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Before the Met Gala, Check Out The Debt Gala
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Following its sold-out first two years, The Debt Gala announces its return to Brooklyn's Bell House on Sunday, May 4, 2025, as the accessible and inclusive alternative to the Met Gala. The event swaps formality for fun, reshaping the traditional gala experience into an open celebration for all, centering economic justice and the struggle to afford rising costs of care.
The Debt Gala invites New Yorkers to showcase their boundless creativity and impeccable style while raising funds for organizations dedicated to eradicating medical debt for those experiencing the greatest need. This year's Debt Gala theme, "Let Them Eat Cake: Ruined Riches" encourages guests to channel the gilded extravagance of immense wealth–silk, lace, pearls, and beyond–and distress it as they see fit. Rips, shatters, stains, and all manner of unraveling are welcome.
In just two years, The Debt Gala has helped eliminate over $2.5 million in medical debt for struggling families. This year, proceeds from the Debt Gala will support Undue Medical Debt and For the Gworls. Both organizations are fighting the nation's growing healthcare crisis and For the Gworls focuses on the disproportionate impact on trans people. Undue Medical Debt is a national nonprofit that buys and eliminates medical debt for those most financially and emotionally burdened; every $10 donated erases an average of $1,000, freeing families in need from financial devastation. For The Gworls is a Black, trans-led collective that offers crucial financial aid for gender-affirming procedures, medication, and medical expenses for Black trans folks.
"Healthcare is a human right, and celebration is a tool," said Tom Costello, co-founder of The Debt Gala. "We're proud that in just two years, we've turned a red carpet into a lifeline–shifting resources where they're needed most."
"The Debt Gala is a protest, a love letter, a fundraiser, and a fashion show. 'Eat the rich,' but make it formalwear," added Molly Gaebe, co-founder of The Debt Gala. "At the Debt Gala, we're redistributing wealth, fun, and attention where they truly belong."
"Medical debts are debts of necessity that burden over a hundred million people in this country, disproportionately affecting communities of color and often inflicting financial and emotional anguish on families simply because someone got sick, was in an accident or was born with a chronic illness," shares Undue Medical Debt CEO and president Allison Sesso. "We're honored to be working again with the Debt Gala team and can't wait to see everyone's creativity on display in the name of health equity!"
"We are thrilled to bring our unique brand of nightlife to the Debt Gala's important cause," said Stage Time's PJ Adzima. "This night is about more than just glamour and glitter–it's about community, visibility, and solidarity. We're proud to stand with an event that uplifts voices, challenges systems, and reminds us that performance can be an act of resistance."
STAGE TIME, the groundbreaking nightlife production company founded by Broadway actor PJ Adzima ("Book of Mormon"), is curating the mainstage entertainment, which represents the best of New York City's music, comedy, and drag communities. Hosted by Adzima with his fabulous sidekick Gogo Empress Summer Reign, the star-studded lineup includes powerhouse comedians Joyelle Nicole Johnson (The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers) and Gianmarco Soresi (The Downside Podcast), mind-bending magician Nicole Cardoza, theatrical force Robert Silk Mason ("Cats: The Jellicle Ball"), iconic performance artist Julie Atlas Muz, and freestyle wizard Chris Turner (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert). The 35+ member L Train Brass Band will light up the stage, and DJ Max Friedman will keep the vibes going into the night at the post-show Debt Ball dance party.
The Debt Gala will take place at The Bell House, 149 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215. The red carpet begins at 5PM, show at 6PM, and dance party at 8PM. Tickets start at $35.
The Debt Gala is fiscally sponsored by FJC, a 501(c)3 public charity. As such, all gifts made to FJC that are designated for The Debt Gala are fully deductible to the extent allowed by law.
More information is available at The Debt Gala.
