August 2015 LGBT Events in Ft Lauderdale

On this Blog, I will post a highlight of some of the LGBT non-profit and political events that are going on in Ft. Lauderdale each month, so folks who want to attend can put them on their Calendars.

Tuesday, August 4 – Mack Power Lunch – 11:30am – 1:30pm at Outback Steakhouse
1801 SE 10th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL. At the beginning of every Power Lunch we offer approx. 30 minutes to introduce yourself and chat with fellow attendees in a social setting. There may be a very brief presentation by an event sponsor to share insights and industry information. Then the rest of our time is enjoying lunch and breaking the ice to develop professional friendships with everyone around you.  $34.00, Advance Registration required: www.mackplanet.com

Thursday, August 6 – GLLN Social Luncheon – 11:30am – 1:00pm. Tee Jay Thai Sushi

2254 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. Monthly luncheons are on the first Thursday of every month. The mission for the Gay & Lesbian Lawyers Network is to provide a social network in which gay, lesbian and gay friendly lawyers can develop their practices through friendships, referral relationships and professional development. Our intention is to fully realize a true business and social network and to provide the opportunity to our participants to support one another in our practices, to promote ourselves within our firms, and to offer a helping hand to each other when needed. PLEASE NOTE: 

PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY, IT IS NOW GLLN POLICY THAT credit card payments or payments by check will not be accepted after 5pm on the Monday before the luncheon, but if there is space available on the day of the event, we will accept payments (cash, credit card or check) at the door which will be an additional $5.https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ebbuy4ss6d027d50&oseq=&c=&ch=

Thursday, August 6 – “Dinner and a Movie” at Stonewall Gallery Co-presented with Congregation Etz Chaim – 7:00 pm. Stonewall National Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery

2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. Dinner menu - assorted quesadillas, taquitos, salad, black beans and rice, chips and salsa, and Mexican wedding cookies. Soft drinks and wine provided courtesy of Barefoot Wine and Bubbly. Proceeds benefit Stonewall National Museum & Archives and Congregation Etz Chaim. Enjoy “dinner and a movie” at Stonewall Gallery with this gay camp classic that is an ultimate in 70s farce with an all-star cast. Catering provided by Zona Fresca Tickets $20 RSVP email: emery@stonewall-museum.org           

Friday, August 7 – Riverwalk Summer Social Cruise Aboard the Liberty Belle – 6:00pm – 8:30pm. Embarks from Pier 66- 2301 SE 17^th Street. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale will host another Summer Social Cruise. This year’s event is a casual two-hour cruise aboard the four deck, one-of-a-kind mega yacht; the Liberty Belle courtesy of our partners Anticipation Yachts and Riverfront Cruises. This Riverboat Social is $40 per person and includes open bar, food, music and a beautiful sunset cruise along the Intracoastal. Refreshments sponsored by Premier Beverage and Stephens Distributing. All proceeds benefit 7 local non-profit organizations: Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale ❖ American Lung Association ❖ GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce ❖  Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center  ❖  Ft. Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival ❖Jack & Jill Children’s Center ❖ Historic Stranahan House Museum. http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/events/details/riverwalk-summer-social-cruise-aboard-the-liberty-belle-589

Saturday, August 8 – Pride Center Bingo – Second Saturdays of Each Month. 6:30 p.m. doors open; 7:30 p.m. games begin Main Hall, Schubert Building. Bingo; proceeds benefit The Pride Center. The cost is $15.00 for the Bingo Package.  There will be a concession stand open and there is a 50/50 raffle. In general about $1100.00 in prizes are given out. http://www.pridecenterflorida.org/

Tuesday, August 11 – Mack Mixer Fort Lauderdale – 6:30pm - 9:00pm. Scarfone’s, 2160 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL. There’s no doubt MACK continues to redesign how business people create new relationships and establish friendships - regardless of sexuality. MACK aims to be the most reliable business and social network for the Gay and Lesbian Community of South Florida. Join their mailing list, register for a lunch, swing by one of the mixers, but most important - bring your friends! Everyone is welcome. MACK is less about orientation and all about discovering untapped opportunities! Entry $10 includes one Kettle One Cocktail. For information, visit: www.mackplanet.com

August 11- 14 – The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s (NGLCC) International Business & Leadership Conference – Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale FL. This will be the first time the annual conference, sponsored by American Airlines, will take place in South Florida. Keynote speakers include personal finance guru Suze Orman, CNN anchor Richard Quest, Washington Post columnist and MSNBC contributor Jonathan Capehart and personal branding expert Sally Hogshead. More than 800 domestic and international LGBT and allied entrepreneurs, corporate representatives, business owners and chamber leaders will gather for three days of panel discussions, development seminars and special events designed to generate business opportunities and build corporate relationships.  For more information, visit www.nglcc.org/nglcc15

