Headdress Ball 2014 Commemorative Program

1989

2014

The Hope and Help Center 9-20-2014

You may not see it, but they feel it.

Your support provides opportunity, improves lives and empowers Central Florida’s LGBT+ youth.

Visit zebrayouth.org to donate and help Zebra Coalition® change lives.

We are proud to support Hope & Help Center, a member organization of Zebra Coalition®.

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Honoring Headdress Ball’s th

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CONTENTS Letter from the Executive Director, Hope and Help Center Board.........6 Letter from the Event Chairperson, Honorary Chairs, Committee ........9 A Mission of Hope and Help ...........13 Chuck Hummer Award Winners ....14 Gifts of Life & Table Donors...........18 HEADDRESS BALL PROGRAM PUBLISHED BY WATERMARK MEDIA, INC. PUBLISHER

Tom Dyer EDITOR

Steve Blanchard ART DIRECTOR

Jake Stevens CREATIVE ASSISTANT

Patrick O’Connor ONLINE MEDIA DIRECTOR

Jamie Hyman CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Rick Claggett Kathleen Harper ADVERTISING SALES

Mark Cady Sam Rennels Danny Garcia Heather Crouso Bill Jeffries

Hostess and Special Guests ............25 Featured Entertainers .....................28 Headdress Headliners......................29 Cast.......................................................32 Tonight’s Show ....................................33 Credits .................................................35 Sponsors ..............................................37 25 YEARS OF HEADDRESS! ...........41 Sam, Hattie and the Founding of Headdress ............43 Photos and Memories.......................46 Thank You............................................58 Contents of this Headdress Ball Guide 2014 are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members or organizations.

Watermark Media cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

© Watermark Media, Inc., est. 1994 Phone – 813-655-9890 Fax – 813-849-2986 Publisher@WatermarkOnline.com WatermarkOnline.com

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

HEADDRESS BALL 25: LEGENDARY! .....................................23

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD PRESIDENT

Robert Adams, AIMM CONSULTING

VICE PRESIDENT

Tracy Richardson, WKMG

SECRETARY

Elizabeth Bauer, WALGREENS

TREASURER

Ted Bradford, Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

BB&T

6

W

hen I think of the Hope and Help Center, the agency which so many of us have given our hearts and generous gifts of time and dollars, I consider the name itself. It is a place where people go in search of hope and help at a time of great personal need.

In the early days of the AIDS crisis, those who were sick had limited support and nowhere to turn for help. In 1988, a group of Orlando friends banded together to comfort and support one another. They formed what we now know as our Hope and Help Center in the basement of a local church.

The two creative geniuses who founded the Headdress Ball are Sam Ewing and Hattie Wolfe. With the loving guidance and courage of Chuck Hummer these pioneers in AIDS activism, together with successive leaders, built the agency today that serves over 5,000 members of our community annually. As the premier HIV/AIDS service organization in the region, we offer case management, insurance assistance, peer mentoring, food pantry, free testing, prevention and education, youth outreach, pharmacy services, and hope and help.

I remember and honor our origin and the circumstances that drew those brave friends together so many years ago. Tonight, our 25th year silver anniversary Headdress Ball, let’s take a moment to remember these pioneers of hope and help.

Please join us to celebrate Orlando’s most outrageous black-tie event—the best party in town! Tonight and in the years ahead, we ask that you continue to support your community through your gifts of love and support. We invite you to work together with us to save lives by treating and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS in central Florida, our mission of hope and help.

MEMBER

Suzanne Meehle, THE MEEHLE LAW FIRM

PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I

’d like to welcome you to our 25th Annual Headdress Ball!

I am honored to join the Hope and Help team as the new Executive Director. I will use my extensive business background, over 20 years of management experience in corporate and non-profit organizations, and my MBA from The Johns Hopkins University to continue Hope and Help’s 26-year legacy of serving HIV/AIDS infected and affected individuals in Central Florida.

We want to invite you to share your ideas with us, visit our facility, meet our Board of Directors and staff and get involved to make Hope and Help stronger than ever before.

We are eager to meet with you, your business, and any group or organization you are members of to talk about HIV/AIDS and what Hope and Help does to assist those impacted. Please join us as we expand our services, look for new funding opportunities and reach out to create partnerships in our community.

Get ready to experience an evening like no other. Enjoy the extraordinary sights and sounds of this Legendary night. We thank: our Headdress Ball chairs; our director and producers; the fabulous crew and entertainers; our committee members; the Orlando Hilton; the Hope and Help board and staff; and the over 150 volunteers who make tonight possible.

Thank you for coming and for your past, current and future support. Enjoy your evening and we look forward to meeting with you soon!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Advisory Board

Bruce Pooley

Jan Hudson

Jamie McFadden CUISINIERS

WINTER PARK FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

Lee Lopez

Barbara Poma

Darcel Stevens

WALT DISNEY WORLD CITY OF DELTONA

RC MANAGEMENT

SUNTRUST BANK

Dr. Ron Stanish

PARLIAMENT HOUSE

“Well, well, quite the glittering assemblage…”

Congratulations on a successful 25th annual Headdress Ball!

Walt Disney World is proud to recognize the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, Inc. for their outstanding contributions to our community.

