NEW YORK - Porno Bingo, a 4-year-old staple of New York's gay social scene, will host a fund-raiser Wednesday night as it bids a fond adieu to the only home it has ever known. Proceeds will benefit Braking the Cycle, a Manhattan-based event that raises awareness of HIV and funds for research and treatment.
According to founder Will Clark, the 9th Ave. Bistro, the "friendly neighborhood bar" where Porno Bingo has hung its hat since its birth, has become a victim of rising rents and will close Aug. 24.
Beginning at 8 p.m. Aug. 20, Porno Bingo's last benefit at 9th Ave. Bistro will feature appearances by adult video stars, Manhattan drag queens, LGBT singers, authors, actors, leatherfolk, stand-up comedians, sex therapists, artists and others. Prizes to be distributed include porn, theater tickets, books, magazines, ID Lube and more.
A full slate of musical guests will perform throughout the evening including JC and Sinn of Nekked, Baron, Roger Kuhn, Morry Campbell and Dan Manjovi.
"Bartender Manny, photographer AB, graphic artist Muffin Taco and the rest of our Bingo team will be on hand to make the evening a rousing success," Clark said. "There's no cover, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of bingo cards as well as raffle tickets will go to benefit Braking the Cycle."
Terry Christopher (pictured), the featured singer for the final event at 9th Ave. Bistro, is planning to ride in the nearly 300-mile bike trek from Gettysburg, Pa., to New York. The funds raised during the Porno Bingo event will go on his pledge sheet, Clark said.
Items in the raffle include an original Gay Ken Doll, a Will & Grace full-series DVD set and a movie musical DVD set that includes Flashdance, Footloose, Moulin Rouge, Dreamgirls and Chicago.
The New York Times, Next, HX, The Village Voice and other publications have praised Porno Bingo's efforts to bring comedy, song and sex together in a friendly atmosphere while raising more than $65,000 for a variety of LGBT causes. The event has not yet found a new location.
9th Ave. Bistro is located at 693 9th Ave. at W. 48th in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City.
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