Florida Agenda

By Dale Madison

David Kitchen has such a familiar face that it might take a second for you to remember exactly from where you know him. The ever-conscientious, ever-smiling Kitchen, who works at Rosie’s Bar and Grill in Wilton Manors, will once more participate in the Smart Ride. What’s different for Kitchen is that this year, as well as giving back to the community, he is taking stand against a national outrage: The bullying of LGBT teens. “This has to stop,” says Kitchen.

“This is my fourth Smart Ride,” notes Kitchen, who says that the beneficiary this year of his fundraising—and cycling—efforts will be the Oakland Park-based Live Free Be Strong Foundation, which has a self-described mission of taking a stand to end bullying, by supporting grassroots organizations which provide education and outreach services.

“There are many members of the LGBT community who have experienced bullying,” says Kitchen, noting something that has become alltoo- familiar in today’s headlines. “One thing that I have found is that there is no age range,” he adds. “It can be a young man or woman coming out and dealing with their sexuality, or it can be someone older.”

Kitchen says that Live Free Be Strong attempts to impact three different groups which are ‘impacted’ by bullying: “Those who are bullies, those who are being bullied, and those who stand by and do nothing.”

The Arizona State alum has done more than take his bicycle on the road. “I recently made a presentation at Fort Lauderdale High School,” he explains, and notes that “on September 23, we will be collecting money at the Royal Palms Resort T Dance. There will be a fashion show presented by the Pride Factory, and eyewear provided by Chic Optique, and an open bar for one hour sponsored by Bud Light. Then on November 10, we are holding a yard sale, with all money going to the organization.”

Kitchen recognizes that there are individuals, businesses, and organizations that help make life better in our gay corner of the world. “Sidelines Sports Bar has been so supportive of the Smart Ride,” he notes. “They are hosting a Bar Olympics which will feature pool tournaments, poker, and darts, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Smart Ride.”

He has high hopes to be part of an ambitious agenda set by the organizers and sponsors of the event. “It’s our wish to raise $1 million this year for the Smart Ride,” he says. Those who want to be a part of that projected success, and to assist the Live Free Be Strong team riders in accomplishing it, can visit smartride.org, navigate to team 959, and enter the amount they would like to donate.

Kitchen says that he has excellent role models for giving back to the community, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. “I learned everything from John Zieba and Cliff Mulhahy, the owners of Rosie’s,” he says, with real gratitude. “I’ve watched these guys, and they truly love the community.” That sentiment seems to be catching.

MIAMI – On January 8, 2011, $475,500 was divided among six Florida HIV/AIDS organizations that participated in SMART Ride 7 last November. One hundred percent of funds raised by this 165-mile annual bike ride from Miami to Key West supports direct services to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Participating nonprofit organizations are: Center for Positive Connections in Miami, Metro Wellness and Community Centers serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties, Comprehensive AIDS Program of the Palm Beaches, AIDS Help, Inc.

of Monroe County, Miracle of Love serving the Orlando area, and Broward House.

Metro Wellness and Community Centers has been providing HIV/AIDS services, prevention programming, substance abuse and mental health therapy in Pinellas County since 1993, Hillsborough since 1999, and for Pasco – Hernando residents since 2009. There are a reported 9,859 HIV or AIDS cases within the four counties served by Metro Wellness and Community Centers. The agency has been a SMART Ride participant for the past three rides.

SMART Ride 8 will be held from November 17 to the 19th, 2011. Potential riders can check www.thesmartride.org for continuously updated details

MIAMI, Fla.-

Last weekend’s SMART Ride raised $468,220 for HIV/AIDS organizations throughout the state.

The Ride was a 165-mile bicycle trek from Miami to Key West and had 269 riders and 186 crew members. Prior to this year, the Ride has raised $2.2 million, and all proceeds go to HIV/AIDS charity organizations. This year’s SMART Ride benefitted Broward House (Ft. Lauderdale), Metropolitan Charities (St. Petersburg and Tampa), Center for Positive Connections (Miami), AIDS Help (Key West), Miracle of Love (Orlando) and Comprehensive AIDS Program (Palm Beach County).

Fort Lauderdale

ROSIE’S RIDERS SEND-OFF PARTY

Come out and support Rosie’s SMART Ride Team, Rosie’s Riders, on Monday, Nov. 15 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Now is the time to get your favorite community celebrity to be your server. Servers include Carol Moran, Matt Auslander, Kevin Hopper, Michael Panandrea and Terry DeCarlo. All of the tips and 20 percent of all sales will benefit the SMART Ride. Rosie’s is located at 2449 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.

