The guys of Joining Hearts set aside their swimsuits and pulled out their checkbooks on Sunday, dishing out $195,000 collected during a season of hunky fundraising to three HIV non-profits.
Oh, that tempting pool party ab fest in July, a Valentine's Day love fest, an Instagram takeover and all the beer busts and dance parties in between didn't just please your libido and Sunday Fundays. It raised a near-record amount for charity. So the people behind the all-volunteer organization celebrated with friends and beneficiaries, and a crew of drag queens, during its check presentation party at LIPS.
They also offered up three oversized checks. The breakdown went like this: $78,000 each to Jerusalem House and AID Atlanta, with $39,000 to Living Room. All three non-profits provide services to people with HIV. The $195,000 total topped last year's distribution of $190,000 and brings the total amount Joining Hearts has donated over 27 years to $1,974,500.
The event on Sunday also kicked off an evening of celebrations for LIPS, the drag supper (and Sunday brunch) club that marked its first anniversary. Drag queens on hand to celebrate included Bubba D. Licious, Monica Van Pelt, Savannah Leigh and Justice Counce.
Creative Loafing recently named LIPS as its pick for Best Place to Wet Your Whistle.