©Disney 2014

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

THE BOB POE FOUNDATION

8

Congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of Headdress Ball

2014 HEADDRESS BALL HONORARY CHAIRPERSONS. (Standing L-R) Bryce West; Blunk; Lawrence Blunk Ewing, co-founder Sam Ewing and 2014 Co-Chair; Sharon Hagle; Johnny Damon; Michelle Damon, 2014 Co-Chair; Pam Bolling; John Best; Marc Hagle; Ed Sabori. (Seated L-R) Greg Mason; Hattie Wolfe, co-founder; Harriett Lake; Patrick Tubbs; Susan Unger. Not pictured: Christian Michaels & Justin Spearman; Jefferson Voss & Bryan Stevens; Shelley Lake; Michael Abbott & Todd Scala; Jeff Miller & Ted Maines; Alan & Kelly Ginsburg.

Dear Friends,

STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Hessler, Event Manager; Duane Hoyle, Development Manager; Che’Von Hill, Development Intern; Fendy Andujar, Development Intern; Rosie Cappos, Development Intern; Rachel Armstrong, Development Intern; Darin Cooper, Graphic Designer. …and our fabulous producers, John Best, Greg Brown and Pamela Bolling!

W

CO-CHAIR WITH SAM EWING

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

2014 HEADDRESS BALL COMMITTEE. (L-R) Duane Hoyle, Rodney Perry, Elizabeth Morales, Mychael Peters, Danny Garcia, Lyn Henderson CMP, Chris Hessler, Greg Mason.

Not pictured: Jamey Harper, Shauna Moulton, Brian Schlosser.

elcome to the 25th Anniversary of Headdress Ball! It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as this year’s Chairwoman for the event.

For the second year in a row I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to work with the incredible staff of the Hope and Help Center and the many volunteers that have dedicated so much of their time to this wonderful cause. I have always had a passion for helping others and raising public awareness for people in need. For the last eight years, I have served as a director for the Johnny Damon Foundation, which helps to raise and donate funds to multiple Central Florida charitable organizations such as the Arnold Palmer Hospital, Edgewood Children’s Ranch, UCP of Central Florida and the Wounded Warrior Project. When I was approached to be a part of this great cause, I was very humbled and honored. The Headdress Ball has been one of Orlando’s premiere events since 1989 and I want to keep the streak going!

In the past, I have been naïve to the facts surrounding the HIV/AIDS epidemic. I had no idea one of the largest demographics currently affected is young women. Being the mother to four vibrant girls, this information is alarming and concerning. It strengthens my resolve to do all I can to help in the fight against this undiscriminating disease. I am extending my sincerest gratitude for your attendance at this evening. Your continued support and commitment to this cause is greatly appreciated. The purpose of tonight’s “Legendary 25th Anniversary” Headdress Ball is not only to have fun, but also to elevate awareness, raise much-needed funds and save lives.

Truly Yours,

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PROVIDING HOPE AND HELP SINCE 1988

T

hirty three years ago a devastating illness was first observed in a cluster of gay men and IV drug users in New York and San Francisco.

By 1983, scientists had determined that it was caused by a virus that compromised the immune system, and it was labeled AIDS—Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome. Rock Hudson died in 1985, and in 1987 there were more than 13,000 AIDS-related deaths in the United States.

They were mostly gay men. Many were in Central Florida.

Back then there was no treatment. Testing took a week to complete. A positive result was considered a death sentence, most often after debilitating and disfiguring illness. The stigma was enormous. Those infected had no one to turn to; nowhere to go for support.

In 1988 some Orlando clinicians started a support group for those infected with HIV, and the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida was born. At first it was just a handful of sick, scared, but determined men meeting at the Unitarian Church on Robinson Street seeking, well, hope and help. But with fundraising support from Sam Ewing and Hattie Wolfe, including the first Headdress Ball in 1989, Hope and Help hired its first executive director, Chuck Hummer, and set about providing needed services to those impacted by HIV/AIDS. For several frightening years, as the infection and death rate grew exponentially, Hope and Help was a lifeline for thousands. Under Hummer’s leadership the organization grew into the largest AIDS support organization in the area. And as treatments were discovered and the dynamics of the epidemic changed, Hope and Help evolved.

Services now include health education, free rapid HIV testing, HIV counseling, peer education, medical case management including adherence counseling, AICP-AIDS insurance continuation, pharmacy support and a food pantry. Last year, Hope and Help provided direct services to more than 6,600 persons infected or affected by HIV. The organization completed 4,700 free HIV tests, and delivered life-saving prevention education to almost 9,000 people.

HIV/AIDS is now considered a manageable chronic illness. But the moment of initial diagnosis remains frightening, and navigating medications and government and other resources is daunting. This small sampling of comments recently received by Hope and Help demonstrates how important their work remains.

Thank you, Hope and Help.

My medication costs more than I make working a fulltime job. I don’t know where I would be without your help.

It takes a lot to admit when life makes you ask for help.

The terrific team at Hope and Help makes it a lot easier.

I would not be alive without the help I’ve received from Hope and Help all these years.

I’ll never forget the first time I came to you crying back in 2006, and the kind way you supported me. Thank you.

I just turned 48. I never thought I would see 50, but with Hope and Help and the love of family and friends, I just might.

I am alive today because of you and your team. Thank you.

We are moving and I will miss having Hope and Help in my corner. Without you and your very real and honest compassion, I would not have made it these last few years.

With the assistance of Hope and Help, I have been able to keep my head above water these past three years and feel like a contributing member of society.

I am alive and hopeful because of Hope and Help.

90 CENTS OF EVERY DOLLAR RAISED GOES

DIRECTLY TO CLIENT SERVICES.

2,100 HIV+ PEOPLE RECEIVED LIFE-SAVING SERVICES IN 2013.

4,900 FREE HIV TESTS ADMINISTERED IN 2013.

6,600 PEOPLE AFFECTED BY HIV RECEIVED SERVICES IN 2013.

9,000 PEOPLE RECEIVED PREVENTION EDUCATION.