Thursday, August 13 —  Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Gay and Lesbian Business Xchange (GLBX) Business After Hours —  5:30pm - 7:00pm. Pelican Grand Hotel – Rooftop, 2000 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL.  County's premiere gay-friendly networking organization, maximizing our member’s business profitability. The GLBX Business After Hours receptions are a key element in creating and fostering these relationships. The GLBX meets either the second or the fourth Thursday of each month, depending on venue. Members: Complimentary. Non members $10. To ensure that our members receive their complimentary entry IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU PRE-REGISTER ONLINE OR Contact: Cristina Agnone| 954.462.6000 ext 8cristina@ftlchamber.com792 |. http://events.ftlchamber.com/sbaweb/events/events.asp?&id=3541&wpid=-101&cale_id=2078&details=true&newsession=TRUE&sid=36180185 

Friday, August 14 – SunServe Silver Serve Luncheon – 11:00am – 1:00pm (Second Friday of the Month). ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL. Every Second Friday of the Month. SunServe is a model 501(c)(3) nonprofit social service agency serving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community in South Florida. We provide high quality, compassionate, and progressive care for all, including those in financial need, minorities, youth, seniors, families, and those with life-challenging physical or emotional conditions. We also perform numerous education and outreach projects. Kindly RSVP by calling 954.764.5150 ext. 114.

Saturday, August 15  – Poverello's 25th Annual Bowling to Fight Hunger – 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Bowling to Fight Hunger is South Florida's longest, continuous running fundraising event to benefit the local HIV/AIDS Community. In the past 25 years, the event has raised over $1,000,000 to fight hunger in our local community.

All event proceeds help Poverello provide life-saving food and basic life essentials to individuals living with HIV / AIDS and who are at poverty level. http://www.poverello.org/portal/open-fundraisers-secure1?PFR=217#.VV5EbZNViko

Tuesday, August 18  – GFLGLCC August Mixer at Valentino Cucina Italiana  – 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Valentino Cucina Italiana, 620 S Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale FL 33301. Join Reyka Vodka and the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. This month's location is Valentino Cucina Italiana, featuring innovative cuisine with a modern twist.Reyka Vodka will feature an Open Bar from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM. Happy Hour 2-4-1 prices until 7:30 PM. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres provided by Valentino Cucina Italiana. https://secure2.chambermaster.com/directory/jsp/events/dlg/Public_AddReg.jsp?ccid=2139&eventid=590

Wednesday, August 19 – The Equality Garden Club – The Equality Park Garden Club meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month except December.  It is a Gay and straight friendly garden club with a variety of plant related events.  Meetings include a guest speaker with a horticultural topic, plant exchange, raffle table, and refreshments. For more info contact for Chuck Nicholls at canick@aol.com

Thursday, August 20 – GLLN Happy Hour – 6:00pm – 8:00pm. TBD. Happy Hours are on the 3rd Thursday of every month at various locations. The mission for the Gay & Lesbian Lawyers Network is to provide a social network in which gay, lesbian and gay friendly lawyers can develop their practices through friendships, referral relationships and professional development. Our intention is to fully realize a true business and social network and to provide the opportunity to our participants to support one another in our practices, to promote ourselves within our firms, and to offer a helping hand to each other when needed. http://www.glln.org/uncategorized/happy-hour/

Tuesday, August 25 – Broward House Spirit of Hope Grand Reception – 6:30pm Cocktails, 7:30pm Dinner. S3, 505 N. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Broward County is filled with everyday people making a difference for our community with the power of their heart. On Tuesday, August 25th, 2015, beginning at 6:30 pm, Broward House will be recognizing four key individuals that not only touch Broward House, but spread their efforts with many causes throughout Broward. We invite you to join us in recognizing these community members at S3 Restaurant on Fort Lauderdale Beach. There will be live music and a silent auction. All funds raised above the cost of the event will go towards supporting Broward House programs and services. A little about our Honorees: Anthony Timiraos, CEO, Our Fund; Dr. Réquel Lopes, AP Owner, Trinity Acupuncture; Reverend Joel Slotnick, Community Advocate; Robert Moelius, Community Advocate. Silent Auction & Live Music. Tickets: $100 per person. https://www.browardhouse.org/events/upcoming-broward-house-events/spirit-of-hope-grand-reception

