ABOVE: ALSO Youth shares its “#TogetherApart” initiative in May. Photo via ALSO Youth’s Facebook page.
SARASOTA | ALSO Youth will hold “Better Together” Sept. 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., a virtual variety show preceded by an auction benefiting the nonprofit’s LGBTQ programming.
“The virtual variety show will feature performances by local theater, dance, circus arts and drag performers as well as cooking and cocktail demonstrations,” ALSO Youth shared in a press release Aug. 6. The online auction “featuring vacation stays, experiences and gift baskets” will begin two weeks prior and end during the broadcast.
“This is our first variety show and we have an amazing committee headed by Tony Boothby,” ALSO Youth Executive Director James Robinson says. ““It is so important to hold this event as our two biggest fundraisers, a gala and a Thanksgiving 5K run, had to be cancelled this year due to the pandemic.”
The virtual evening will be emceed by celebrated Tampa Bay entertainer Matthew McGee, who has a long history of performing throughout the area. “I have deep ties to Sarasota through my onstage work at Asolo Repertory Theatre and my guest appearances on Suncoast View with Sarasota Treasure, Joey Panek,” McGee says.
“I find their audiences to be very supportive and have had the unique opportunity to meet so many LGBTQ Sarasotans and straight allies through the outreach work that Asolo Rep produces in addition to their exciting theatre season,” he continues. “ALSO Youth is such an amazing organization and I am thrilled to be their Master of Ceremonies.”
The organization announced McGee’s involvement via social media, as well as a save the date:
McGee will be joined by fellow fan favorite entertainers Panek, Beneva Fruitville, representatives from the Sarasota Ballet, the Circus Arts Conservatory and more. Chef Christopher Covelli will also offer cooking demonstrations, with additional details to come.
The auction will be securely hosted on the mobile-bidding platform One Cause. The fundraising site is committed to helping nonprofits connect with supporters and has raised $2 billion for causes since 2007.
“The auction will begin two weeks before the event,” Robinson says. “People will be able to bid on items up to and throughout the virtual variety show and some special items will be highlighted during the show.”
Auction items are still being accepted by the organization. Those interested in donating items can contact Robinson directly by calling 941-951-2576, 401-480-8028 or by emailing James@ALSOYouth.org.
“We are looking forward to opening up the space in the near future though no definite date has been set,” Robinson says of ALSO Youth’s drop-in center. COVID-19 has prevented in-person meetings, leading the organization to offer weekly virtual meet-ups and support groups for LGBTQ youth.
“This way they know they are not alone in this and will not isolate themselves,” he explains. “The virtual event will also help with the bills that don’t stop just because of a pandemic … This will be a lot of fun.”
ALSO Youth’s “Better Together!” will be held virtually Sept. 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For additional information as it is released, including Zoom links and links to the online auction, visit their website and Facebook event page.