8 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA, MAKING IT THE AREA’S LARGEST ASO.

1 MOBILE TESTING UNIT THAT TRAVELS TO HIGH RISK AND UNDERSERVED AREAS.

HIV/AIDS BY THE NUMBERS

$100 $19,000/year $36,000/year $9,143/year $23,000/week COST OF HIV TEST

COST OF HIV MEDICATIONS

COST OF AIDS MEDICATIONS

COST OF HEALTH INSURANCE

COST OF HOSPITALIZATION FOR PNEUMONIA

12,000

67%

NEW PEOPLE INFECTED/ INFECTIONS THAT ARE GAY, BI MEN AFFECTED IN CENTRAL FL MEN 18-24 UNAWARE OF FLORIDA’S RANK IN # OF CASES INFECTION

3RD 8TH

51%

50%

PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV ORLANDO’S RANK IN INFECTION RATE OVER 50

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

I never thought I would see 2014. Please let everyone at Hope and Help know how grateful I am to live another year.

HOPE AND HELP BY THE NUMBERS

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Hope and Help Center

2014 CHUCK HUMMER AWARD WINNERS

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Jamey Harper and Ej Easterbrook

VISIONARY OF THE YEAR

Walt Disney World Resort

J

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

amey Harper and Ej Easterbrook bring out the best in each other.

Since coupling, they’ve hosted dining out events, spa nights, and charity poker tournaments benefiting the homeless, battered women’s shelters, pet rescues, cancer organizations, youth shelters and their primary beneficiary—Hope and Help.

Every Monday, Jamey and Ej join friends at Fresh Market to collect donations of fresh fruit, breads, desserts and sandwiches for Hope and Help’s food pantry. As part of Hope and Help’s outreach, Jamey and Ej then share these items with the Zebra Coalition and at Senior Game Night at The Center. They’ve also recruited hair and beauty professionals to offer services for Zebra Coalition youth. And for years they’ve organized a Thanksgiving breakfast and provided toys, blankets and bikes for homeless families. They also supported Orlando’s bid to host the Gay Games.

In a nutshell, these guys always step up for their community. When asked, “How can you fit it all in?” their response demonstrates the depth of their caring: “How can we not?”

Jamey and Ej remind us to be the change we want to see in our community. They plan to continue supporting Hope and Help in its mission of saving lives by treating and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. They have many friends affected by HIV. Seeing how much Hope and Help does for its clients fuels their support. Jamey and Ej share that they are humbled to receive this honor on behalf of the hundreds of volunteers who donated over 6,400 hours of service to Hope and Help last year.

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WHO WAS CHUCK HUMMER?

C

huck Hummer was the first executive director of the Hope and Help Center. He was also a pioneer in AIDS activism in Orlando, and a man who made an enormous difference in hundreds of lives.

Raised in the Panama Canal Zone, Hummer was conversant in English,

Spanish, French, Italian and Portugese.

He moved to Orlando in 1987, where he was fired by his employer after disclosing that he had AIDS. He sued— successfully—and became one of the first in the nation to stand up to discrimination based on HIV status.

In 1989 Hummer was offered a full-

time position at Hope and Help, and he made the job his mission. He created a food pantry, buddy program and support groups. With his seemingly endless energy and optimism, he also helped Sam Ewing and Hattie Wolfe turn the Headdress Ball into a major annual fundraiser.

Hummer died in 1994, soon after the organization moved into new Winter Park headquarters.

OUR GREATEST THRILLS HAPPEN IN THE COMMUNITY.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO® RESORT IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE HOPE & HELP CENTER 2014 HEADDRESS BALL Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2014 Universal Studios. © 2014 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. 1404478/MLW

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Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

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TABLE DONORS Platinum

Bryce L. West Foundation Central Florida Publishing Michelle & Johnny Damon Palm Springs Printing

Benefactor

Allen & Kelly Ginsberg Cristian Michaels & Justin Spearman Harriett Lake & Shelly Lake Hilton Orlando Jefferson Voss & Bryan Stevens Steve Brown & Lance Koenig

Diamond

Bob Poe Charitable Foundation Connextions Disney Lowndes & Drosdick Macy’s Massey Cadillac Michael Abbott Old Republic Home Protection Parliament House Sam Ewing & Friends Vicky McVay & Gary Lambert

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

Gold

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Backwoods Bears Club Inc. Brian Baxter Commissioner Patty Sheehan Darden Restaurants Michael Beaudine, LLP Paul Richards Ted Bradford The Recovery Village Universal Studios Resorts Inc. uOwn Real Estate Valery Tucker AON Hewitt Adam Conrad *Information available at time of printing

Hope & Help Center

Gifts of Life Club Members THESE BENEFACTORS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS. THROUGH THEIR GENEROUS AND CONSISTENT GIFTS, HOPE AND HELP WILL NEVER NEED TO TURN ANYONE AWAY.

Andrew Rosemurgy

Frank Santos & Dan Dantin

Ann Marie Klingenhagen Trust

Greta Hummer Harriet & Shelly Lake

Kristian Cosme Laura Dalton Michelle & Johnny Damon

Jack Lord

Norman Howard Britt

Barbara Moore

Jason North

Robert Frew Jr.

