I’ll party for a good cause!

Parties are something that is not only fun, but often for the benefit of the community. There are so many amazing events from poker tournaments, drag king and queen shows, brunches, dinners, comedy shows, walk-a-thons, fashion shows, you name it someone is hosting an event to raise money. I often feel like Denver’s Lesbian Socialite. I go to as many events as I possibly can. I spend a lot of time talking about a lot more of them. There are so many incredible organizations doing truly wonderful work in our community and they are also throwing some of the best parties around.

I was thinking about The GLBT Center’s Jokers, Jewels and Justice benefit and fundraiser event. This is, hands–down, one of my favorite events of the year. Why? It’s the name. It sounds like you’ll have fun, look good and be a good person, just by going to a party. It’s a great event and a lot of my favorite people are always in attendance, honoring the work of some other incredible people.

And, it’s a lesbian socialite’s dream when I hear fantastic bits and pieces of conversations. One of the best lines I’ve ever heard was uttered while I was standing in line near the bar at last year’s benefit:

“I buy better shoes when I’m single.”

One of the reasons I enjoy attending these kinds of events is everyone puts effort into looking good. And if nothing else, we gays love to look at good–looking people. At JJJ last year I also won some great stuff in the silent auction. Plus, it’s a casino night. My wusband has taught me the joys of the casino. And gambling in an evening gown is just more elegant.

I’ve always wanted to gamble in Monte Carlo. It looks so glamorous in movies with people like Cary Grant and Grace Kelly playing roulette. JJJ is like Denver’s version of Monte Carlo. Conversations sparkle with laughter and pithy remarks. People are silently and not so silently bidding on donated items.  At some events I’ve seen this bidding really heat up, all in the name of charity. My favorite thing is when people end up paying more than retail value for an auction item, but people don’t mind, it is, afterall in the name of a “good cause.”

I know, for some people, these events aren’t their thing. That’s OK; my question to you is now: what is your thing? What are you doing to raise money and/or awareness? Yep, I said it. These events are created to raise money and awareness. If you’re not attending them, are you doing something else?

As members of a community, it is our responsibility to take care of one another. For some this means dedicating their life to working directly with the people that need help. For others, it means writing a check to their favorite charity and getting a “thank you” tote bag. And for other folks still, it means putting on an evening gown or a tuxedo and buying tickets. Each doing their part as it suits them.

So, I am going to challenge you: This year find an organization that you believe in, and participate in creating awareness for that cause. There are endless events that raise awareness our community. What will you do?