GMHC and DragOn Welcome Real Housewife Dorinda Medley

On Saturday, April 30, DragOn will host its fifth annual drag ball, this year themed, "High Society." A new take on the tradition of drag balls, New York City's most creative talent will showcase costume and drag artistry through an event that reaches a broader audience while contributing to GMHC which works with the LGBT community and people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

The DragOn events have collectively raised nearly $50,000 for GMHC, which helps our organization provide over 80,000 hot meals every year, provide HIV tests for over 3,000 people each year, offer free legal counsel for immigrants and so much more.

"The partnership between our two organizations is perfect in that we both leverage drag talent and creativity to engage and inform our community about HIV and AIDS," said Josh Machiz, a GMHC Board member and DragOn co-founder who along with other young supporters (some of whom connect through the network, GMHC Rising) produce this event in its entirety. "DragOn: 'High Society' is a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on New York City's LGBT community and allies in support of GMHC."

During the festive fundraiser, a drag ball contest occurs where contestants walk the runway and celebrity judges, such as Dorinda Medley, from Bravo TV's "Real Housewives of New York" and Drag Queen Milk from Logo TV's "RuPaul's Drag Race," will pick the winner with the best drag costume. Music will be mixed by DJs from "Occupy the Disco."
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"Every day, GMHC delivers life-saving services for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS, and without the incredible partnership of partners like DragOn we wouldn't be able to serve our clients," said GMHC CEO Kelsey Louie. "This vanguard event is a fun and fabulous way to celebrate our community, as well as help raise awareness and raise critical funds."

The event is sponsored by SVEDKA Imported Vodka, Kim Crawford Wines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
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DragOn: High Society will kick off at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 at Hudson Terrace Garden & Salon, 621 West 46th Street (between 11th and 12th Avenues). For tickets or information, visit dragonnyc.com