Latinos Salud — a safe space for LGBT Latinos seeking to find friends, support and resources related to HIV testing, treatment and prevention options — is holding a series of events starting this week that will serve as fundraising efforts for the 2018 Florida AIDS Walk, scheduled for March 18.
“In these times of uncertain government grant funding, the Florida AIDS Walk provides one of our best sources for funding to fill in the gaps as we increase our services,” said Stephen Fallon, executive director of Latinos Salud. “At Latinos Salud, we serve gay Latinos, as well as all people living with HIV and everyone who identifies as transgender. We provide free HIV and STD screening for everyone. Our staff and volunteers are coordinating a number of fun events in advance of the Walk to give our fundraising a head start.”
On Thursday, Jan. 18, attendees can have fun participating in a Mario Kart 8 tournament while supporting the community from 7-10 p.m. at the Latinos Salud Miami Beach office, 925 Arthur Godfrey Road, Suite 200. Then from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, join Latinos Salud Miami Beach at the 11th Street beach for the nonprofit’s first “Yoga on the Beach” event. It’s $5 to participate and all funds will benefit the Florida AIDS Walk.
In addition, Fallon said there will be a “car wash, the ‘Corazones Juntos’ networking event and other” events. Hunters Nightclub, 2232 Wilton Dr., in Wilton Manors “is sharing their venue for the second year of our Miss Latina Hearts pageant,” Fallon said.
Latinos Salud Fort Lauderdale is presenting the second annual Miss Latina Hearts Pageant 2018 from 7 p.m. to midnight Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Hunters, where some of the biggest names in the South Florida drag scene will strut their stuff on stage, show their talent and work the runway.
Entrance fee for the pageant is $10 and it includes two free drink tickets. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the event with each ticket providing an opportunity to win some prizes. Vote for your favorite queen by donating to their special Heart Box. The queen with the most money in their box wins the Fan Favorite award.
Reigning Miss Latina Hearts Fantasia Royale Gaga will be at the event to pass on her “crown” to the next winner. Fallon promises a good time and special surprises for attendees at all of Latino Salud’s fundraising events.
“Every dollar they contribute to any member of our team will come back to us doubled, thanks to a generous match from the Walk sponsors, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF),” Fallon said.
For more information, visit http://www.latinossalud.org/.
