The 22nd Annual Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival was deemed a success this year, even though attendance numbers were notably down.
Hard numbers weren't available at press time because totals were yet to be finalized, but TIGLFF Board President Ken Hodges said the organization was prepared for smaller crowds.
â┚¬Å”It's no secret that the numbers were down,â┚¬Â Hodges said. â┚¬Å”We were prepared because other festivals had shared that they experienced a downturn.â┚¬ÂÂ
Fortunately TIGLFF was able to make up some of its lost revenue with special events and through silent auctions powered by presenting sponsor ALandCHUCK.travel.
â┚¬Å”This was the first time since 2005 that we've had a presenting sponsor and ALandCHUCK.travel are so supportive,â┚¬Â Hodges said.
A live auction on closing night helped raise $11,000 in 15 minutes and a silent auction during the TIGLFF Gala at the Don Vicente Resort in Ybor City secured nearly $6,000.
â┚¬Å”The Gala was a beautiful and successful event with nearly 100 people attending,â┚¬Â Hodges said. â┚¬Å”And the Sugar Party on closing weekend exceeded expectations.â┚¬ÂÂ
That party at the Honey Pot in Ybor City brought in close to 800 people, while the Surge Party at the Ritz Ybor counted between 500 and 600 revelers.
Hodges added that the Taste of TIGLFF street festival presented by St. Pete Pride and the Tampa Bay Business Guild was a welcome addition to the 11-day festival, saying that vendors were happy with the new format.
â┚¬Å”The board is pleased,â┚¬Â Hodges said. â┚¬Å”We are going to have a post-Festival gathering in November to discuss this year's event, but you can be assured we will be back in 2012.â┚¬ÂÂ
TIGLFF will continue it's monthly film series in January, but Hodges said details weren't ready to be released at press time. He did say that the film will be a â┚¬Å”fourth sequel to a wildly successful comedyâ┚¬Â that has shown at the festival in the past.
For details and information on upcoming TIGLFF events, visit TIGLFF.com.
