Florida Agenda

By Dale Madison

Few individuals have been as vocal and visible as Terry De Carlo, a familiar face to both community members and colleagues in the non-profit sector, in which Terry has worked admirably and with dedication for two decades, with a focus on HIV-AIDS.

De Carlo, the Director of Development for Broward House (the county’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization), previously worked with Care Resource, helping to produce the nearly 30-year-old White Party, one of the world’s “crown jewel” circuit parties attended by thousands of hot international men who come to Miami for a magical weekend of dancing, food, and, of course, a few cocktails.

It would surprise many people who know of DeCarlo’s grinding work schedule that he lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), a condition that has reduced his lung capacity by 60 percent. But—like the Energizer Bunny—he just keeps on going. He helps organize Broward House’s successful community events, including the wildly popular “Amazing Race,” and “Broward Bares It” fundraiser benefiting persons with HIV/AIDS.

“We once again produced ‘Broward Bares It’ at the Seminole Hard Rock, and we once again had a sold out crowd,” says DeCarlo. “It is a major production. You just can’t put people out there on a stage—you have to rehearse and work with sound and lighting. It has to be done right,” he adds.XXX “Our first year, we had 3,000 people and then our next year we had to move to the Passion Room, and now, with the growing popularity, we hope this year to move to the Paradise Theatre,” he explains. “For me, it’s been a labor of love to see this grow.”

Like all great motivators, DeCarlo knows success, in life and work, is a team effort. “My rock is my husband, Bill Huelsman,” he says without hesitation. “We have now been together for 16 years, and he has been there every step of the way.” Are there challenges to a long-term, successful partnership, we wonder? “So far, there has been no ‘water-boarding,’” DeCarlo jokes, “and I love him to death.”

DeCarlo and the Broward House team have lined up world class entertainment to help raise community awareness for its projects and the clients it assists. As well as the smashing success of Typhoon Lagoon during June’s Orlando Gay Days, “We are bringing in Wanda Sykes for a [December 2] concert at the Broward Center, and we just booked Joan Rivers for June 2013,” he says with barely contained excitement. “Last year, we had a fantastic turnout with Margaret Cho, and each year we try to step it up,” he explains, and adds, “But, frankly, it comes back to one thing: We have to get the message out that HIV is still out there, and is still a threat.”

To learn more about Terry DeCarlo and the ongoing community efforts of Broward House, as well as its many fun and supportive activities, visit browardhouse.org.

FORT LAUDERDALE – On Saturday, 60 contestants will take part in Broward House’s popular “Amazing Race,” based on the reality TV show. Thirty teams comprised of two contestants each will converge upon from a secret location at 9 a.m. to begin a race that will take them through Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and Oakland Park.

The teams will be required to perform 20 different tasks at 20 different locations, and will face obstacles and challenges including road blocks, u-turns, and other “hazards” that they will have to endure. The organizers say that the race will test the teams’ stamina, nerves, ability to work together, and, as spokesman Terry DeCarlo calls it, “saneness.” After the teams have finished their tasks, the first to cross the finish line will win a cruise for two.

FORT LAUDERDALE – Broward House, South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community service organization, announced last week plans to hold a candlelight walk, vigil, rally, and concert to commemorate World AIDS Day, December 1, and to honor the event’s grand marshal, internationally-renowned comedian Wanda Sykes, one of the Entertainment Weekly “25 Funniest People in America.”

“We are very excited about Wanda becoming a member of the Broward House family,” said Terry DeCarlo, Director of Development and Public Relations for Broward House. “She is a mega superstar, and will help us bring much needed attention to the fact that HIV and AIDS are still here, people are still being infected at alarming rates, the disease is still killing, people need to get tested regularly, and need to always protect themselves.

“She will also be doing a benefit concert for us the very next day in the Au Rene Theater at the Broward Center, which I personally cannot wait for.” DeCarlo also noted that last year’s event, which was presided over by grand marshal Margaret Cho, attracted over 2,500 participants.

