The vibe was electric, and you could feel it from the moment you stepped off the escalator and in front of the step-and-repeat. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida held their annual Chic & Unique Gala at the Westin on Fort Lauderdale beach.
"Seeing the energy throughout the night was just incredible,” Artistic Director Gabe Salazar said. “Watching people connect genuinely with the night's spirit made me feel we'd created something special.”
While you can say it’s what’s on the inside that counts, what was on the outside was simply fabulous. Outfits ranged from eye-catching sequined bow ties and jackets to attention-demanding hats, shirts, and gowns, at least one of which lit up.
The Seminole Hard Rock did the decorations, which included stacked disco balls and sequined tablecloths (a creative designer could turn into gowns for next year’s gala).
"I love that everyone came as their authentic selves,” GMCSF Executive Director Mark Kent said. “If they wanted to do drag … they did drag. If they wanted to show up in formal wear, they did that too."
Vibe City provided live music and, unlike many galas where dancing is after dinner and the program, people were dancing from the minute the ballroom doors opened.
"The energy was incredible,” Marketing & Sponsorship Director Edward Otto Zielke said. “There’s nothing like seeing people fully immersed in the night’s spirit, from the reception to the last song.”
The area outside the ballroom was packed as people mingled, sipped cocktails, and perused auction items that were highly coveted. Two packages of a show and cocktail party for twelve at the Guitar Hotel sold for $2,750 each. A VIP cruise in the Mediterranean went for nearly $30,000.
While the prizes were fun, the cause was serious.
"We use the funds raised by this event to balance our annual budget,” Kent said. “The revenue supports our operations, scholarship program, outreach concerts, and main stage performances. The Chic & Unique Ball is a vital building block to our financial health."
The chorus doesn’t have final numbers yet, but said they did reach their financial goals.