Bruce & Cosme Nelson

Jeanne Lindsey

Roger Cooper

Bryce L West

Jeffery Miller & Ted Maines

Ronald & Suzanne Tase

Charles Meyer

Jeremy Brown

Charles Poole

Jim and Kaye Wall

Steve Brown & Lance Koeing

Arnoldo Quiabazza

Charles Van Benschoten David Stroud Dr. Bradley & Carol Reese

Steven Fraher

John & Ultima Morgan

Tracy Richardson

John Best

William & Judy Brown

John Fennell

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Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

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HEADDRESS BALL 25

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

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Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

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Ms. Darcel Stevens

O

riginally from Gainesville, Axavier Darnell Strick, aka Ms. Darcel Stevens, is a respected and veteran entertainer. With a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, he embarked on an unlikely dual career: hospital marketing/sales representative by day and professional female impersonator at night.

After transferring to Orlando, Ms. Darcel was quickly hired as a Footlight Player at the world famous Parliament House Resort. Now in her 22nd year—12th as emcee and entertainment director—she continues to electrify patrons from around the world with her quick wit, unique humor, and diverse talent. Ms. Darcel is a key part of Parliament House Partners Management, and also sits on the Advisory Board of the Hope and Help Center. Outspoken, brassy, sassy, energetic, friendly and compassionate, Ms. Darcel is proud to serve Central Florida’s growing LGBT community.

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ailing from New Jersey, Jorge Estevez graduated from Rutgers University and landed his first broadcasting job at a reporter at News 12 The Bronx. He received an Emmy nomination for his story about a 12 year-old boy with bone marrow cancer.

He left a weekend anchor position at WFTV-Channel 9 for a stint in South Florida, but returned to Orlando in 2012.

He’s currently an anchor/reporter for WFTV-Channel 9, and 10 p.m. weekday anchor for WRDQ-TV27.

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Entertainers

Featured Entertainers

Sassy Devine

Shantell D’Marco

Bridgette Galore

Miss Sammy

And‌ Saphire Michelle du Soleil

Leigh Shannon

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

Expect nothing but the best.

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music

DJ Ants.

DJ Edil Hernandez

DJ Joanie

DJ Scott Robert

Legendary Headliners Chad Michaels

C

had Michaels’ career as the world’s premier Cher impersonator spans two decades. His talent has led him to collaborate with such luminaries as David Foster, Bruce Roberts, Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Cyndi Lauper, Gene Simmons, RuPaul, and even the diva herself, Cher. For Chad Michaels, the “The Beat Goes On.” Michaels’ career

highlights include engagements with the Las Vegas and London productions of An Evening at La Cage, the South American La Cage Follies, and Icons

Debbie Gibson

F

E! True Hollywood Story, The Cher A&E Biography, MAD TV, Women’s Murder Club, Kath & Kim, The Comedy Central Gene Simmons Celebrity Roast, |and E! Talk Soup.

In 2011 Michaels competed in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 on the LOGO and made it to the final three.

RuPaul then cast him as Prof. Chad Michaels in RuPaul’s Drag U Season 3. And in 2012, Michaels was named ‘Queen of Queens’ in RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race. As a result, he earned the first spot in RuPaul’s Drag Race Hall of Fame.

Tasha Long

O

riginally from Birmingham, Alabama, Tasha Long has lived throughout the U.S. But she found a home in Orlando and at the world famous Parliament House Resort. The former Footlight Player now travels the country, showcasing her amazing talent that includes eight character illusions.

Long has won seven different national female impersonation titles.

She currently reigns as Orlando’s Miss Glamorous 2013 and Miss All Star Continental Elite.

Always there to lend a hand or help a fellow entertainer out, Long is known for her warm heart and gentle approach. She is honored to be part of Headdress Ball 25: Legendary!

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

or more than 25 years, Debbie Gibson has proved her immeasurable talent. From singer, songwriter and musician to actress and dancer, she is the embodiment of an entertainer.

Gibson exploded on the pop music scene at 16. A music prodigy, she was the youngest person ever to write, produce and perform a number one single (“Foolish Beat”)—a record she still holds in the Guinness Book of World Records. To date, Gibson has sold more than 16 million albums worldwide.

After conquering pop, Gibson set her sights on the theater. She starred as Eponine in the Broadway production of Les Miserables. She then broke box office records playing Sandy in the London West End production of Grease before switching roles to Rizzo on Broadway. She also played Fanny Brice in a revival of Funny Girl and wowed critics as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and then in the title role in Gypsy. Her impressive credits also include national touring productions of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella with Eartha Kitt, Chicago as Velma Kelly and Cabaret as Sally Bowles.

Gibson encapsulated her career in her one-woman show, Pop Goes Broadway.

The New York Daily News said, “Gibson has mastered her craft to the point where she doesn’t just perform a song—she embraces it and delivers it with her own special stamp of approval.”

Throughout her career Gibson has been an advocate for children. “Debbie Gibson’s Electric Youth,” a series of performing arts camps, was created to fulfill Gibson’s passion for encouraging young performers and songwriters. Her “Gibson Girl Foundation” awards scholarships and music education opportunities to talented and motivated underprivileged children. As the spokesperson for Children International she spent time in impoverished villages in Manila.

In 2010 Gibson collaborated on the score for 3 Billion and Counting, a documentary about Malaria prevention in third world countries. The closing song, “Rise,” was shortlisted for an Academy Award nomination. Her album, Ms. Vocalist, landed in Billboard’s Top Ten, and the first single, “I Love You,” hit No. 1. Gibson also starred in the SyFy hit Mega Python Vs. Gatoroid and took a “Journey Through The 80s” on a sold out tour with Tiffany. Most recently, Gibson had a cameo in the film Rock of Ages and competed on The Celebrity Apprentice.

With No. 1 hits, platinum albums, and starring roles on Broadway, television and in films, Gibson is one of the consummate entertainers of our generation.

