Love Ball’s back!

We’re thrilled to join forces with legendary event producer and fundraiser Susanne Bartsch to bring back the iconic HIV/AIDS benefit to Gotham Hall on June 25, during World Pride in NYC.

Adding to our excitement is Billy Porter, the star of Pose on FX, who will serve as the ball’s Master of Ceremonies.

Love Ball III will raise life-saving funds for the CFDA-Vogue Initiative/New York City AIDS Fund of The New York Community Trust.

“It’s the 30th anniversary of The Love Ball, which I created to celebrate life, to show support for people living with HIV, and to unite people to fight AIDS,” Bartsch said. “It’s the most important fight I ever fought. While much progress has been made since, the disease continues to disproportionately affect underserved communities. The fight continues.”

The first two Love Balls took place at Roseland Ballroom in 1989 and 1991, bringing together high fashion and celebrities with the ballroom community from Paris Dupree’s drag houses in Harlem. Among them were many personalities from Jennie Livingston’s groundbreaking documentary, Paris is Burning.

Love Balls I and II funded over $2.5 million to programs for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Love Ball II proceeds raised by the CFDA Foundation will benefit the CFDA-Vogue Initiative/New York City AIDS Fund of The New York Community Trust.

“The CFDA is excited to present Love Ball III this June to raise much-needed funds for HIV/AIDS programs targeting underserved communities,” CFDA President and CEO Steven Kolb said. “Timed to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall and to celebrate World Pride, the Love Ball is the perfect fundraiser that captures the creative energy of New York City.”

There will be six categories on June 25, providing members from the Ballroom community, celebrities, and nightlife icons with the opportunity to compete for a one-of-a-kind trophy.

We’re grateful to the volunteer committee of creatives helping bring the Ball to life, led by Susanne and featuring Drew Elliott, Jack Mizrahi, KCD, Kevin Aviance, Simon Doonan, Simon Huck, Vogue, and Zaldy. The late Hector Xtravaganza was part of the committee and will be remembered at the ball.

This evening is made possible by the generous support of corporate sponsors including M·A·C Cosmetics.

“It is serendipitous to bring back The Love Ball III this year as this marks the 25th anniversary of Viva Glam, our altruistic lipstick of which one hundred percent of the selling price goes to help people affected by HIV and AIDS,” John Demsey, Chairman of the MAC AIDS FUND & Executive Group President Estée Lauder Companies, said. “VIVA GLAM and the Love Ball community stand to embrace diversity, acceptance and equality and this celebration brings the remarkable personalities, theatric and spirit on which our communities thrive.”

Click here to learn about Love Ball III, and here to buy to tickets!

For general inquiries and partnership opportunities, email loveball@cfda.com.