 THE LEATHER MASKED BALL V

Since 2006, The Leather Masked Ball has become an international destination for the hottest leather men on the planet and has become the premier leather event in South Florida. Volunteer organizers are ramping up to make TLMB5 totally awesome with the music and entertainment the crowd has come to expect.

Once again, this landmark charity event is expected to bring a packed house to their new venue, Sea Monster, located at two South New River Drive West in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This year’s celebrity DJ is Paul Kraft from Dallas, Texas. Tickets are available now, and a limited number of discount hotel rooms are available at Marriott Courtyard on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Tickets can be purchased at www.leathermaskedball. org/tickets.

This year The Leather Masked Ball has committed to $20,000 in grants to support The Pride Center at Equality Park (GLCC) and a pioneer program to keep young gay men off crystal meth as well as The Leather Archive and Museum in Chicago. The Leather Masked Ball will be held on Friday, Nov. 26, from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. The Leather Masked Ball is run entirely by volunteers from Leather Men’s Brotherhood and totally underwritten by corporate sponsors.

“JEANS FOR LIFE”

AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Out of the Closet have announced a 2010 Jeans for Life campaign. Everyone has jeans, and most of people have a few pairs that need a new home. Whether they’re blue, red, faded or acid-washed, Out of the Closet needs them.

The Jeans for Life program is a fun, easy way for everyone to donate toward the care of people living with HIV/AIDS. Drop off your donated jeans at: Sidelines Sports Bar, Georgie’s Alibi, Bill’s, New Moon and from Nov. 1 through Nov. 15. Help support both the local and global HIV initiative.

Miami

2010 AUTUMN CHARITY BALL

Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Genna Lounge, 529 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach from 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. This celebrity charity event, in support of Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, will include fashion shows, performers, awards, silent auctions and celebrity speakers. Ticket price is $65 per person. This is a black tie event and is expected to be sold out. Open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, fashion shows, celebrity speakers and will be recording for Mode Lifestyle TV from 8:30 to 11 p.m. After party from 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., free general admission. Admittance between 8:30 and 11 p.m. only with prior confirmed registration and ticket. A percentage of all tickets and sponsorships for this event will be donated by Mode Lifestyle Magazine to Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. To purchase your tickets, visit: www.modelifestyle magazine.com  For event registration visit www.modelifestylemagazine. com or send an email to registrations@ ModeLifestyleMagazine.com or call 1-888-450-8561.

 WHITE HORIZONS

The only official morning party, White Horizons is a true dance event that provides the absolute best in sound, lights, and deejays. With no lack of energy or spirit in the crowd, this event is a must for true dance music enthusiasts. Sunday after-after hours/Monday morning party, Mon., Nov. 29 at Nocturnal Nightclub, 50 NE 11th Street in Miami.

 CIRQUE BLANC 10

The Women’s White Party, Fri., Nov. 26 at the Nikki Beach Club, One Ocean Drive in Miami Beach from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Cirque Blanc, the signature Women’s White Party event, explodes in a sea of white with the sounds of the hottest girl deejays (D.J. Irene Pardo and D.J. Meesh) in the country. Bid on items in the silent auction, stroll the gardens, mingle under the stars or share a romantic moment in one of the oceanside cabins.

WHITE PARTY

The crown jewel of HIV fundraisers where thousands dressed in white dance under the Miami moon. Celebrity performances, top deejays, a food court filled with some of Miami’s hottest restaurants, local bars, and casino on the most breathtaking renaissance gardens in the country.

VIP bar and casino bar with wristband. D.J. David Knapp. Saturday, November 27 at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S. Miami Ave. in Miami from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. For more info: visit www.whiteparty.org 

Bay Area

MR. ULTIMATE ILLUSIONIST PAGEANT

The Ultimate Illusionist Pageant will be held on Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 at the Flamingo Resort, located at 4601 34th St. S. in St. Petersburg from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Entry fee is $150. For more information, visit www.flamingofla.com.

