The World AIDS Museum and Educational Center will host its annual Red Dress, Dress Red Gala (RDDR Gala) at 6:30 p.m. in South Florida on Feb. 4, 2023. The event has been happening across North America in various cities since 2005. Still, it will make its South Florida debut at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) to help bring awareness to the HIV epidemic and raise funds for programming developed by the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center (WAM).

“World AIDS Museum and Educational Center is excited to host our first signature fundraiser, the Red Dress, Dress Red Gala, which is a historic national dance party known for being an over-the-top evening of fantasy and fun to support HIV awareness,” Terry Dyer says, executive director of World AIDS Museum and Educational Center. “Red is loud, proud and a symbol of the strength and unity we seek to foster in our community to eradicate this deadly disease that still silently kills.”

The gala started as a promise from a couple to wear red at funerals they attended instead of traditional black attire to bring awareness to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. Other host cities have included Toronto, Ontario, San Diego, Sacramento, Seattle, Hollywood, Palm Springs, New Orleans and Chicago.

The RDDR Gala at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) in Dania Beach is presented by Hunters Nightclub Wilton Manors. The night features live entertainment, music, food, drinks, dancing and random surprises to enhance the evening. All funds generated from the event (up to $500K) will be matched dollar for dollar by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).