Are You Ready for Some Football?

Philly's gay football league hosts a Super Bowl party for ActionAIDS

Courtesy of GPFFL

The quintessential Super Bowl party is all about the TV commercials, chicken wings and beer, right? Turns out there’s more. Much more.

The Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League (GPFFL) is hosting a special Big Game Event on Feb. 6 (5:30 p.m.) to benefit ActionAIDS. Co-chairs Carmen Gervasio and Wayne Knaub invite LGBT football fans to join them during a special viewing party at the Ibrahim Theater at the International House in University City. The event includes an open bar, complimentary food from Tabu and a silent auction with a portion of proceeds benefiting Philly’s HIV and AIDS organization.

“We will have someone from our prevention and education team at the event to provide info on our agency, as well testing information and prevention materials,” explains Michael Byrne, director of business development and communications at ActionAIDS.” Both Byrne and the organization’s Executive Director Kevin Burns will be in attendance.

Ticket holders will not only enjoy the game, but also GLEE on the big screen after the game, as well as chocolate-covered strawberries and cannolis from diTommaso’s Pasticceria, and will also receive a GPFFL backpack, RuPaul’s Drag Race calender and other complimentary gift items that are sure to set off the gaydar.

“Those who attend Sunday’s event will not only have a great time, but also a positive impact on those they will never meet,” says Gervasio.

Guests will also be able to outbid each other for such hot items as a COACH cabin bag, Sephora gift basket, Michael Kors aviators, Southwest airlines tickets, as well as interior design services, a message and pet grooming perks.

“We currently serve over 5,000 clients a year through the efforts of over 350 dedicated volunteers and 91 professional staff,” says Bryne, who admits that events like this one help ActionAIDS succeed in its mission.

“We are privileged to be invited into the lives of thousands of men, women and children who are faced with the challenges of living with HIV disease,” he says. “ActionAIDS volunteers and staff focus on building relationships one person and one family at a time. Our services are relationship focused, client-centered and individualized. We continue to build a strong, diverse and committed community of caring to make sure that no one faces AIDS alone.”

Big Game Party, Feb. 6 (5:30 p.m.), International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 215-792-6362.