For more information visit www.deborah-gibson.com.

throughout California. He’s been featured on The Cher

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cast S ta r r i n g Debbie Gibson Chad Michaels

Your Hostess Darcel Stevens

25Th Anniversary Headdresses Lee James Keven Callahan

The Parliament Sean DeFreitas, House Resort Designs By Sean FELD Entertainment Winfield Murdock, Creative Works

Your Headdress Djs DJ Ants

DJ Edil Hernandez

DJ Joanie

DJ Scot Robert

F e at u r e d E n t e r ta i n e r s Tasha Long Leigh Shannon Miss Sammy

Shantel D’marco Sassy Devine Saphire

Bridgette Galore Michelle Du Soleil

Master Of Ceremonies William Bruce

Special Guest

Congratulations!

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

to the Hope & Help Center of Central Florida

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Jorge Estevez

F e at u r e d V i o l i n i s t s Jose Navarro

Jared Burnett

Vocalists

Thank you for the best 25 years of entertainment and many more to come.

Love,

The Ama zing Bodybuilders

Harriet Lake

Headdress Ball Dancers

Billy Flanigan

Michelle Lindahl

Harriett Lake Dancers

Brittany Grimsley Michelle Brandon Angelique Martinez

Jennifer Maples Amber Nadelkov Cameron Dawson

Announcer B.C.

Patricia Contreras Chally Rowjohn Max Sjostrom

SHOW RUNDOWN 6:00 PM

7:45

Welcome with the sounds of DJ Scott Robert

HEADDRESS BALL 25: LEGENDARY!

6:00–7:1 5 Pre-party and VIP Reception sponsored by Premier Property Group, with the music of DJ Ants

7:35 Doors to the main ballroom open

Shantell D’Marco and her dancers Headdress Ball founders Sam Ewing and Hattie Wolfe

“You’ve Got to Have Friends” —Leigh Shannon Your favorite legends arrive at Headdress Ball Hostess Darcel Stevens joins the party Presentation of the Chuck Hummer Visionary Award

by Bob Adams, Hope and Help Board President Acceptance of the Visionary Award by George Kalogridis, Walt Disney World Resort President Presentation of the Chuck Hummer Volunteer of the Year Award to E.J. Easterbrook and Jamey Harper

IT ALL BEGAN WITH A FLORAL HEADDRESS

—Erik Sandoval (WKMG) Headdress 1 —Keven Callahan

Welcome from Headdress Ball 25 co-chair Michelle Damon

Special Cast Performance

HEADDRESSES, HEADDRESSES AND MORE HEADDRESSES! Headdress 6: It’s a Carnival!

—Sean De Freitas (DesignsBySean.com)

LIVE AUCTION

AS THE YEARS GO ON… SO DOES HEADDRESS BALL — Jorge Estevez (WFTV)

Headdress 7: Squiggles!

—Sean De Freitas (DesignsBySean.com)

Headdress 4 —Sean DeFreitas (DesignsBySean.com)

Headdress 8: Last Year’s Winner —The Parliament House

Headdress 5 The Parliament House Resort & FELD Entertainment

Darcel Stevens as the Legendary Patti LaBelle

Musical interlude with Jose Navarro & Jared Burnett 25 YEARS OF THE BIGGEST PARTY IN ORLANDO! Born to Be Wild— There’s Nothing Like The Headdress Ball

Legendary Bodies: The Men & Women of Headdress!

Music by resident Headdress DJ Edil Hernandez Headress 9: The Twister Returns!

—Sean DeFreitas (DesignsBySean.com)

The Incredible Tasha Long

Headdress 2 —Winfield Murdock (Creative Works)

Beauty and the Beefcake: The Men & Women of Headdress! Music by resident Headdress DJ Edil Hernandez

And the Grand Total is…

RuPaul’s All Star Drag Race Winner Chad Michaels

A toast to Headdress Ball 25!

Thank you Orlando for your support! Here’s to the Next 25 Years!

I M M E D I AT E LY F O L L O W I N G T H E S H O W Head to the AFTER PARTY presented by THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE RESORT with special performances by CHAD MICHAELS

DEBBIE GIBSON

SASSY DEVINE

and the music of DJ JOANIE

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

Headdress 3 —Lee James and friends (Lee James Floral Designs)

Headdress Ball presents pop icon and Broadway Star Debbie Gibson!

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Produced By Hardrive Productions & Jm Best Entertainment Produced And Directed By

John M. Best Produced By

Greg Brown Pamela Bolling Staging Director/ Choreographer

Pamela Bolling Technical Director

Chad Moore Production Managers

Ray Christianna Jaime Vazquez

Production Associate

Costume Supervisors

Lasers Provided By

Carlos Jimenez

Bradley Lupton John Ettinger Rebeca Marrero

L.S.D.I. Greg Makhov Erica Okamoto

Music Production

Gabe Medina Production Stage Managers

Jeff Call Nicola Roberts Lighting Programmer

Jared Bisson Master Electrician

Johnny Owens

Costumers

Rigging

Presented By

Tim Endicott Rich Dean Janice Medina Norelis Arroyo Tuwanda Chandler John Sullivan Jeremy Smith Reyna Martin Jim Martin Russell Reynolds

Aerial Rigging

Premier Property Group Parliament House Resorts

Lighting Designer

Video Director/ Technical Coordinator

Lighting Tech/ Lead Follow Spot Operator

Timothy Reed

Dustin Mccollum

Rick Ashburn

Written By

Audio Assist/ Systems Engineer

Lighting Tech/Follow Spot Operators

Jason James

Cody Hall Isaac Haywood Cesar Vargas

John M. Best Audio Designer/Foh Engineer

Travis M. Hill Creative Director

Matt Cameron Graphic Elements

Edgefactory Costume Designer

Greg Brown

Audio Assist/ Network Engineer

Achilles Ballestas Audio Assist

Jack Yager Audio Assist

Music Design By

Brad Daymond And Blake Salter For II Yutes Entertainment

Keith Wilson Beaten Path Productions Production Coordinator

Mike Zizert

Center Pieces

Nv Designs ... Don’t Be Envious, Be Nv’d!

