Gay Bingo: Mad Hatter's Ball

The Party: When guests arrived at the Charleston Convention Center for Gay Bingo, they entered a world of rainbow-bedecked decor fitting of this year’s Alice in Wonderland theme. Fabulous hostess Patti O’Furniture began the night with flair during her choreographed performance—complete with an elaborate Mad Hatter-inspired outfit, of course. Costumed Alices, Mad Hatters, and Red Queens in the audience competed to win luxe prize packages during six rounds of bingo, forming Wonderland-inspired shapes on their cards. Locally-made dessert bites labeled “Eat me!” from Charleston Cookies and Cupcakes and Nothing Bundt Cakes were passed around to guests, and 21-and-up attendees could stop by the bar for a drink from Frothy Beard or Smirnoff. This evening filled with outlandish costumes and jovial celebrations was created by Palmetto Community Care to both bring awareness to the HIV/AIDS epidemic as well as advocate for greater unity between the LGBTQ+ and straight communities. In total, $75,000 was raised, which will go towards providing compassionate HIV care and prevention in the Lowcountry. Highlight: The Divine Divas—staffers and supporters—strutted across the stage in a choreographed performance created by professional dance instructor Tim Brown. Overheard: “A winning card will have a shape like a hat or teacup, because there are no straight lines at Gay Bingo!” Beneficiary: Palmetto Community Care

Photography Olivia PendletonPhotos 33

Mad Hatter's Ball was the theme for Palmetto Community Care's Gay Bingo, held at the Charleston Convention Center.

Emcee and hostess Patti O’Furniture welcomed guests with a dance number.

Amy Morley, Lacy Sherrill, and Susan Ash in their “Alice in Wonderland” costumes.

Brandon Brown, Jennifer Bain, and Kait Smith

Before the games began, each guest received bingo cards and colorful blotters.

Josh Feldman, Colleen Troy, Jennifer Thachston, and Cynthia Feldman

Veleria Levy and Mike Morris danced before the night’s festivities began.

Becca Sakran, Colleen Sakran, and Ashley Parker

Frothy Beard Brewing Company provided some of the evening’s libations.

Kait Smith, Steven Flagler, Stavely Edgar, and Samuel Cooper

DJ Trevor D amid the Wonderland-themed decor

Bundtinis by Nothing Bundt Cakes, cupcakes and cookies by Charleston Cookies and Cupcakes

Edward Cook, John Coorey, and Tommy Hutson

John Lee Clair, Emily Trogdan, Spencer Willis, and Hanna Reed enjoyed the photo booth.

Bingo Verifying Divas Carmella Monet Monroe, Kylee Lovlee, and Shariese Ses Pieces

Patti O’Furniture thanked guests for supporting Palmetto Community Care’s efforts to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS.

Jason Hicks, Tiffany Hicks, John Lee Clair, Emily Trogdon, and Kayla Evett

The Divine Divas performed a dance number during intermission.

Clay Askew, Kylee Lovlee, and Erin Leonard

Tyler Bennet won the first prize of the night, the “Spectacular Staycation” bag.

Terry Williams, Carmella Monet Monroe, Adam Cabe, and Maylan Taylor

Michael Lepson won the second prize of the night, the “Just a Little Tune Up!” package.

Christine Henricks, Raleigh Algar, Julie Sakae, Andrey Gause, Elizabeth Bynum, Nicole Larose, and Rachel Fost

Fun hats and costumes filled the Convention Center during Gay Bingo.

Charlotte Moore won game three, getting the “Reward Yourself With Fun” package.

Lanny Bernier, Michael Pound, and James Cherry

Yumi, Frank, and Lori snap a group shot at the photo booth.

After strutting down the runway, audience members were congratulated on their costumes.

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