As well as starring on Fox-TV’s “The Wanda Sykes Show,” the comedian is a staple of broadcast and network television, including several specials on HBO and CBS and a recurring role in the CBS comedy “The New Adventures of Old Christine.” Her first HBO special, “Wanda Sykes: Sick & Tired,” was nominated for a 2007 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special. DeCarlo says that the event is free to the community, and that everything, including candles for the vigil, will be provided.

Sponsors include MAC AIDS Fund, Walgreens Pharmacy, Group Benefit Concepts, and Broward Health. The Candlelight Vigil will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 1, with the Wanda Sykes concert taking place at 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 2. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 14.

For more information, visit browardhouse.org.

FORT LAUDERDALE – Broward House last week announced the upcoming departure of its longtime COO, Kathleen Cannon, who has accepted the position of President and CEO of the United Way of Broward County.

Broward House President and CEO Angelo Castillo praised Cannon’s dedication and service. “Kathleen has served Broward House admirably as our VP and Chief Operating Officer for the past ten years,” SAID Castillo.

“We’re very thankful for her many contributions to the agency and for the depth of her personal commitment to our success—so evident in everything she does.” Broward House is South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community service organization.

Stacey Hyde, Broward House’s current Senior Director of Contracts and Performance Management will take over as Vice President and COO. “Stacy has demonstrated her commitment to the Broward House staff, clients, and programs for the past nine years,” said Terry DeCarlo, the organization’s Director of Marketing.

Previously, Hyde served as Broward House’s Director of Case management, Director of Behavioral Health, and Senior Director of Residential Programs. She obtained her masters in social work from Florida International University, and has worked as a case manager, therapist, and program manager with at risk populations, including adult substance abusers, youth at risk for gang activity, families in foster care, and those impacted by HIV/AIDS. She is also active in community events, including the Florida AIDS Walk, World AIDS Day, and The SMART Ride.

Broward House’s Castillo offered praise and encouragement for her outgoing COO. “I knew from the first day I met Kathleen that her talents would be called upon to tackle greater challenges,” she said, adding, “for me personally, it’s been a privilege to have Kathleen on my management team.

Kathleen will remain a personal friend and colleague and she will always be a member of the Broward House family.”

Your favorite virtue?

Broadmindedness.

Your favorite qualities in a person.

Honesty and loyalty.

Your chief characteristic.

Ambition (although it is sometimes seen as “overzealousness” and being hard to work with).

What you appreciate most in your friends.

Truthfulness (although sometimes it hurts, and you wanna slap them upside the head!!).

Your main fault.

Overextending myself, which I do on a daily basis (but hey, I am now part of AARP, so you know you can’t teach me anything).

Your favorite occupation.

DUH, running a Disney Park (or playing one of the princesses).

Your idea of happiness.

My family at home, my extended family in Ohio and Arizona, and my true friends make up my happiness.

Your idea of misery?

Loved the character Kathy Bates played in the movie. Oh, that’s not what you are looking for: definitely losing my family.

If not yourself, who would you be?

Someone in a position of power who would have influence and the possibility to change worldviews and trends (maybe the Pope, just for the red Prada shoes, and that damn hat).

Your favorite color?

“Disney Bouncy, Bouncy, Tigger Orange” (you have to see the tattoo to understand).

Where would you like to live?

Europe. In some countries, they are so much more laid back then we are here. Bill and I have visited many places where they work to go on their vacations. We in the U.S. are programmed to work our asses off, and have to save everything. It is for this reason so many people here miss out on seeing the beauty and wonders the world has to offer.

Your heroes in real life?

Three great men: Larry Kramer, the Dali Lama, and my husband.

Your favorite food and drink?

Sushi & flavored vodkas. I probably would mix them together in a blender: Sushitini?

What do you hate the most?

Untruthfulness, gossipmongers, and the damn bloody horror movies that my husband makes me watch–I usually have my head buried under a pillow!

