In 1994, local businessman Don Gill was asked to put together a fundraiser benefiting the Bering Community Service Foundation. “Since I was the current Mr. Prime Choice, I decided to do so with the leather community in mind, and with the assistance of Larry Arbo of Dallas, and [local illusionist] Regina Dane, a fun fundraiser was born: Night in Black Leather.”
Raising as much as $123,000 for HIV/AIDS-related service organizations since its inception, NIBL is scheduled April 2, 6 p.m., at Rich’s.
The Benevolence Fund, a program of Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, is the beneficiary of NIBL’s 2011 event. The Benevolence Fund assists persons who are living with HIV/AIDS with necessities such as utilities, food, rent, mortgage, medicine, and doctor visits.
Entertainment is provided by notable figures in Houston’s leather community, including individuals who have won the titles of Mr. Houston Leather and Mr. Prime Choice. Vocalists Clay Hardy and Jules also join the producer’s namesake troupe of performers, the Gill Family, Gill said, which provides drag and musical entertainment.
After nearly two decades of producing fundraising shows in support of Houston’s HIV/AIDS and leather community, Gill’s favorite aspect of NIBL is “laughter,” he said.
“Taking the erotic side of our community, expressing it, and then creating humor—that’s what it’s all about,” Gill said.
Bob Houghton, Jim Benton, Loyd Powell, Dwane Todd, and Steve Carbone are co-directors of NIBL, with Greg Davis (Marcia Mink Anne Gill), and Billy Bailey directing choreography. The evening also includes “a very large silent auction,” Gill said, featuring original and exotic art, men’s and women’s hair care products, a Palm Springs vacation, and more. $25+. 2401 San Jacinto St. dongillproductions.com. —NANCY FORD
