Florida Agenda

By Dale Madison

With over 200+ participants in this year’s Poverello Bowl-A-Thon, you can only imagine what a party it was.  With sponsors Ultimat Vodka and Paton providing coolers with Cosmos and Margaritas for the 20 minute ride on the beautiful luxury Davis Tours coaches, we had the makings for a great event.

Even with the down economy and less teams than last year, nearly $40,000 was raised for the Poverello Food Bank clients.  Funds are still being collected from participants and from the Poverello website, which you can contribute to by visiting www.poverello.org. The comments about the new venue for the Bowl-A-Thon were amazing.  The staff at Sawgrass Lanes were friendly, professional and a pleasure to work with. Beginning in October, Sawgrass Lanes will host gay lueagues on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information you can call Lissette at Sawgrass Lanes at 954-722-2700.

Anyone who has ever planned a major event such as this knows the amount of detail and work that goes into it.  Now for the winners:  Top Team: City Furniture.  Most Money Raised : Team Ultimat Vodka and the Mustang Lounge with nearly $5,000.  Most Heart Award: (this award is for the person with then highest number of individual donors) Amy Kowaleski of Ultimat Vodka.  Highest Female Score: Fredda Rubia with 530, and Highest Male Score, Lon Hoehne.  Congratulations to all for their great efforts.

Congratulations also goes out to Norton Lyman, the winner of the Grand Prize drawing for the week between Christmas and New Years at a furnished condo on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Poverello also wants to extend a very special thank you to James Morris.  James participated in the Sidelines Cook Off over the past 3 months and was the winner of a Commercial Grade Char-Broil stainless steel gas grill.  After winning the grill he announced that he was donating it to the Poverello Bowl A Thon.  Thanks for thinking of your fellow men, women and children that Poverello is feeds.

Thanks to all of the amazing sponsors who made it all happen:  Bowling Shirt Sponsor Broward Health and Ultimat Vodka. Coach Sponsors: Florida AIDS Walk, Ultimat Vodka, Matty’s on the Drive, New Moon, and Rosie’s. Thanks also to all of the local business that donated the 100 items that were raffled off during the day.

Believe it or not, plans are already starting for next years Bowl A Thon and the date will be announced very soon.

Of course before that don’t forget the Great Gatsby Gala in October, sponsored in part by Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale, Geo Vax Labs, and Ultimat Vodka.Once again go to our website for all of the details! www.poverello.org.

Stefan Pinto stars in the play Escorts at Rising Action Theater in Oakland Park from June 2-June 6. (Photo by Robert Figueroa)

Thursday 05.27.10

THE MDGLCC’S MONTHLY NETWORKING PROGRAM

MDGLCC presents a networking program for the Downtown membership group. Hard Rock Café Bayside Restaurant 401 Biscayne Blvd #R200 (behind the Bayside Marketplace), 305- 377-3110.; registration 11:30 a.m. with luncheon/networking from noon to 1:00 p.m. Cost is $30 per person including seated style lunch. Limited to 30 persons; RSVP to 305-573-4000 or mailto:mdglcc@bellsouth.net. Get your seat early.

SIZZLE 2010

Originally a one-day occurrence, Sizzle has evolved into a 5-day smorgasbord of captivating daytime events, and pulsating nightlife. Hit the beaches of Miami This Memorial Day Weekend.

MANHUNT 2010

Boardwalk hosts Manhunt 2010. This is a ten week Playgirl Semi-Finalist contest with a $1,000 Grand Prize and a sponsorship. 1721 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. (954) 463-6969.

Friday 05.28.10

OUT GIRLS MOVIE NIGHT

It’s an OUT Girls movie night (screening and discussion) at the Stonewall Library and Archives at 7 p.m. A mutual attraction develops and the two unlikely characters explore the uncharted territory of unexpected love. Free Admission. 1300 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale. (954) 763-8565.

KIM ZOLCIAK AND DJ TRACY YOUNG LIVE

Living Room Nightclub hosts the Silver Party 2010 with Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak and DJ Tracy Young. Don’t miss Kim’s “coming out” party. 300 SW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. Celebrate the Memorial Day weekend these two ladies.