Tuesday, August 25– GFLGLCC 4th Tuesday Member Spotlight Networking Luncheon – 12:00pm - 1:15pm. Dapur Asian Tapas and Ultra Lounge, 1620 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305. Members: $35. Future Members: $40. Price includes a 3-course lunch, beverage, tax and gratuity. We're expanding our Lunch, Learn & Network luncheons to spotlight 3 member businesses each month. While these 3 are spotlighted, we encourage all of the attendees to promote their business. Each luncheon is limited to 25 people, which will allow more time to get to know the attendees http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/events/details/lunch-learn-network-08-25-2015-15

Tuesday, August 25 – Pride Center’s Dining with Pride – 11:00am – 8:00pm. Chipotle, 1736 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale. Eat lunch or dinner at Chipotle and help the Pride Center just by having lunch or dinner!  You must mention: “The Pride Center, Dining with Pride” Good for food and beverages. https://www.facebook.com/events/1615092722089991/

Wednesday, August 26 – Pride Center Founders Circle Reception – 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Allied Kitchen & Bath, 616 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, FL 33311. The Founder's Circle are individuals who make a monthly gift of $100 to the Pride Center. If you are interested in attending the event to see what it is all about, there is no commitment to become a Founder, just a chance to meet folks and hear about the great work the Pride Center is doing. Free parking is available but limited. RSVP by Wednesday, August 19, 2015 to RSVP@PrideCenterFlorida.org or 954.463.9005 x 104. Parking is allowed at the following locations:

• Rec Pool and Spa Center
• Munoz Photography Studio
• The spy shop
• Parking is also available across, Oakland Park Blvd at the vacant diner.
• Please DO NOT park at: Tax Center or Marlins Insurance or along NW 6th Ave or NW 30th Ct.

Saturday, August 29  –  Macy’s Shop For A Cause to benefit the Pride Center  –  Shop for a cause gives you the opportunity to give back to your community and to help your organization. Every Macy's store participates. Purchase the $5 shopping pass and support The Pride Center. Passes can be purchased directly at The Pride Center or online on our website. http://www.pridecenterflorida.org/2015/07/shop-for-a-cause-2/

Save the Date:

Art Walk On Wilton Drive – Held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. November through April, along the 1.1 mile Wilton Drive, in the Wilton Manors Art and Entertainment District. The official participants include galleries, eclectic stores, cafes, boutiques and upscale restaurants, which will host over 40 local artists. This is a grassroots collaboration bringing culture and business together for the public to enjoy.  Experience Stonewall Gallery, as part of the Art Walk On Wilton Drive. Free admission and festive offerings along Wilton Drive and throughout Wilton Manors. http://artwalkonwiltondrive.com/

Pride Center Bingo – Second Saturdays of Each Month. 6:30pm. doors open; 7:30pm. games begin Main Hall, Schubert Building. Bingo; proceeds benefit The Pride Center. The cost is $15.00 for the Bingo Package.  There will be a concession stand open and there is a 50/50 raffle. In general about $1100.00 in prizes are given out. http://www.pridecenterflorida.org/

September 1 – Equality Florida Connection – Thirteen Restaurant & Bar, 2390 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Equality Florida will be honoring Commissioner Julie Carson with a Community partner for equality award.

Tuesday, September 24 – Equality Florida Connection – Gulfstream Park

Thursday, October 22 – Pride Center Founders Circle Reception – 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. B Ocean Fort Lauderdale 1140 Seabreeze Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. The Founder's Circle are individuals who make a monthly gift of $100 to the Pride Center. If you are interested in attending the event to see what it is all about, there is no commitment to become a Founder, just a chance to meet folks and hear about the great work the Pride Center is doing. Free parking is available but limited. RSVP by Wednesday, August 19, 2015 to RSVP@PrideCenterFlorida.org or 954.463.9005 x 104.

October 10 & 11 – PRIDE FORT LAUDERDALE

Saturday, October 31  – Wicked Manors 2015: Once Upon a Drive  – Wilton Drive, 
Wilton Manors, Florida
Sponsorship opportunities available. Interested businesses should contact Roger Roa at 954.463.9005

November 14 & 15 – Equality Florida Gala – Sponsor Appreciation Party on Saturday and Equality Florida Broward Gala on Sunday. Held Sunday, November 15th, at the Panorama Ballroom at Pier Sixty Six in Fort Lauderdale, the Gala is Equality Florida's largest fundraiser of the year. It's a fun, elegant party, and an opportunity to honor important leaders of the LGBT equality movement. Last year we were delighted to honor Jazz Jennings with our Voice For Equality award. THIS year Equality Florida is so proud to be honoring James (Jim) Obergefell, whose winning case brought marriage equality to the entire nation on June 26th! http://www.eqfl.org/browardgala