Philly AIDS Thrift is celebrating it's 20th anniversary with an all-day block party next month. (Credit: Kory Aversa)
Philadelphia's most impactful thrift store is throwing the ultimate celebration to mark its 20th anniversary and a major fundraising milestone of over $5 million donated to local HIV/AIDS organizations. The free, all-ages block party takes place on the 700 block of South 5th Street with the street closed to traffic for six hours of community festivities.
What started in 2005 as a tiny shop with no heat has grown into one of Philadelphia's most vital charitable organizations, supporting more than 50 local HIV/AIDS service providers including The Attic Youth Center, Mazzoni Center, MANNA, and William Way LGBT Community Center.
Entertainment
Credit: https://www.djrobertdrake.com/
DJ Robert Drake - Peabody Award-winning WXPN radio host serves as grand emcee, spinning tunes all day for street dancing
Marcus G - Philadelphia-born vocalist bringing soulful melodies and big-stage energy
Tony & The Kiki - Rhinestone-studded glam-rock troupe delivering high-camp spectacle
Reverend MacKenzie Moltov - Sword-swallowing, fire-breathing "clownbabe" from Philadelphia's Squidling Brothers Circus Sideshow
Interactive Activities
Credit: Philly AIDS Thrift on Facebook
Celebrity Dunk Tank featuring Stefanie Jolles (Crash Bang Boom co-owner), Tony Trov (South Fellini co-founder), Joe Cox (PMA Bike Ride founder), Tyrell Brown (Philly Pride 365 founder), plus Philly AIDS Thrift staff and volunteers
Fifth Annual Pie Eating Contest emceed by CBS 3's Jim Donovan, open to all participants who sign up day-of. Mixed-berry pies provided by MANNA in partnership with their Pie In The Sky fundraiser
Vendors and Shopping
Credit: http://www.tammehandmade.com
More than 30 craft and vintage vendors will line the street, including:
South Street Art Mart - Works from 180 Philadelphia-area artists and makers
Crash Bang Boom - Premier punk rock boutique
South Fellini - Cheeky Philly-centric apparel and accessories
Tamme Handmade - One-of-a-kind textile art accessories
IXIJ Art - Surrealist pieces crafted from thrifted and discarded materials
Food and Drink
Food trucks serving various cuisines
Love City Brewing pouring local craft beers
The timing coincides perfectly with Halloween season, when Philly AIDS Thrift becomes one of the city's premier destinations for costumes, accessories, and decorations. Based on previous years drawing over 1,000 attendees, organizers expect an even larger turnout for this milestone celebration.
"Whether they're competing to see who can shove the most pie into their faces the fastest, staring in awe at a fire-breathing clown, or simply dancing in the middle of the street, everyone who stops by helps us raise additional funds for local organizations," said Executive Director Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou.
The celebration represents the organization's core mission of community supporting community while creating joy and meaningful connections. Every activity during the block party helps fund essential HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support services across the Delaware Valley, continuing two decades of turning donated treasures into life-saving resources.
