It was a busy weekend for the Observer staff over weekend. It began on Friday evening (June 26) with a fund raiser hosted by the folks at Coyote Moon. The crowd gathered early in the evening there and were entertained by a great show and of course, the raffle tickets, etc were carried out during the performances. Observer thanks Libby and Pat and the entire gang there who put this event on. From the loud applause from the audience, they were enjoying the entertainment as
well.
On Sunday (June 28) an extravaganza was held at IBT’s with all proceeds going to Observer. Several weeks in the planning stage made this event go on without a hitch. From the opening at 2:00 p.m. people began arriving and continued to fill the building and patio with a feeling of warmth and camaraderie.
Many were “Old Timers” who remembered the paper from its beginning and offered their best wishes as well as their donations. Entitled “Observe The Cause”, this affair had something for everyone. From a benefit Drag Show to live and silent auctions as well as raffles galore. Art from members of the community as well as Observer’s own Gary Clark were auctioned off throughout the afternoon.
One of the most unusual and entertaining features was a pictorial on the big screen TV of photos from the Observer archives from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and this decade. It drew a lot of people to view it all day and evening. The benefit Drag Show was hosted by two of Tucson’s Best - Bunny FuFu and Ajia Simone.. Also appearing were Tori Steele, Diva, China Collins and a special duet with Courtney Roxoff and Haw A/C. These girls gave the throng a good taste of four decades of music and fun. During the show there was a DJ on the patio who played music of the 70s-80s-90s and now, and kept the crowd in a dancing mood.
Following the Drag Show there was Karaoke on the Patio with host Robin. But this was not your normal karaoke! Pay $1 donation to sing a song. However if someone in the audience deemed your performance unworthy they had the option to pay $5 to “Gong” you. Even better, someone could counter this offer and pay $10 to keep you singing. All in all it was lots of fun and some playful bickering ensued.
Throughout the afternoon customers had the opportunity to bid on a variety of items during the silent auction. There was a large selection of art pieces, products, services and more from contributors inside and out of the LGBT community. Also during Karaoke on the Patio, Bunny FuFu and Ajia Simone hosted a live auction featuring some beautiful art. The entire staff of IBT’s as well as the female impersonators donated their time and tips to the “Cause.”
The Observer is forever indebted to The Moon as well as IBT’s for hosting this fund raising weekend. Special thanks go to Natalie Perry, Heather Moroso, Steve Barretto, Hal Bardach, SAAF, Wingspan, TIHAN, Colors Food & Spirits, Mike Lopez, Rick Young and Tom Galloway of Tile Canvasas, Scott Trosper, Gayle Whitley, KRQ, Starbucks, Antigone Books, Elements Salon, Silverbell Nursery, Mitch Edwards, Head of Style, Bella Eibenstiener, Backfire Chiropractic, Arizona Theatre Company, Ray Scott’s Automotive, Old Town Artisans, Invisible Theatre, Alec Laughlin, Eddie Gallegos, ‘N Touch and Wayne Rodegeiz and Bill Travis, Desert Fades, Dwayne Hough, Steven Alexander, What’s In A Name Heraldry of Tucson, Jeremy Isajiw, Alvaro DeAsis, Terry Delaney, Troy Terpening, DJ Hurricane, DJ Luis, Bunny FuFu and Ajia Simone, China Collins, Tori Steele, Diva, Ben Cook, Stan Phelps, Mike Vaughn, and to all who donated during this special event. And, of course, Mike Kramkowski of IT’s.
The cash-strapped Observer is indebted to everyone who donated to “The Cause”. It was in peril of closing down but is in fair shape and able to pay off some accrued bills. The Coyote Moon raised over $400 for us and the IT’s event raised over $5,000. Thank you!
