Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Miami Herald - Monday, December 1, 2003
Richard Brand, rbrand@herald.com
Thousands of guests clad in white from head to toe -- some in guayaberas and others in top hats and sailor outfits -- danced the night away alongside celebrities including Carson Kressley, Kyan Douglas and Thom Filicia of the hit television series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
The event, in its 19th year, capped a week of parties that have drawn thousands of mostly gay men and dance music fans to South Florida. It is often called the "crown jewel" of AIDS fundraisers.
THE BENEFICIARY
Indeed, the proceeds will benefit Care Resource, South Florida's largest and oldest HIV/AIDS organization. Last year, the week's take was about $1 million, according to the group's spokesman, Tony Miros. The Vizcaya party alone raised $250,000 last year. Figures for this year's event were not available Sunday night.
"It's a fantastic reason to wear white after Labor Day," said Kressley, the Queer Eye fashion guru.
Co-star Filicia, the show's interior design expert, gazed at the ornate surroundings at the 70-room estate in Coconut Grove, once a private home built between 1914 and 1916.
"I'm going to steal a few things to decorate my own house," he joked.
Rick Siclari, executive director of Care Resource, spoke about the importance of the event, which was started in the 1980s as a way to raise money and awareness to deal with the disease.
THE MAIN REASON
"White Party is a fundraiser, first and foremost. It's important to remember the purpose of this," Siclari said. "We always try to top ourselves."
At the party, dozens of restaurants provided free food. Paella, flan and pork barbecue were for the taking.
"We can swim in gazpacho tonight," said John Rosetti, owner of The Catering Mill of Miami Shores as he handed out shot glasses of the spicy chilled tomato soup, echoing the atmosphere of the night.
Thousands of guests paid $150 to get inside for regular admission; $225 for VIP.
In the VIP room, hostess Merle Weiss welcomed guests wearing a white netted dress.
"It's outrageous, outlandish," she said. "Everybody looks beautiful. It doesn't get better than this."
The event featured flappers, a vintage pink Cadillac and a burlesque show.
Upon arriving, John Suarez, 25, of Medell n, Colombia, was running to the outdoor dance floor on the stone deck overlooking the bay. Spotlights pointing skyward twirled above.
"This is a new experience, it's marvelous," said Su rez, wearing the requisite white shirt and pants. "We're going to dance until we can no longer stand."
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