I went to 2023's 'Debt Gala' – it was far more dramatic than anything you'll see tonight
Organisers of The Debt Gala - inspired by the world's most prestigious fashion event, The Met Gala - created the occasion to help US citizens struggling with crippling medical debt.
Debt Gala evacuated due to flooding but the party continued in the hallway
Guests arrived at the Debt Gala on Sunday night, adorned in bubble wrap, bin bags and condoms – among other weird and wacky items in keeping with the theme, Garbage x Glamour.
Poking fun at the extravagant Met Gala, the budget-friendly alternative at The Bell House, Brooklyn, was held as a way of raising funds for RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit helping alleviate the US' huge medical debt problem among the most vulnerable.
The unique red-carpet affair was set to feature some of New York’s finest performers from the world of comedy, magic, drag, and music.
But unfortunately, the night took a turn for the worse when New York's heavy April showers caused flooding in the venue.
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The night was cut short and punters were asked to leave due to health and safety concerns.
But not before a hilarious performance from comedian Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and a drag performance from one member of The Drag Sisters - introduced by humourous hosts, Zach & Drew.
Despite the washout, people remained in high spirits and the party even continued in the hallway as L Train Brass Band, a nonprofit of over 100 musicians, played a lively rendition of The O'Jays Love Train to exiting guests.
The event was held the night before 2023's Met Gala, which takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, on Monday, May 1.
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But instead of costing thousands of dollars to attend the prestigious fashion event, The Debt Gala was selling tickets for just $30 a head.
The organisers - Amanda Corday, Tom Costello, Molly Gaebe and Adam Gold - still managed to raise around $15,000 from the unique night - all in aid of charity.
But they're going to extend the campaign for another week in the hopes of hitting their $20,000 target.
A spokesperson for The Debt Gala told Express.co.uk: "It was a shorter than expected but great night! We are not sure exactly what the count will be just yet for dollars raised because there might be some refunds requested from the show having to end early.
"We are going to extend the campaign another week though to try and hit our 20K goal!"
Medical debt is a huge problem in the US amid the rising cost of health care.
Over a hundred million Americans, one in three, struggles with the weight of medical debt, according to RIP Medical Debt, which has helped alleviate $8.5billion of medical debt so far.
The organisation has also helped 5,492,948 families so far struggling with medical debt.
The Met Gala - the world's biggest fashion event - will feature some of the biggest celebrity names and fashion icons from around the world.
But tickets are hard to come by and can cost between $30,000 to $50,000.
Money raised from the extravagant event goes towards The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is a collection of over 35,000 historic costumes and accessories from five continents.
The Debt Gala, however, is an annual event more geared towards everyday folk who want to experience quirky fashion and high-end performances - without the exorbitant price tag.
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