Mackenroth, Williams will headline Metro Gala
When Metro Wellness and Community Centers celebrates its 20th Anniversary Gala this September, it will have two very well known voices behind the microphone. Model, HIV activist and Project Runway alum Jake Mackenroth and comedienne Karen Williams are both scheduled to appear at the Sept. 14 Gala at the Tampa Bay Garden Club on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa. Both celebrities have worked to erase the stigma of HIV through appearances, advocacy work and educational events. The two are just a part of the entertainment lined up for the Gala, which will also feature a silent auction and “elegant edibles,” according to a press release. Tickets start at $100 and are available at MetroTampaBay.org.
Flip your wigs!
The Tampa Bay chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will bring its Wig Drive Extravaganza to the Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg throughout Mother’s Day weekend, which is May 10-12. The annual fundraiser benefits Faces of Courage, a non-profit organization in Tampa Bay that offers free events and camps for women with children with cancer and blood illnesses. And speaking of camp, it doesn’t get campier than when the Sisters are in charge of a fundraiser. Expect plenty of special entertainment with Bingo on Friday, a Hot Dog confessional poolside from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday and a special Dine with the Sisters event at the Flamingo’s restaurant on Saturday night beginning at 6. The big attraction of the weekend is the Wig Drive Extravaganza Show poolside on Saturday night at 9 p.m., featuring the Amorettes of Atlanta, appearing for the first time in Tampa Bay and a number of local impersonators. A full schedule of events is available at TampaBaySisters.org or FlamingoFla.com.
Skyline Fifth gets facelift
The commotion around the Skyline Fifth Apartment building in St. Petersburg has finally wrapped, and in its wake is a completely remodeled lobby and hallways as well as new landscaping outside of the towering building next door to Metro Wellness and Community Center. The complex opened a few years ago and marketed directly to the gay community, earning the nickname of “Homo Heights.” A large number of LGBT residents still call Skyline Fifth home, and continue to tour the facility, according to newly appointed property manager Jay Thompson.
Broken Tusk hosts benefit
Nearly $800 was raised in one night at The Broken Tusk, where several area entertainers performed and donated their tips to Elaine Hartin, who was injured in a car accident in April. The wreck caused Hartin, who attended the fundraiser, to miss several weeks of work, making paying bills difficult for her and her family. Entertainers included Vinni Marconi, Muffy Vanbeaverhausen, Nathaniel Marshall, Blayze Elijah Gomez, Franki Markstone, Nocolette Ashton, King Aramis, Gemini Stoarm, Raven Lace, Savanna Starr and Kori Stevens, among many others.
