O REGON S LESBIAN/GAY/BI/TRANS/QUEER NEWSMAGAZINE
JANUARY 7 2011
29 T t f
EVENTS
Long Live The Q!
Q Center channels Marie Antoinette
for annual g ala
'It is the formal LGBT party of
the season. I think it's going to
It’s time to pull out the big skirts and powder
up the wigs, as QCenter prepares for its annual
Winter Gala, the Marie Antoinette-inspired
“Vive la QTJanuary 29 at The Nines Hotel.
“As we all know it is the formal LGBT party
of the season,” says Q_Center Executive Di­
rector Kendall Clawson. “I think it’s going to
be bigger and better than years past. It’s all
about glamour. I think our theme is perfect
for what we’re trying to inspire.”
Guests are encouraged to dress formally or
in theme for the party. Setting the scene is
band Shanghai Willie, a project of Pink Mar­
tini trumpet player Gavin Bondy, playing a
mix of jazz from the 1920s and ‘30s and
French classics such as Edith Piaf, according
to event planner Samantha Swaim.
The evening will begin with a short program,
hosted by Livewire Radio’s Courtney Hameis-
ter, featuring a screening of the Craig Umanoff
film What Starts with Q? The film explores the
history of Q_Center as well as highlights from
Portland’s LGBTQ_community.
Q_Center will also use the gala as an oppor­
tunity to award Darcelle XV with the 2010
Robert Speltz Community Service Award, in
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recognition of her involvement in community
projects that have positively impacted the lo­
cal LGBTQ_population.
The award was established in 2009 in honor
of Robert Speltz, director of public aff airs for
The Standard and former chair of (^Center’s
Board of Directors, and his leadership in the
LGBTQcommunity.
Following the program, guests can dance,
drink and bid on a host of silent auction items
including trip packages. Once the party winds
down around midnight, it’s likely to continue
upstairs, Clawson says, where many guests
will take advantage of discounted rates on
rooms at the hotel.
“We’re really encouraging people to come
in groups,” Clawson says. “Bring your sweetie
if you have one. If not, it’s a great place to
meet people.”
For those who can gather a group, Clawson
suggests becoming a ticket captain. People who
volunteer to sell tickets to the gala get in for
free after selling five tickets and are eligible to
win prizes if they are among the top sellers.
Tickets to the event are $75 for general ad­
mission and $175 for VIP. Those with VIP
be bigger and better than years
past. It's all about glamour. I
think our theme is perfect for
what we re trying to inspire '
-KENDALL CLAWSON. Q CENTER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
tickets get access to the Barefoot Wines-
sponsored VIP lounge, reserved seating, free
cocktails and champagne, gift bags and more,
Swaim says.
Unlike previous years, all guests will arrive
at 7 p.m. to enjoy an absinthe lounge, tasting
booths, the silent auction and a raffle.
The gala is also Q_Center’s primary fund­
raiser. Clawson says she hopes that, between
ticket sales and a “stellar” silent auction, the
event will bring in $75,000 to $100,000.
“It’s the cheapest ticket for an event of this
scope that you’ll buy,” Clawson adds. And the
money will help support Q_Center’s daily op­
erations. “We really prioritize putting the lion’s
share of [donors’] dollars back into
operations.”
Specifically, Clawson hopes to have funds
to support the kinds of initiatives that Q_Cen-
ter has championed this past year around is­
sues such as gay bashing, bullying and youth'
suicide.
“We want to do more of the work of being
a conduit in the community,” Clawson says.
“Q_ Center has the ability to reach out to a
broad cross section of the community.”
Fortunately, Clawson doesn’t seem to mind
that doing such work sometimes requires her
to get a little gussied up.
-
“I have a really great gown, lots of tulle,
très élégant,” Clawson says. “I got a little
gaga over it.” JÜÎ
V ive la Q i ; Sat., Jan. 29, 7 p.m.; 'Ihe Nines, 525
SW Morrison St.; 175 general admission, $175
VIP; 503-234-7S37 orpdxqcenter.org.
5 0 3 . 7 1 9 .7 9 3 0
501 I NE 13th Ave. | Portland, OR 9721 1
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F irst tim e clients brin g in this a d a n d receive a fre e D avines Sham poo & Conditioner!
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The Rev. Margaret Morse McMurren, Presider
7:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 12
info@bethallenlaw.com
w w w .b e tIia lle n la w .e o m
Winner of the Oregon Gay & Lesbian Law Association (OGALLA) Silver Jubilee
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