JANICE DICKINSON

As part of the 2010 White Fort Lauderdale Weekend, Janice Dickinson hosts The White Angels Fashion Showat The Manor. The Manor is located at 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Dickinson was one of the original supermodels in the early ‘80s and her over-the-top personality will rock out!

Saturday 05.29.10

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BETTY ANN PRISCAK

A Memorial Service will be held for long-time WIN member Betty Ann Priscak.at the Sunshine Cathedral at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers please either send a donation to The Sunshine Cathedral or to the “Prayer Garden.” Lauderdale.

THE SUM OF US

The Sum of Us is a love story about a widowed father and his gay son, who’s trying to find Mr. Right. After meeting in a local pub, Jeff and a young gardener, Greg, hit it off and begin to date. When he meets Jeff’s stubborn, opinionated Dad however, Greg begins to back off. The show stats at 8 p.m. Tickets: show only: $35.00 ; show and dinner package – 3 course Dinner at Primavera Restaurant (located across the parking lot): $60.00. Rising Action Theatre, 840 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park. (954) 561-2225.

CONNIE FRANCIS

Join the City of Fort Lauderdale and legendary singer Connie Francis at the Great American Beach Party. This free event features live bands, a classic car show, family beach activities and a 50th Anniversary screening of Where the Boys Are, presented by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the beach (A1A and East Las Olas Blvd.)

Sunday 05.30.10

VAN GOGH: BRUSH WITH GENIUS

Discover a Van Gogh you’ve never seen before: serene and radiating with love of life as he retraces his footsteps through his letters. In this passionate voyage, you are thrown into a unique visual experience where the paintings spring to life before our eyes, so near us that we can feel the painter’s energy, the wind in the branches of a cypress, the dazzling Southern sun. The film offers us the unique joy of seeing and getting to know, with ever increasing admiration, the man whose energy and freedom are intrinsically bound to the great beauty of his work. Museum of Discovery & Science and AutoNation® IMAX® Theater. 401 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale.

POVERELLO BENEFIT

The Matty’s On the Drive vs. New Moon Water Balloon Fight benefiting Poverello begins at 4 p.m. Water balloons $1 each. 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL, 33305, 954- 564-1799. Come out and join this fun-filled event. Wear something that you won’t mind getting wet.

LAFFING MATTERZ

Laffing Matterz, a live, original, musical comedy revue spoofing current events, is currently playing in Fort Lauderdale at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts . 4:30 p.m. Call 954-462- 0222.

SUDS

SUDS is a bubbly 60′s musical about romance in a Wash-O-Rama. From Chapel of Love to Don’t Make Me Over, SUDS is the show to see. The story of three girls trying to find love in a laundromat, SUDS bubbles over with fluffy. Sun-2pm & 7pm. $42. Broward Stage Door. 8036 W Sample Rd. 954- 344-7765.

FLAMINGO GARDEN TOURS

Flamingo Garden Tour is from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Flamingo Gardens, Botanical Collections & Wildlife Sanctuary located in Davie. Tours are presented by knowledgeable volunteers. 2955. $15 for adults. 954- 473-2955. Many spectacular sides are awaiting

Monday 05.31.10

THE WORLD OF GIANT INSECTS

Keeping in line with its commitment to entertain as well as educate, Miami Metrozoo presents The World of Giant Insects from at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. These animated robotic insects, enlarged 40 to 600 times their actual size, will present a different view to the onlookers. miamimetrozoo.com. (305) 251-0400

THE CHAT NOIR CLUB

There is finally a reason to go out on Monday night. Be a part of the interactive and surreal playground of performers that include contortionists, models, burlesque, drag, fetish, spoken word, live music and a few more surprises. 10 p.m. Entrance is $20. Dream Nightclub is at 1532 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. 305-674- 8018.

MIAMI BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN TOURS

This is a fantastic way to spend your Memorial Day Weekend with your partner. Take a free guide tour of the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens from 11 a.m. to noon. Miami Beach Botanical Garden is at 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. (305) 673-7256. Come for the beauty, stay for the serenity.

