Raise a toast to four decades of care: Prism Health North Texas (formerly AIDS Arms) is throwing Forty & Forward on May 15 at the Empire Room, where tickets, VIP upgrades, cocktails and memories help fund prevention and lifesaving services for the North Texas LGBTQ community.

Essential Takeaways

  • Event date and place: Forty & Forward happens Friday, May 15 at the Empire Room, with valet parking included.
  • Ticketing: General admission starts at $140 with food and drinks; VIP is $400 and grants 30-minute early access plus dedicated seating.
  • Purpose: Proceeds support PHNTX programmes that prevent illness and provide care for individuals and families.
  • History: Prism Health North Texas began as AIDS Arms in 1986 and has evolved into a broad community health provider.
  • Atmosphere: Expect music, mingling, fancy dress and a celebratory mood that honours decades of advocacy and care.

Why this party matters now: four decades of evolving care

It’s not just a party , it’s a milestone. According to Prism Health North Texas’s own timeline, the organisation started in 1986 as AIDS Arms and has steadily expanded services to meet changing community needs. That history feels tangible the minute you read the programme: what began as emergency crisis response is now a multi-service health provider offering prevention, clinical care and social supports. For guests, that means every cocktail and canapé helps sustain a service that’s shifted with the times and kept people alive.

What you’ll get for your ticket , and how to pick the right option

Tickets start at $140 and include food, drinks and complimentary valet at the venue. If you like the idea of ease and extra elbow room, the $400 VIP upgrade brings early entry and a dedicated seating area, perfect for catching up with friends before the room fills. If you’re buying for a group, think about splitting between general and VIP so you have a base to return to. Qgiv handles ticketing, so buying online in advance is the simplest route.

The mood: dress, music and memories

Organisers promise a night of music, mingling and memory-making , think smart-casual to cocktail attire and a festive, sentimental atmosphere. Longtime supporters will recognise the throughline from the AIDS Arms era to today; newcomers will feel the community warmth and dedication. Bring a camera, bring a story, and be ready to toast both the past and the pragmatic work that continues in clinics and outreach programmes across North Texas.

Who benefits and why your ticket matters

Prism Health North Texas now provides prevention services, clinical care and family support across the region. Donations and event proceeds directly fund those programmes, so buying a ticket is also a form of healthcare support. Local reporting and the organisation’s about page show a clear evolution from crisis-era services into comprehensive care, so your contribution helps both prevention efforts and hands-on clinical work.

How to make the most of the night , practical tips

Arrive early if you want time to chat with staff or board members; VIPs get a 30-minute head start for exactly that reason. Wear comfortable shoes for mingling and a pocket for business cards , this is as much a networking night as a party. If you can’t attend, consider donating through the event page or bidding in any silent auction; there are always ways to support if tickets don’t fit your plans.

It's a small change that can make every celebration count for the health of the community.

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