September 10, 2014
Get 'Drenched' at The Life Group LA Fundraiser
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 3 MIN.
As summer turns into fall, The Life Group LA invites you to get "Drenched" one last time at their September 13 fundraiser pool party and first-ever drag water polo game to benefit people living with HIV/AIDS. The event is hosted by DJ eur-O-steve and Stan Smith.
"Steve and I are hosting the event because we both believe in the tireless work Sunnie does with The Life Group LA," said Smith, referring to Executive Director Sunnie Rose Berger, a longtime fundraiser for the resource workshops that help PLWHAs live better and more fulfilled lives, not just in the L.A. area, but across the nation.
On July 12, Berger hosted the 9th Annual Saddle Up event, a horseback ride and country BBQ to raise funds for the AIDS service organization The Life Group L.A. to run their POZ Life Weekend Seminars. Think of it as an AIDS Walk on horseback. That's where she first met Smith.
"I met Sunnie years ago when she taught me how to ride competitively in the rodeo," he said. "Sunnie was a member of the Ladies Pro Rodeo circuit and brought me and my horse up to a level where we were actually pretty good barrel and pole racers. Hosting The Drenched Pool Party is Steve's and my way of trying to enable her to continue in her very important work."
"Drenched" tickets includes a hosted bar, a fun tea dance music by DJ eur-O-steve and of course the hottest go-go dancers, not to mention the campy cheerleaders! The afternoon's entertainment will be presented by the brilliant host Aunduh Est�mated. And Armando Melgar from HERE Lounge in West Hollywood will be the celebrity bartender.
A hundred percent of all money raised during "Drenched" will help the continuation of The Life Group's work. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the fact that the AIDS Pandemic is not over and to raise much needed funds for the HIV services provided by The Life Group LA.
"Sunnie has a heart as big as all outdoors and her compassion led her to find a way to support and help those with HIV and AIDS," said Smith. "I'm in awe of her selfless commitment to the gay community with The Life Group LA and try to always support her however I can."
Founded in 2005, The Life Group LA provides education, empowerment and emotional support to persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS that they may make informed choices regarding their healthcare and personal well being.
Using a variety of methodologies such as peer support groups and the POZ Life Weekend Seminar, The Life Group LA creates educational and empowering experiences in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment.
"We are thrilled to have the love and support of Hosts Stan Smith and DJ eur-O-steve as well as the trust of West Hollywood Cheerleaders and the Hunks," said Berger. "This super fun and casual event shows that together we are pledging that Life Group will continue to provide POZ Life Weekends wherever we are asked to go, until there is a cure!"
Drenched will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 at a private residence. Tickets are $35.00 for advance sales and $50.00 at the door. Tickets on sale at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=WEEAQMWJHLH9A For information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/341623922658666/?notif_t=plan_user_invited
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.