The holiday season is upon us. Every December we find ourselves spending time with family and friends, shopping, attending holiday events, and trying not to jump the really hot “straight” guy that’s had too much to drink at the office party.
However, December is also a gay old time with many fantastic events and fundraisers within our community. While always willing to open our hearts and wallets, the GLBT community has many options this year.
The Eagle is hosting Momma G’s X-mas Dinner on Sunday December 9th. Barry G. will put a warm feeling in your tummy – and the dinner is good too! I kid. The dinner is delicious, and always in friendly company.
Mz. Rhonda’s 11th annual Crowns for Kids was held last month, but Dr. Richard Denny’s 12th annual Toys for Tots drive is still coming up on Sunday December 9th at Money Pennies. Long time favorites of the community, these fundraisers ensure that children do not wake up Christmas morning with nothing under the tree.
While attending fundraising events is always an evening well spent, a great time socially can be found at the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre for the traditional ARGRA Christmas Dinner and Dance on December 8th. For 15 years ARGRA has held their fundraising dances, which raise money to help put on the rodeo each July.
“The December dance, is a favorite for many as it gives an opportunity to sit down for an awesome meal with friends, and then kick up your heals with the dance that follows,” says Darrel Reid, Sponsorship Director for ARGRA. “Great food and entertainment at a great price: $20 for members and $25 for non–members; or come to the dance only $6 for members and $10 for non-members. Doors open for dinner at 6:30pm and the dance is at 8:30pm. Dinner tickets must be bought in advance of December 5th.”
This year’s dance also features a silent auction with many fantastic prizes, including Hotel stays and Bed and Breakfast getaways, Theatre tickets, Hitmen tickets, fine dining experiences and much more.
“We give back to a community that supports us! ARGRA is proud to have donated over $60,000 back into the community since 2001. Some of the organizations we have given to include Aids Calgary, the SHARP Foundation, Small Change Big Changes, Youthsafe.org, Alberta Kids Care Cancer Foundation, and many others,” said Reid.
On December 16th, The Calgary Men’s Chorus drops in to the Roza Centre on the University Campus for Guitarra: A Spanish Christmas Celebration.
“Why a Spanish Christmas? Well, considering that Spain rallied to establish similar same-sex marriage laws just before Canada, it seems only fitting that we should offer up a toast in honor of the friends and families there whose hard work and conviction has won greater equality for all the people of Spain. I can think of no better way to celebrate Spain’s commitment to equality than through their music and dance – specifically flamenco dance. Not only is flamenco a characteristically Spanish dance form, but the passion and energy in both the music and dance serve as a metaphor for the indispensable passion and energy inherent in the queer community,” explained chorus director Jean-Louis Bleau. Doing a Spanish event was certainly a challenge, but also rewarding.
Expect something different and exciting at the Rozsa Centre on the 16th.
“I think this will be one of the most unique and visually exciting performances we have done to date. While there is a strong Spanish component to the concert we will also feature a few carols and songs which people will recognize, songs which have become
traditions for this time of year such as Happy Xmas, and O Holy Night, as well as Away in a Manger but with gay twist.”
Up in Edmonton, excitement is building for the first ever Snow Ball Envy party, on December 14th at New City Suburbs, brought to you by the creators of Green with Envy.
Green with Envy was initially created by as a fundraiser for OUTreach U of A in 2003 with a bachelor/bachelorette auction and drag show and has continued every year since.
“Snowball Envy has been created to do the same. In a growing community like ours, it is imperative that we have some place to express ourselves and do so to benefit our community. This has brought about these circuit parties!” said LJ Renard, owner of Chance Productions and creator of both Green with Envy and Snowball Envy. “Past events have benefited various charities in Edmonton including: HIV Edmonton, OUTreach U of A, Pride Squad Edmonton and the John M. Kerr Scholarship Fund. Snowball Envy will be raising money for the Imperial Soverign Court of the Wild Rose Social Association which benefits 3 charities this year: HIV Edmonton, Emily Morgan Foundation, and the Pride Center.”
“Attending Snowball Envy raises a substantial amount of money to give to community charities and organizations that often find it hard to run on without the support from community businesses. With sponsors like Manhunt.net, costs are kept low to generate the most possible proceeds we can get for organizations from Health and Peer Support, Sports Organizations, Social Organizations etc,” Renard continued. “Attending a fun event where all you are required to do is dance the night away and party makes this a unique fundraising event. This event raises anywhere from $1,000-$10,000 based on attendance!”
Snowball Envy is your chance to enter Edmonton’s Very Own Winter Wonderland. Join Chance Productions, a contractor for Manhunt.net and New City Suburbs Bitch! Bitch! Bitch! Fridays to a winter carnival where masques are encouraged and wearing white after labour day is a must!
The Roost is a hotbed of activity this holiday season, but drink it in because this is your last chance to spend time at the club before they close down after their New Year’s party. They’re having their annual Children’s Christmas Party, a special event at 2 in the afternoon where staff and customers can bring their families and children down to the Roost. There are presents for the kids, and obviously no booze for the adults – well, we can’t all win. Ask the staff at the Roost for more details. Roost also promises Christmas Eve goodies, and Christmas Day Dinner at 5pm with all the trimmings.
Happy Holidays everyone! Have fun, drive and play safe!
