When the holiday season is upon us, there are two things that take center stage — celebrations and charity. The two often go hand in hand, and many area not-for-profits have learned how to perfectly pair the two for the greatest outcome.
One example which takes place every month is Della’s Super Fabulous Drag Show and Bingo Brunch. Hosted by After Dark emcee Della Licious, the afternoon kicks off the first Sunday of each month at noon with a great brunch provided by the host restaurant Welch’s Ale House on Calhoun Street. The famed Tiger Room provides a perfect atmosphere for the afternoon event which includes some bawdy bingo and a bevy of beauties taking the stage for a drag show. Of course After Hours hosts great shows every weekend, but for those of us who don’t stay out very late anymore, the monthly brunch and performance provide an excellent alternative.
What makes the event particularly nice is that proceeds from ticket sales, which run $35 per person, go to benefit the Positive Resource Connection which provides HIV education, prevention, testing, and linkage to care for persons living with HIV/AIDS, their families and loved ones, persons at risk for HIV, and the general public in an 11-county area of northern Indiana. Additionally, the 50/50 drawing helps raise funds for Community Harvest Food Bank.
If you’re looking for a fun way to give back, look for the December 1 event at Della’s December Super Fabulous Drag Show and Bingo Brunch on Facebook.
Speakeasy for the women’s bureau
As noted in an earlier column, the Roaring ’20s are making a comeback in a big way, and several area nonprofits are hosting New Year’s Eve events that tap into that flapper spirit.
Another upcoming celebration with a similar theme is Ringing in the Roaring ’20s hosted by Summit City Pinups and held at Fort Wayne Firefighters 124 on Broadway. A chance to doll up in your finest dapper/flapper attire (not required but street clothes are decidedly forbidden) for a speakeasy atmosphere that captures the era of excitement so romanticized in the 100 years since.
Tickets, which benefit the Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, are $35 per person or $50 per couple and include hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, and cash bar. The fun kicks off at 8:30 p.m. and continues until one hour into 2020. For information, call (260) 424-2450.
Fundraiser for Community Harvest
And the Roaring ’20s fun doesn’t stop on January 1. Community Harvest Food Bank hosts its own gala in tribute to the decade with The Roaring ’20s Community Harvest Annual Fundraiser Gala hosted at Parkview North’s Mirro Center.
The community invitation said, “Dress in your best and rewind from 2020 to the Roaring 1920s, complete with live music by Old Crown Brass Band, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and dinner,” and promises that each dollar raised will provide four meals for a family in need. Tickets to the gala are $175 each and can be purchased at Eventbrite.
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