 PRINCE POPPYCOCK

LIVE NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” finalist Prince Poppycock will make a live appearance on Friday, Nov. 26 at Steam Friday, located at 1507 E. Seventh Ave., in Ybor City. This party is going to be huge. Prince Poppycock will be making his first nightclub appearance in the United States at Steam Friday following his successful finish in “America Got Talent” this past summer. If you haven’t seen him, you can check him out on YouTube — he’s absolutely amazing, and wait until you hear him sing. A large turnout is anticipated, so you are requested to come early to avoid the long lines. Doors open at 10 p.m. with $1 drinks from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. Bottle service will be available. To reserve a table, call (352) 284-8500. There will be a meet-and-greet following the show.

BERLIN: A SQUARE ONE CREATIVE EVENT

 On Saturday, Nov. 13 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., The Ritz Ybor presents: Square One’s third annual fall 2010 Creative & Performing Arts Showcase called “Berlin,” featuring more than 100 local artists and live performances by Bella Danza (Artistic Director: Maria Capitano Pardo), VYB Dance Company, Mighty Mongo, 10th Concession, Shakemode, Anye Cole, Lindsay Vitola and a fashion show experience by Paul Raymond. This is the largest and most popular, creative event in the area. Open to all ages, and all guests are encouraged to wear the color purple. Cost is a $2 donation at the door, $5 for access seating and $10 VIP access tables or VIP Access Balcony. “Berlin” will help benefit Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts. The Ritz Ybor is located at 1503 E. Seventh Ave., in Tampa. For more information, visit www.squareoneflorida. com/berlin.html.

FLAMINGO TURNABOUT

The first-ever turnabout at the Flamingo Resort. All the money raised will go to benefit A.S.A.P. See the staff dressed up and performing. Thursday, Dec. 9 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the Flamingo Resort, located at 4601 34th St. S. in St. Petersburg.

Central Florida

MANICURE/PEDICURE AND CHARDONNAY

This is a relaxing event to end the week on a positive note. Come and have a glass of Chardonnay or Merlot and enjoy good conversation while you’re being pampered and rejuvenated on Friday, Nov. 12 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Jordan’s Day Spa. For more information, call (407) 320-1908 or email jayc2nyc@yahoo.com.

ALL AMERICAN GODDESS PAGEANT

Be a part of one of this year’s most fabulous events when the winners of both the All American Goddess Pageant and the All American Goddess Pageant At-Large will be be crowned. The event takes place on Monday, Nov. 15 beginning at 9 p.m.. Join Kori Stevens, last year’s Sunshine State All American Goddess, Alyssa Edwards and Kelexis Davenport at the Footlight Theater at the Parliament House, located at 4191 North Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. Reserved seat tickets are $10.

CLASSIC WEEKEND – WET & WILD PARTY

OrlandoBlackPride.com and WETPromotions.com presents 2010 Classic Weekend-Classic Friday – Wet & Wild Party on Friday Nov. 19 from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Aqua Lounge, located at 2869 Wilshire Drive in Orlando. The party is hosted by Neaundre and Norie. DJs Surreal and Risque will be spinning the best tracks. Cost is $10 online until Nov. 14 at www.WETPromotions.com.

“ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW”

Running now through Nov. 13th at the Theatre Downtown, 2113 N. Orange Av. in Orlando. Advance tickets are $18/$20 at the door. For all advance tickets, reservations and info, call (407) 841-0083 or visit www.theatredowntown.net.

 “AIMING FOR THE MOON”

Gidget Galore’s “Aiming for the Moon: My Meteoric Rise to Mediocrity” on Saturdays November 6, 13 and 20 at 8 p.m. Industry Night Monday, November 22nd at 8 p.m. Reserved seat tickets are $10 at the Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House.

PULSE TURNABOUT

2010 Pulse Turnabout 2010 is a benefit for Hope and Help Center of Central Florida on Thurs., Nov. 11 at Pulse, 1912 S Orange Avenue in Orlando from 9 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. It’s one of Pulse’s most-anticipated events of the year. Come out for a great time! For more info, visit www.hopeandhelp.org.

KEY WEST, Fla. -

More than 500 participants will span 165 miles over two days as the SMART Ride 7 prepares to hit the road Nov.

18-20. The Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride has raised more than $2.2 million for charity since it began in 2003, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the event go directly to HIV/AIDS charities.

Riders, who range in age from 18 to 73, come from all across the country to take part in the ride, which begins in Miami and ends in Key West. An estimated 19 percent of the riders are positive; 50 percent know someone living with HIV/AIDS; and 36 percent have lost someone to HIV/AIDS.