Ensure your Saturday is filled with fun folks and meaningful socializing by attending Vivent Health's "Drag Race" against HIV. The first-ever event is set for Saturday, July 26, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Community members will gather to walk or run a “Drag Race” – or to cheer on those who are racing from the sidelines (with a cocktail or mocktail in hand, of course). 

"We really wanted the event to be planned by people in the community for people in the community and I'm happy to say we accomplished that," says Ryan Rehak of Vivent Health.

The Drag Race will consist of a .03-mile walk/run (164 feet). While not required, attendees are encouraged to run/walk in high heels or full drag. Participants will check in at POP, 124 W. National Ave., starting at 1 p.m. and The Drag Race starts at 2 p.m. 

Participants can sign up individually or as a team. The $30 registration fee includes participation in the Drag Race, event T-shirt and a “passport” for access to the Bar Crawl, which includes six LGBTQ+ Walker’s Point bars and runs until 7 p.m.

Bar Crawl participating locations (all of the bars are within a one-block radius):

• POP
• Fat Daddy’s
• D.I.X
• Walker’s Pint
• Fluid
• LaCage Nite Club

The participating bars will donate a portion of their profits to Vivent Health, and will host a Vivent Health representative to accept donations and answer any questions about services and resources.

An alternative version of the passport designed for non-drinkers will be sponsored by The Phoenix, and will offer a specialty mocktail at each location.

“This passport will ensure that those who are in recovery or maybe seeking a sober lifestyle are also able to enjoy this great event,” says Byron Thompson, Senior Volunteer Manager, The Phoenix. 

Participants with passports stamped at all six of the participating bars can enter a raffle for prizes. Prizes include a Brewers package featuring four tickets to Monday night's game against the Cubs; and gift packages from Tito's, Stone Creek Coffee and Fat Daddy's and POP.  

Support for this event is especially critical as new funding cuts are adding significant challenges to the health and wellness of people living with or impacted by HIV. Wisconsin would be one of the hardest hit states with $1,225,000 in cuts — decimating programs and services that thousands of Wisconsinites rely on for their health. 

“Vivent Health’s impact goes far beyond what many see, and getting to lift that up through a moment like this means everything to us. Drag your friends, grab your heels, and let’s get cute for a cause," says Mikey Sadowski, Assistant Manager of POP.

For more information about Vivent Health's Drag Race, go here: www.dragracemke.com