History

Reno Gannon2In 1987, Reno Gannon, a bartender at Tucson bar Rumor Hazzit, returned from a vacation in Mexico with an exciting new idea for a fundraising event. The concept? Jell-O Wrestling!

Reno spoke with Rumor Hazzitt owner Bruce Peg and his management staff of Peter Sittig and Michael Bennett about putting on the event as a fundraiser to help people living with HIV/AIDS. Bruce, Peter, and Michael liked the idea and organized the first Jell-O Wrestling Extravaganza in 1987. Shanti, one of the 3 local AIDS Service Organizations that would later merge to form the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF), was the recipient of event proceeds.

Reno was an energetic, fun-loving, intelligent man in his early 20s when he brought this idea to the community. Committed to doing something to help, he and the owners and management of Rumor Hazzit made the event a reality. At age 23, Reno died from AIDS. The year following his death, the event became a memorial to him.Reno Gannon1

Reno’s legacy of hope and dedication to raising public awareness about HIV/AIDS continues through this wonderful event. In the past 9 years alone, Jell-O Wrestling has raised more than $300,000 for the programs and services of SAAF.

 

News and Events

  • 2017 Jell-O Raffle Prize is Tickets to See Ricky Martin Live, February 14, 2017

    The 2017 Jell-O Wrestling raffle prize has been announced and this year’s winner will receive 2 tickets to see Ricky Martin Live in concert in Las Vegas on Sunday July 2; a 2 night stay at the Monte Carlo Hotel & Resort; and a $100 Visa gift card. Tickets are limited to 3,000 and winner […]

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  • Jell-O 2016 Raffle Prize is 2 tickets to see Jennifer Lopez in Vegas, April 12, 2016

    The 2016 Raffle Prize is two tickets to see Jennifer Lopez live in concert at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on June 8 plus a 2 night stay at Planet Hollywood and a $200 Visa gift card. Tickets are just $1 each and no more than 3,000 will be sold. You also need not be […]

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  • Jell-O Wrestling Party Packs Now Available!, March 16, 2016

    Jell-O Wrestling Party Packs are now available. Party Packs include: 1 admission ticket to Jell-O Wrestling on Saturday April 23, 2016 ($25 value); 5 raffle tickets to see Jennifer Lopez live in Las Vegas ($5 value); 1 drink ticket (up to $7 value). A $37 value for just $28. Hurry…Party Packs are only available through […]

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  • Jell-O VIP Packages Available through April 30, April 15, 2014

    Join us for the 27th Annual Jell-O Wrestling Extravaganza & Benefit Auction on Saturday May 3 at the Slaughterhouse. This is one of  SAAF’s funnest events and you will not want to miss this year’s surprise “superstar” wrestlers. VIP packages, which include one admission ticket, five raffle tickets, and one drink ticket are a great […]

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  • Jell-O Raffle Prize- 2 Tickets to See Britney Spears, January 10, 2014

    The 2014 Jell-O Raffle prize has just been announced! This year’s Grand Prize Winner will receive: Two Premium Tickets to see Britney Spears Live in Las Vegas Two night stay at the Planet Hollywood Resort $100 Mastercard gift card For more information about the raffle and how to purchase tickets, click here.

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The mission of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation is to cultivate a healthy and stigma-free society through transformative action.