Tuesday 06.01.10

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80

Around The World In 80 Nights, part of its Knight Arts Challenge, is designed to enrich the community and provide incite into a variety of ethnic cultures through a combination of film, art, fashion, music and/or cuisine. 5:30 p.m. Reception | 7:00 p.m. Film & discussion. Admission: General Admission is free. Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6 St., Fort Lauderdale. Details and advance tickets: www.fliff.com. 954-525- 3456. Parking: Free after 6:00 p.m. at meters and in the Courthouse Garage.

FLORIDA MARLINS VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Cheer on the Florida Marlins as they take on the Milwaukee Brewers at the Sun Life Stadium. 2267 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens. 7:10pm. Admission: $40-$48. Let’s play ball.

SALSA CLASSES

Celebrate the beauty of Salsa through connection with the music and body movement. Students learn to express themselves through the rhythm of Classes are from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Casa Salsa Dance Studio in Oakland Park. (954) 588- 8085. Dance up a storm and hit those moves.

Wednesday 06.02.10

IMOGEN HEAP

Imogen Heap is in concert at 8 p.m. at The Fillmore Miami Beach At Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach, Florida. Watch as the artist Imogen Heap performs all of her hottest songs. $58. 1700 Washington Avenue Miami Beach.(305) 673- 7300.

WIN MONTHLY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

You are invited to attend the WIN (Women In Network) general membership meeting at The Pride Center at Equality Park from 7 to 9 p.m. It’s All About the Women. 2040 N. Dixie Hwy,.Wilton Manors. 954-463-9005

ESCORTS

“Escorts” returns to the Rising Action Theatre. Last performed a year ago, this new, streamlined, preoff Broadway version is back. David Leddick has written a book about male escorts. The show reveals the stories of sixteen male escorts in words, song, and dance and in the flesh. With libretto and lyrics by David Leddick, music by Andrew Sargent, direction by David Kingery and produced by V. J. Colonna, musical theater doesn’t get any sexier. The Rising Action Theatre. 840 East Oakland Park Blvd. 1-800-838-3006. 8 p.m. General Admission Tickets: $25-$30 VIP Tickets $65-75. Enjoy the show.

Poverello Center Food Bank founder to party like it’s 1960

The founder of The Poverello Center Food Bank, Father William Collins, OFM will celebrate 50 years of service to the community with a Golden Jubilee to be held on Saturday, June 26. The evening will be spotlighted with several proclamations to honor the Centers Founder and will also feature a sit down dinner with open bar and live entertainment.

The Poverello Center Food Bank provides food for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Broward County. Since founding the Center in 1987 the need has seen a steady rise and the sad truth is that as of 2010 the Center has served over 12,000 clients and now provides food that creates 1,000,000 meals annually.

While serving as Chaplain at Imperial Point Medical Center, Father Collins came to know and minister to the growing number of patients with a little known disease was ever increasing and “Father Bill” as he is lovingly called by the community, came to realize the hardships that these people were forced to endure. Father soon realized that two of the most basic needs of these humans were food and shelter. He began with what little money he had in his pocket to those in need. He soon ran through all of his retirement money and realized that something had to be done. Father began begging to Churches, Synagogue’s, grocery stores and anyone that would listen. Soon Father Bill and a small group of volunteers formed a not for profit corporation and opened The Poverello Thrift Store. During this time Father Bill taught at a local college and all of his salary went to purchase more food to feed those in need.

To celebrate this remarkable man the community will come together on June 26 at the Fort Lauderdale-Broward County Convention Center for a Golden Jubilee. A cocktail hour followed by sit down dinner, open bar and dancing throughout the evening with the sounds of the Jerry Wayne Dance Band. Several municipalities have declared the weekend as “Father Bill” Weekend. Local news anchor, Dave Aizer of WSFL-TV ‘s Morning Show will serve as emcee for the event.

Tickets are $135 and are available for the Jubilee for purchase on line at poverello.org or by calling the Poverello Center office at 954-561-3663. —FA