Brian Schlosser Nikki Ames Creative Consultants

Script Supervisor

Assistant To The Producer

John Sirabella Lighting And Sound

Ultra Production Group Lighting Designer

John Hemphill Jr. Special Thanks

Brian Cole, Executive Producer/Director

Reginad Dunlap Luxe Design And Finishing Ultra Production Group Quest Drape PSAV Aerial Rigging, Inc. Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services Hilton Orlando

Adriel Jimenez, Editor

Sarah Olmstead-Griffith

Creative Director

Edgefactory

Power Point Operator

Brian Cash

John M. Best Greg Brown

Host Hotel

Hilton Hotel Doug Gehret Teresa Bernstein Renee MacDonald Chris Mueller Fitness Models Attire Provided By

Brenda Goldsmith

Mojoman Swimwear & Clothing

Technical Equipment

Special Thanks To

PRG PSAV LMG TS Productions Freeman Disney Parks And Resorts Creative Entertainment Sea World

Mike Duffey – PSAV Courtney Labarko – PSAV Ralph Cutrone – PSAV Designs By Sean

Thank you to an amazing production crew • All the volunteers that made tonight’s show possible • All the guests who have attended the past balls

Costumes Specialty Entertainers

Hardrive Productions Vip Party Dj

Dj Ants After Party Dj

Dj Joanie Stage Managers

Jerry Coleman Robert Kyne Special Thanks To

Mojoman Swimwear & Clothing

Special Thanks To All Our Volunteers For Their Support!

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

Special Music Material

Larry Madison Miguel Berrios Derek Carter Jon Dontrich Chad Campbell Paul Peco Colleen Koprivnikar Kristen Harwood Ellen Villar Kat Oliver Thomas Hawes Amy Wood Costume Consultant Dawna Oak

Hardrive Productions, Inc. Feld Entertainment

Ty Fite, Visual Designer

Brian Ramondetta Gary Burns

Stage Managers

Executive Producers Costumes Provided By

Kari Mcbride

Production Managers

Darin Cooper

Edlen Electric

Pierce Kafka, Line Producer

Lighting Assistants

Costume Designer

Power Supplied By

Playback Operator

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Amy Beskar Michael J McGraw

Premier V.I.P. & Encore After Party

35

It feels good to give back.

And together with our generous customers and employees, Macy’s averages more than $1 million a week to initiatives important to you and your community – arts, education, the environment, HIV/AIDS, and women’s health and wellness.

It adds up to $70 million* a year. It’s a good feeling we can all share, and to us, that’s the magic of giving.

* Includes grants from Macy’s Foundation

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

Macys-HopeHelp.indd 1

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7/22/14 1:50 PM

event sponsors

media sponsors

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

37

ON 25 YEARS OF THE HEADDRESS BALL!

Thank you for including us on this incredible journey!

ALWAYS THERE FOR ORLANDO’S BIGGEST, FABULOUS & MOST OUTRAGEOUS EVENTS! GAY DAYS AT THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE • COME OUT WITH PRIDE • HEADDRESS BALL

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Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

25

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

YEARS OF

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Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

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Hattie Wolfe and Sam Ewing: “We had no idea this would still be going on 25 years later.”

PHOTO BY TOM DYER

SOMETHING

In tragic times, friends Sam Ewing and Hattie Wolfe found a way to make a difference.

BY TOM DYER

CONTINUED ON PG. 44 |  |

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

FOR A FRIEND

H

eaddress Ball holds a special place in Orlando’s glittering fall social season. Part Las Vegas and part La Cage, the splashy event attracts gays and straights—including some of the biggest movers and shakers in town—to share a gloriously unlikely evening of costumes, beefcake and drag. In 25 years Headdress Ball has raised millions for the Hope and Help Center, now Central Florida’s largest AIDS service organization.

Most know that Headdress is the creation of respected interior designer Sam Ewing and his dear friend and fellow designer, Hattie Wolfe. But few know the moving story of its inspiration.

It was 1987. Gay men were getting sick and dying, still inexplicably. And Ewing had just lost someone he loved very much.

Patrick Bryan was a 4th grade teacher at an Orlando elementary school. With a gentle manner and boyish good looks, his students must have adored him. He was just 27 years old when he died of AIDS. Bryan knew he wouldn’t be allowed to teach once his illness became apparent. He quit his job and planned to hike around California before AIDS claimed him. He wanted no obituary. He didn’t want his kids or their parents to worry.

“He took up so little space in the world,” says Ewing.

But Bryan soon got too sick for hiking. He returned to Winter Park, where Ewing fed him, bathed him, cared for him and loved him until he slipped away. And then Ewing, who by then had several friends who’d tested positive for HIV, was left to cope.

“My grandmother always said that the biggest man will be on his knees, and that’s what I did... I prayed,” Ewing says. “I thought, ‘How do you make any sense of this... of something so bad?’”

He looked for resources and learned of a small support group—The Hope and Help Center—that met at the Unitarian Church on Robinson St. Ewing tracked them down and asked what he could do. They told him they needed money to expand services, desperately.

As it happened, Ewing had planned dinner with Wolfe that same evening, and she immediately agreed to help. They got on the phone and raised $6,000 from friends. And when they delivered the funds, Hope and Help asked them to take charge of fundraising.

