WHILE MANY ORGANIZATIONS have returned to fully in-person fundraising events, others still are favoring virtual versions, like the World AIDS Day 2021 event, hosted by AIDS Foundation Houston.

The livestreamed evening featured remarks from AFH board members, clients, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and others, as well as special video cameos from celebs like Leslie Jordan and Carson Kressley.

VIPs gathered at BeDesign on West Alabama for a watch party that included cocktails, light bites and mingling amid festive lights and beautiful furniture displays.

World AIDS Day 2021 honoree Paul Kawata, the executive director of the National Minority AIDS Council, graciously spoke to the 200 virtual and VIP guests, sharing his hopes for ending the HIV epidemic in Houston, and offering encouragement to all as the Covid-19 pandemic endures.

In all, the evening — the largest of three annual fundraisers for the organization — garnered more than $60,000 for AFH.