The reform you admire the most?

Being a former service member, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

The natural talent you’d like to be gifted with?

A singing voice (unlike my current one that makes the dogs run away and the neighbors call the cops thinking someone is being bludgeoned).

How do you wish to die?

Happy, holding my hubby’s hand (oh, yeah, and quickly: I am not good at pain and blood–see the horror movie reference above).

What is your present state of mind?

I lost my mind years ago, so it doesn’t have a present state.

Terry DeCarlo is the Director of Development for Broward House,

South Florida’s oldest and largest not-for-profit HIV/AIDS service organization.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Broward House, Broward County’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organizations, hosted its annual “Hope’s Heroes” awards ceremony and luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Dapur Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. The event was held to induct the newest class of the honorees, those businesses and individuals who the service organization says “have gone above and beyond in their community to help those living with HIV/AIDS.”

Honorees included: John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy of Rosie’s Bar and Grill; Karen Caroll and Julie Slater of Chic Optique; Drew Miller and Kevin Murdoch of the GLBX; Marc Silverstone of Equilibrium Events and “A Toy’s Story;” attorney and publisher Norm Kent; the Leather Men’s Brotherhood; and Hotspots Media Group.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Broward Sheriff’s Office has made a $10,000 donation to a start teen suicide prevention hotline run by Broward House. The money was donated from the Department’s Law Enforcement Trust Funds to support at-risk youth. Money from the fund comes from seized property that was used in criminal acts and the grants are controlled by governing bodies for the police agencies that acquire the property.

The gift to Broward House must still be approved by the Broward County Commission. Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti does not think that County Commissioners’ approval will be a problem.

Broward House, a 23-year old organization that serves more than 6,000 people who are living with HIV/AIDS, said they hope to have the help line operating by mid-January.

WILTON MANORS, FL – Comedienne Margaret Cho will headline this year’s Broward House’s World AIDS Day Rally and March which will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot of

the Shoppes of Wilton Manors on December 1. Following the demonstration, Cho will be performing in a show benefiting Broward House.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – In July, Broward House plans to open its twelfth facility. After six months and over $200,000 of renovations, the newest facility will be open in Sailboat Bend.

The project has 2 2-bedroom units and 7 1-bedroom units that will house individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. These units are made affordable through a subsidy from HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS/HIV).

The new housing facility was made possible through a recent grant from Doug Greene of the Green Family Foundation, which helps with the landscaping of the property. Broward House is looking for other individuals, corporations and foundations to help the project come to fruition. They are also looking for help with painting the outside of the building and make other minor touches throughout the property.

One of the units has already been adopted by the Samuel and Hannah Holzman Trust. A plaque outside will be hung recognizing and thanking them for their generosity.

HOLLYWOOD, FL – “Broward Bares It!” returns on Friday, August 19. The new production, themed “All That Jazz”, will also move into a new venue, the Paradise Live Theater in order to accommodate a larger crowd and to give the show more of a cabaret atmosphere. Paradise Live is located at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood which opened in June 2008 and debuted with a series of classic live shows. Formerly known as Legends theater, Paradise Live has an incredible $3.3 million dollar sound and lighting system.

“We are very happy to be working once again with the amazing people over at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino” said Terry DeCarlo, producer of Broward Bares It! “This new venue, much like a Broadway theater, has a huge double tier stage, three sets of working curtains, amazing lighting, sound and projection systems, Las Vegasstyle VIP booth sections, a separate floor VIP section, two levels for our treasured general admission guests and four working bars including a beautiful upstairs lounge with chairs and couches. This venue will truly help take the event to the next level and keep it on its way to being a major Broward County signature event.”

Much information on the show is available at www.BrowardBaresIt.com and ticket sales will be on sale soon. “Broward Bares It!” 2011 will benefit Broward House, Broward County’s oldest and largest HIV/ AIDS community service agency.