Cherry Pop and Franny Price to Be Honored at Mazzoni’s 2015 Elixir Gala

Drag diva Cherry Pop (aka Michael Tambón) to be honored at 2015 Elixr Gala.

There are so many big gay birthdays this year: As you’ve probably heard, the first LGBT protest, which took place right here in Philadelphia, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer, the William Way Community Center is turning 40, and the Mazzoni Center, Philly’s only health and wellness center dedicated solely to the LGBT community, will be celebrating the big 3-5 at its annual Elixir gala in May.

So you can plan ahead, Mazzoni is rolling out details about the celebration and fundraiser, called Elixir: Cure For the Common Gala. It’s taking place on Friday, May 15th at the gorgeous Mill House Deck at the Water Works. As usual there will be live music provided by a DJ, dancing, lots of food and drink and performances by Donna Summer impersonator Rainere Martin and the Philadelphia Voices of Pride (which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.)

In the midst of all the festivities, Mazzoni will squeeze in time to honor some folks who they see as heroes of our community: Philly Pride Presents Executive Director Franny Price will be awarded the Gloria Casarez Activist Award for her work putting together the annual Pride parade and party at Penn’s Landing, and Michael Tambón and his drag persona Cherry Pop will be recognized for his work to give a voice to people living with HIV and helping to break down the stigma surrounding it.

The event truly is a highlight to the gay Philly spring season. It takes place on Friday, May 15th. Tickets for the pre-party VIP event are $250 and general admission is $125. They can be purchased here. All proceeds benefit the Mazzoni Center.

Check out photos from last year’s Elixir Gala here.

CORRECTION: In a previous post we mentioned that Gloria Casarez would be receiving a posthumous award at this event. That information was incorrect. We apologize for the mistake.