“We got back in the car, looked at each other and said, ‘What are we going to do?’” Ewing remembers. “A car wash isn’t going to cut it.”

When a florist and Hope and Help board member offered that he’d attended a floral

43

|  | Sam and Hattie FROM PG.43

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

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headdress fundraiser in Los Angeles, Headdress Ball was born.

Tickets for ‘Night Blooming’—it didn’t become Headdress until 1992—were $15. Ewing and Wolfe “spray-painted the filth out of the Beacham Theatre” and tasked themselves with selling 100 tickets each. They pressured gay friends and straight clients, and stumbled onto a formula that continues to define Headdress.

“I think it broke a barrier,” says Wolfe. “The straight people who came knew everyone there. They just didn’t realize they were gay... and that they live in the same world.”

They also worried about personal ramifications.

“I figured everyone would assume I was doing it because I was sick, and that I’d lose business... you have to remember how scary AIDS was back then,” Ewing says. “The irony is that it’s the most worthwhile thing I’ve ever done.”

But that wasn’t their only concern in 1989. They asked drag performers—some more reliable than others—to serve as models because they could support larger headdresses. And the delicate floral creations had to be assembled at the last minute.

There was no opportunity to test them.

“It was already a funky event,” laughs Wolfe. “And that uncertainty just added to the funkiness.”

Ewing asked the notoriously bawdy Miss P to emcee, and secured promises of good behavior. When she sashayed down the runway and dropped the F-bomb—three times in rapid succession—Ewing was mortified.

“Hattie and I both had jet black hair before that night,” he laughs.

But they’d hit on something: a magical event that was naughty by nature, but loving and generous in spirit. On the way out, patrons enthused about next year.

“Great,” Ewing told them. “But next year you’ll have to pay for your ticket.”

In fact, that first time out Ewing and Wolfe bought most of the tickets themselves and gave them away. They charged for drinks and auctioned off donated

The death of his beloved friend, Patrick Bryan, fueled Sam Ewing’s 25-year involvement with the Hope and Help Center. centerpieces. They even sold bromeliads out front. And they walked away with $5,000—enough so that Hope and Help could hire the irrepressible Chuck Hummer as its first executive director.

“Hattie and I had no idea this would still be going on 25 years later,” Ewing says.

“Or that there still wouldn’t be a cure,” Wolfe ads.

The second year they returned to the Beacham, and this time popular WFTV personality Burdette Bullock promoted the hell out of it. Bullock died in 1993, but by then Headdress was a black-tie event at a swank downtown hotel. Florist Lee James modeled his own sexy leather peacock creation that year, and when women flocked to stuff money in his crotch another Headdress tradition was born.

By the turn of the century, Greg Brown, Pamela Bolling and John Best were producing evermore spectacular events, unlike anything seen in fundraising circles in even the biggest cities.

“You can’t believe what it takes to put on this show,” Ewing says. “If it weren’t for all the people that volunteer their time and talent, it would cost a lot more and make a lot less.”

In 25 years, the money raised

by Headdress Ball has made an incalculable difference for thousands of Central Floridians impacted by HIV/AIDS. “Every year when I sit in a back corner of the ballroom and realize what this has become, I tear up,” says Ewing. “I’m not a showman... I fell into it.

I just wanted to do something for a friend that died.”

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

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2008

“There isn’t anything else like it!

Other agencies in other cities want to know how we do it.”

—GREG MASON

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

2013

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2007

1994

2005

“After 25 years I haven’t forgotten those legs!”

headdress ball

memories

1998

—HARRIET LAKE

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200

I haven’t missed a Headdress Ball in 25 years! I especially remember the first one… black walls, black floors, black stage, black runway and black roaches. And that night I encountered the most exquisite creature I’ve ever seen. I think her name was Solitaire… she did one of those lip synch numbers. After 25 years I haven’t forgotten those legs! The other thing I remember… from all of them… is helping Sam Ewing work up the courage to get up on stage and ask for money. It’s traumatic for him! I understand. I can do anything but ask for money.

—HARRIET LAKE

2009

2006 1995

I chaired Headdress Ball in 2005. A few minutes into the program our entertainer, former Miss America Leanza Cornett, came on stage and started singing “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The song choice was unfortunate, as was Ms. Cornett’s performance, and the audience began to ignore her... loudly. Not getting the adoration she felt she deserved, Miss America 1993 told the audience to “shut up.” I turned to my partner, Jeff, and said, “Did she just tell the audience to shut up?!” Then she shouted it into her microphone. “Shut up!!!” I thought, “Oh shit, this is not good.” But all was made right when my dear friend Shelby Norwich announced to our table: “Did you hear that? I love her!” At the after-after party in our suite, several people called Leanza’s room to invite her to party with us.

She never answered the phone.

—TED MAINES

2012

—PAUL BRYAN

I will never forget when John ‘Tweeka Weed’ Barber took the stage—not in drag, but as himself—and told the audience that he was HIV positive.

It was one of the most courageous and inspiring moments I have ever seen. He did it to raise awareness, encourage others to be tested, and raise money to help others through Hope and Help.

It still chokes me up to think about it.

—COMMISSIONER PATTY SHEEHAN

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

“Each year when I put on my tuxedo for Headdress, I think about the people who benefit from the services provided

by Hope and Help.”

47

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“The best word to describe Headdress Ball is ‘outrageous’— both on and off stage!”

