This year’s theme for ’12 Days of Christmas’ is Ease on Down the Road. (Image courtesy 12 Days’ Facebook page)

As part of his obligations as Maryland Mr. Drummer 1999, Rik Newton-Treadway was required to organize a fundraiser, which was supposed to be a one-time event. That year, Woodie Barnes was Mid-Atlantic Drummerboy 1999 and Timmy Snider was Maryland Leather Boy 1999. Since all three leather titleholders lived in Baltimore, they decided to band together and stage one big event rather than separate fundraisers. The group formed Hooker & Boys, a community-based invitation-only leather club that puts on a variety of events and pageants for charity.

Fast-forward to 2015 and the 17th annual gala known as “12 Days of Christmas,” a Hooker & Boys production, remains popular.

“The significance of the event is that the communities come together to celebrate the holiday season, see old friends and new ones, and raise some monies for various charities near and far,” Newton-Treadway told the Blade. “We are proud to have helped raised over $100,000 for a variety of charities, over 22 different ones to date.”

For the previous 16 years, 12 Days was held at the Hippo, which closed in October. This year’s event will take place on Dec. 12 from 12-6 p.m. at The Conference Center of the Maritime Institute, 692 Maritime Blvd., Linthicum Heights in Maryland. It will benefit several organizations, including AIDS Action Baltimore (Scott H. Stamford Memorial Fund), Dog Rescue of Maryland, the IMsL foundation (history project) and the Lady Lisa Drag Stage at Baltimore Pride 2016 /GLCCB (building fund). The goal is to raise at least $2,000 for each.

“We have been blessed to have attendees and performers from around the world. For Hooker & Boys this is our Christmas morning,” said Newton-Treadway. The organizers are seeking sponsors and donated items for a silent auction.

Performers at this year’s 12 Days, which is themed, “Ease on Down the Road,” include: Shawnna Alexander, Diamond Taylor, Xtcdk Evans, Danielle Revlon, Martin Chichiraycolby Colby, Rik Newton-Treadway, Misty Barfly, Marcus D Spicer, Krystal Nova, Onyx D. Pearl, Desire Avah, and Heather Marcelle.

The doors open at noon and the show begins at 2 p.m. Reserved seating cost $25 each with a table of eight priced at $200. General admission is $20 at the door. The menu will include such items as hamburgers, hot dogs and a variety of side dishes, salads and beverages. Parking is free.