Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Area Reporter - May 4, 2006
Donna Sachet
PAWS has developed a wonderful concept for their annual fundraiser Petchitecture, where leading architects and designers create custom pet habitats available for purchase during a live auction. This year's selection varied from the truly luxurious to the fantastic and humorous. Our favorite was the cylindrical dog-bed/end-table on wheels designed by Keith Addy of Huntsman Architectural Group. In attendance at Fort Mason Center were Executive Director John Lipp , writers Emily Scott Pottruck and Amy Tan, Mitch Koonce, Anna D'Amiani, and other pet lovers, many with their adorable pets at their sides.
For sheer scale, speaker impact, female beauty, and motivational inspiration, it is hard to beat the NCLR Gala! Welcomed by dynamic Executive Director Kate Kendall to the cavernous setting of the newest wing of Moscone Convention Center, over 3,000 attendees celebrated the successes of NCLR while recognizing longtime pioneers and recent headliners. Awards were presented to Betty Berzon (posthumously), Dawn McKinley , Kathy Reynolds , Sheryl Swoopes , and Jennifer Harris , and the speeches were succinct and from the heart. Among the throng were Betty Sullivan, Scott Weiner, Vivien Gay, Janis Callon , Roseanne Strano , Amy Hurwitz, Chris Carnes, and Jeff Anderson. Emcee Kate Clinton roused with her political commentary and acerbic wit.
Completing the manic pace was The Fortune Tellers Ball, the AIDS Emergency Fund's 24th Anniversary Awards Gala, set in the furniture store Khyber Pass with psychics, astrologers, tarot card and palm readers, and even an eye-popping performance by the Fat Chance Belly Dancers ! AEF's recently lost longtime volunteer David Slocombe received well-deserved recognition, along with Winslow & Associate, Wells Fargo, and Academy of Friends. The most popular award was presented by Executive Director Mike Smith to the monthly Basket Contest held at The Edge Bar for 178 consecutive months, raising nearly $100,000. Originator Gary Rahlf and many of the contestants over the years were there to accept the award and officially to retire this unique fundraiser. The crowd reflected the historic connection of the AEF to the leather community, the new energy of the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, and an infusion of new supporters.
Table hopping
Last Wednesday night's GLAAD Media Awards Table Host Party was held in the eclectic Ted Baker shop on Grant Avenue, and included delightful live music from a talented jazz duo. Captains Jack Ryder and Kurt Stammberger created another welcoming event and signed up additional table hosts, leaving only a handful to be filled before the June 10 Awards Gala.
The following night we hosted Dining Out for Life at L.J.'s in the Metreon, a fundraiser for the STOP AIDS Project. Restaurants all over town chipped in 25% of their proceeds to help the cause, and at L.J.'s we had an energetic crowd, live music, and enthusiastic volunteers to support the evening. Pay a visit soon to this upscale restaurant with delicious fresh food and creative cocktails.
Afterwards, we stopped by the finale of the South of Market Bare Chest Calendar at The Powerhouse, where 10 finalists were put through their paces by emcee Scott Brogan, to the amusement and stimulation of the packed house.
Our final report for this column is on the incredible Diva's Swan Song, Gail Wilson in a farewell concert with City Swing Big Band, on Saturday night at Brava Theatre. Wilson's loyal fan base from decades of performing came together for this bittersweet finale. The audience was taken on a musical journey down memory lane as Wilson recounted stories from the Men Behind Bars shows, thanked individuals who had been partners in her music, some still with us, but some taken by AIDS or other untimely deaths, and credited the gay community with being her mainstay throughout her career. Among those there to pay her homage were Mark Abramson, Joe Mac , Robin Murray, Susan Fahey, Ralph Hyman, Mark Smith , Albert Reese, Gary Virginia, Don Ho Tse, Jim Middlehurst , Goldblatt, K.C. Dare, Emperors Jason Ladd, T.J. Ladd , and Steven Rascher , and Empresses Galilea , Alexis Miranda , Sheba! and Marlena. City Swing was in fine form under the inspired direction of Bradley Connlain , and Wilson sang like an angel. The highlight of the evening was a slide show of Wilson's life as she sang "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." We wish her and her devoted partner Bob Kantor all the best in this new chapter of their lives.
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