1995 1994

—JEFF VOSS

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

2012

50

2005

1998

2003

headdress ball

memories

2003

W.T.F?! Can It really be 25 years of Headdress Balls?! Where else can you watch the toasts of Central Florida society rub elbows (and fake tits) with drag queens and showgirls, and witness otherwise straight-laced men and women in tuxedos and evening gowns clamoring to shove wads of cash into the g-strings of half naked male strippers? Year after year the event has reinvented itself with the tenacity of Madonna. I’m proud to be involved with a community that puts its money where its fabulously red-lipsticked mouth is. Headdress Ball has made a positive impact that will be felt for years to come.

2008

—GARY LAMBERT

1995

2009

1997

2011

In 2011 I was given three minutes to raise as much money as possible at Headdress. No pressure!

I was prepared, but I had an uncomfortable feeling. I was getting ready to out myself in front of 1000 people. Then I reflected on my purpose. If I could help one person understand the effects of HIV and the mission of Hope and Help, then it would be worth it.

Rob Domenico introduced me as one of the bravest men he knows.

And as I began to speak the room hushed and I witnessed a wave of emotions… and then a thunderous standing ovation. It took me over 30 minutes to make it back to my seat .—MICHAEL MORMAN

—KAREN BROWN, Co-Chair 2003 & 2004

—JOHN MORGAN

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

“Chairing Headdress Ball was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s like captaining a fabulous ship on an ocean of glitter… all while trying to keep drag queens tucked, and go-go boys fluffed.”

My first Headdress Ball was like being on an LSD trip. It certainly wasn’t the Cattle Barons Ball. It was Fantasy Fest meets Mardis Gras, all in one ballroom. During the final push for money a man dressed like Cher motioned for me to put money in his bikini bottom.

I did, and when I got back to our table my wife, Ultima, asked me if I knew what I’d just done. I said, “Yes! Give me some more money!” Great night. Great event. Great people.

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Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

“Thank you Orlando for making Headdress Ball the most outrageous and fabulous charity event ever!”

—JOHN M. BEST, producer, Headdress Ball

1995

1997

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

2011

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2009

2002

1997

“When the fitness models walked onto the stage, I heard the person next to me yell out: ‘Where are we?!

We cannot be in Orlando, Florida!’”

1994

2005

—PAMELA BOLLING, Hardrive Productions

headdress ball

memories In 1994 I was backstage in my Extra Plus Dolly Parton getup when some people put a six-foot Christmas tree on my head! They told me not to move and I said, “How can I? It’s too heavy!” When the song “Winter Wonderland” began to play, they helped me onto the stage to walk slowly down the runway. All of a sudden the tree started to tip.

Long story... we did not win. Years later I did a Bette Midler segment and hosted a portion of the show. I can’t wait to perform at this year’s 25th anniversary Headdress Ball.

—LEIGH SHANNON Headdress Ball is driven by Heart Power! It was created by Hattie and Sam 25 years ago. I thank God for these two angels and their vision.

In 25 years Headdress, has been embraced by literally thousands of volunteers, vendors, sponsors and donors... raising millions of dollars.

I consider each and every one of these people ‘Headdress Heroes.’

Thank you for showing me the true meaning of benevolence and grace.

—MAGGIE KING, former Hope and Help development director

2005

2006

—ERIC ROLLINGS, Co-Chair 1994

—SAM SINGHAUS (Miss Sammy)

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

“I was co-chair in 1994. We used animals (a mistake), had one performer in jail and several more stuck in traffic.”

My fondest memories of Headdress are from way back, watching all the florists scramble to assemble the huge live-floral headdresses at the Beacham Theatre. I was fortunate to actually ‘perform’ the first headdress production number: “Going to the Chapel”—complete with a groom and a flower girl.

Then there was the year that a mock clown-car appeared, and drag queens dressed as Barbra, Bette, Lucy, Cher and Liza came streaming out. And I’ll never forget three drag queens trying to teach David Lee’s Hedwig the “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” number from Gypsy. It might have been a smaller production in those years, but it was truly a night that you didn’t want to miss... and it still is!

55

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14ORH086_OCSC_HEADDRESS_BALL_PROGRAM.pdf

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8/13/14

1:02 PM

Headdress Ball 2008: Wild Thing: A Night at Headdress

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57

Headdress Ball 25: legendary!

SPECIAL THANKS TO…

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Alan & Kelly Ginsburg Betty Morales Boar’s Head Brian Schlosser Bryce West California Pizza Kitchen Central Florida Publishing Cristian Michaels & Justin Spearman Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine and Events Chianti’s Restaurant Danny Garcia Darin Cooper Disney DJ Ants DJ Edil Hernandez DJ Joanie DJ Scott Roberts Elizabeth Bauer FELD Entertainment Greg Brown Greg Mason Harriet Lake & Shelley Lake Hattie Wolf & Ed Sabori Hilton Orlando Jake Stevens Jeff Miller & Ted Maines Jefferson Voss & Bryan Stevens John Best John Michael Events Lawrence Blunk & Patrick Tubbs Lyn Henderson CMP Maggie King Marc & Sharon Hagel

Mauiva Micheal Abbott & Todd Scala Michelle Damon Mojoman Swimwear Mychael Peters Noodles and Rice Palm Springs Printing Pamela Bolling Pom Pom’s Tea House & Sandwicheria Rainbow411.com Randy Lowe Rodney Perry Sam Ewing Se7en Bites Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Shauna Moulton SunTrust Foundation Susan Unger Tako Cheena Teresa Bernstein The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck Tom Dyer Universal Studios Orlando Voodoo Kitchen Walgreens Watermark Media Wildside BBQ Bar & Grill YMD Eye & Face, Ruth Hill Yeilding MD And a special thank you to the 200+ volunteers who have helped make this night so special!

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