by KYW’s Jim Melwert

It wasn't your average bingo game, and it's definitely not your average black-tie fundraiser. "It" is 'Black Tie GayBingo' which raises money for the AIDS fund.

The ninth annual Black Tie GayBINGO held in the Crystal Tea Room in the Wannamaker Building, bills itself as one of the most creative annual events in the city, thanks largely in part to the "Bingo Verifying Divas" or BVD's.

Dress in drag as AIDS Fund Executive Director Robb Reichard explains:

"Standing about six and a half feet tall in her six inch platforms and with her glitter-dollar sign earrings. And I think there's another one floating around here who I think has a fruit-salad on her head."

Patricia LaVelle was awarded the "Favorite Straight Person of the Year Award." She lost her brother to AIDS, and has been a big part of AIDS Walk Philly since 1987.

Money raised by the event goes to support organizations in the Philadelphia area AIDS and HIV related services.