvin is the perfect example of a womanizer who can do whatever he wants. When asked if it was wrong for a married man to sleep around, Johnson was honest in retrospect, but he was man enough to admit that he wasn't able to withstand the lure of the attention fame was giving him. Aside from being just plain wrong, it led to his health troubles, which Magic could admit. "Morally, it is wrong, it's easy for me to sit here and say that now. But you know I lived the bachelor's life, the Hollywood life where a lot of women came my way," Johnson explained the challenge of staying loyal as an NBA used this as an opportunity to teach Thankfully, thanks to the early detection, supreme medical care, and ART therapy, Johnson has prevented the progression of the disease and has lived a healthy life for 30+ years now. While it was challenging and shocking at the moment, Earvin used the situation to raise awareness and show others how you can deal with HIV or straight out prevent it. Johnson's friend Louise Gossett Jr. thought it was God's doing and his way, using Magic to help educate people around HIV. "Magic is a young, in-shape, major athlete -- and he's only the tip of the iceberg. ... It's the natural thing, for young jocks of all colors to womanize," the Oscar winner told The Washington Post in '91. "But if you look at the Higher Power, you think that God may have said, 'We have a problem here with morals. It's time to get a little more serious.'... Magic serves a great purpose. ... He will teach some to say, 'If you have to, use a rubber,'" he added. Nowadays, Magic is the best example and leading advocate of dealing with HIV and how you can avoid it or live with it, put into the situation. While it affected his career and life in a damaging manner, Johnson had the willpower to pull something positive out of story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Business Wire
7 days ago
- Business Wire
Caesars Entertainment Debuts IGT's
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) ('Caesars') today announced it is the first in the industry to launch IGT's newest installment of its beloved slot title, Kitty Glitter Grand™. The game is now live across Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Ontario. It's also available at Caesars Rewards® destinations in Atlantic City, including Caesars and Harrah's, with Tropicana set to join the lineup soon, subject to final regulatory approval. This debut marks IGT's first simultaneous exclusive launch of a game both online and in casinos in the United States. As a result, Caesars is currently the only place where fans of the Kitty Glitter™ franchise can experience this latest installment, whether in person or online. 'The popularity of Kitty Glitter Grand speaks for itself across gaming floors at our Caesars Rewards destinations, which is why we couldn't be happier that our players will be the first to enjoy the newest title in this renowned brand's history,' said Matthew Sunderland, Senior Vice President and Chief iGaming Officer at Caesars Digital. 'We know how impactful exclusive launches can be, so we're grateful to our partners at IGT for their trust in partnering with us on their first simultaneous online and in-casino launch in the United States. We're committed to bringing first-to-market, unforgettable experiences to our online casino players that can't be found anywhere else.' 'The exclusive launch of Kitty Glitter Grand is another shining example of how we're strengthening the powerful connection between our world-class destinations in Atlantic City and beyond with our dynamic digital platforms,' said Barron Fuller, Regional President at Caesars Entertainment. 'We're uniquely positioned to deliver exclusive, first-to-market gaming experiences that our guests can enjoy both on the casino floor and from the comfort of their home. This launch underscores our commitment to offering best-in-class entertainment wherever our players choose to engage.' For more than twenty years, Kitty Glitter has been a fan favorite in brick-and-mortar casinos, and its enduring popularity continues to captivate players. This latest installment offers an enhanced gameplay experience with recognizable collection features that players already know and love from the original Kitty Glitter game, while adding even more compelling new enhancements. Both new players and fans of the original can enjoy an added wheel bonus and random wilds in the base game, which help boost these themes to the next level. 'We're thrilled to partner with Caesars on the exclusive launch of Kitty Glitter Grand, a title that builds on one of IGT's most iconic brands,' said Nick Khin, CEO of Gaming at IGT. 'This first-of-its-kind simultaneous launch across online and land-based channels in the U.S. reflects our commitment to innovation and delivering engaging content that resonates with players wherever they choose to play.' In celebration of this special debut, Caesars plans to host an exclusive VIP event for select Caesars Rewards members at Caesars Atlantic City in August. The Company is also running an omnichannel promotion at its Atlantic City destinations and a special leaderboard promotion across its digital platforms in all jurisdictions where it offers iGaming, excluding Ontario. Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino offer a premium online casino experience for players 21 and older in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ontario, and West Virginia. Accessible via iOS, Android, and desktop, each platform delivers a dynamic mix of exclusive Caesars-branded games and classic casino favorites, including high-limit slots, private live dealer tables, linked progressive jackpots, and multiple variations of poker and roulette. Designed for ease of use, Caesars' online casino apps and desktop platforms also connect seamlessly to Caesars Rewards ®, the Company's industry-leading loyalty program. Players in the U.S. earn Caesars Rewards Credits through both online and in-person play, which can be redeemed for unforgettable experiences at more than 50 Caesars destinations across North America, from luxury stays and fine dining to world-class entertainment and more. Caesars Entertainment is an industry leader in Responsible Gaming, known for pioneering Responsible Gaming awareness and education. In 1989, Caesars became the first commercial casino company to address problem gambling by launching the industry's first Responsible Gaming program, Project 21. Today, the Company's commitment to ensuring all players are aware of Responsible Gaming resources remains steadfast and spans all of Caesars' digital platforms and world-class destinations in which it operates. Caesars Entertainment proudly enforces an enhanced 21+ gaming policy that prevents individuals under the age of 21 from using Caesars Rewards and restricts access to its gaming products for individuals under the age of 21. In March 2024, Caesars Sportsbook received the prestigious RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council in Ontario, Canada, which recognizes companies that achieve the highest standards for their Responsible Gaming practices. Just a few months later, the Company was awarded the National Council on Problem Gambling's award for Corporate Social Responsibility. For more information about Caesars Entertainment's Responsible Gaming program, please visit About Caesars Entertainment, Inc. Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) is the largest casino-entertainment Company in the U.S. and one of the world's most diversified casino-entertainment providers. Since its beginning in Reno, NV, in 1937, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions. Caesars Entertainment, Inc.'s resorts operate primarily under the Caesars®, Harrah's®, Horseshoe®, and Eldorado® brand names. Caesars Entertainment, Inc. offers diversified gaming, entertainment and hospitality amenities, one-of-a-kind destinations, and a full suite of mobile and online gaming and sports betting experiences. All tied to its industry-leading Caesars Rewards loyalty program, the Company focuses on building value with its guests through a unique combination of impeccable service, operational excellence and technology leadership. Caesars is committed to its employees, suppliers, communities and the environment through its PEOPLE PLANET PLAY framework. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER. For more information, please visit About IGT IGT is a leading global provider of gaming, digital and financial technology solutions, formed through the combination of International Game Technology PLC's Gaming & Digital Business and Everi Holdings Inc. IGT's offering spans gaming machines, game content and systems, iGaming, sports betting, cash access, loyalty and player engagement solutions, enabling it to deliver integrated, customer-centric experiences across land-based and digital environments. Organized into Gaming, Digital and FinTech business units, IGT drives innovation, efficiency and value for casino, digital and hospitality operators worldwide. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas. Casino app & website available in MI, NJ, PA, WV and ON only. Must be 21+ and physically present in MI, NJ, PA and WV only. See for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? MI, NJ, WV, PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or WV: Visit ON: Visit or call 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247. Accruing Caesars Rewards credits is currently not available in Ontario when using Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino. ©2025, Caesars Entertainment
