The second Debt Gala took place in Brooklyn, featuring a “Sleeping Baddies” theme where attendees dressed in pajamas to raise money for medical bill relief. This alternative gala, held the night before the Met Gala, aimed to democratize the exclusive springtime fundraiser and bring attention to other causes. The event was attended by around 200 people, with tickets ranging from $35-$1,000, and proceeds went to the Debt Collective and Dollar For, organizations focused on eliminating medical debt for lower-income patients. The gala featured thrifty getups, raunchy comedy routines, and a silent auction with items like handbags by Steve Madden.
The prevalence of health care debt has led to billions of dollars in relief efforts from governments and private donors. A Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that four in 10 adults have some form of medical- and dental-related debts, with higher numbers among specific demographics. The Debt Gala aimed to shed light on the issue of medical debt by encouraging attendees to wear red squares as a symbol of solidarity and debtors’ status “in the red.” The event served as a platform for organizations like Dollar For, which connects financially strapped families with legal teams to obtain charity care for medical expenses.
The gala’s focus on medical debt aligned with the mission of Dollar For, as the organization aims to eliminate medical debt by raising funds through creative events. The co-founder of Dollar For, Jared Walker, emphasized that the fundraiser was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals facing overwhelming medical expenses. Attendees of the Debt Gala showcased their creativity and individuality through unique outfits and accessories, opting for cozy and casual attire like dinosaur slippers and wearable blankets instead of traditional gala attire like Louboutins and tiaras.
The event featured quirky accessories like sleeping eye masks with messages like “Shut Up” and “Sleeping Beauty,” adding a playful touch to the evening. The atmosphere was filled with a blend of anti-capitalist sentiment, standup comedy, and drag queen performances, addressing health care inequalities and the struggles faced by artists without adequate health insurance. The organizers of the Debt Gala were inspired to create the event after watching coverage of the Met Gala and wanted to use the spectacle to raise awareness about the vastness of medical debt and support those in need of financial assistance.
Participants and attendees at the Debt Gala emphasized the importance of fighting health care inequalities and addressing the stigma associated with medical debt. One attendee shared their experience of incurring significant hospital bills after a suicide attempt and highlighted the embarrassment and destabilization caused by medical debt. The event was seen as an opportunity to combine fun, fashion, and philanthropy to support individuals experiencing financial challenges due to medical expenses. The gala’s success in raising funds for medical debt relief showcased the power of community support and creativity in addressing pressing social issues.
