by Kirby Lindsay, posted 10 February 2012
On Saturday, February 18th, starting at 9p, Fremont will see red – a whole lotta red! And all of it headed towards the Fremont Studios, and the 4th Annual Seattle Red Dress Party.
This outrageous extravaganza will have everything required of an awesome party – music, entertainment, merriment, adult beverages, dancing, etc. Two things mark it a red-letter day on the calendar – all attendees must wear a red dress, and the entire event raises money to support people living with HIV/AIDS.
From Portland To Seattle To Fremont
Red Dress parties have existed for several decades, in private homes. In 2003, organizers in Portland moved the annual Red Dress Party into the mainstream with an incredible attendance record, and even more admirable ability to raise funds for HIV/AIDS organizations. After traveling down to Portland for the party each year, Seattlite Sam Galano borrowed the idea and built his own here in 2008.
Seattle Red Dress has a “more lighthearted, more elegant,” feel than Portland, according to John Fulton who has helped organize the parties since the first. In 2010, they moved the party to Fremont Studios, which gave it an even more upscale and classy atmosphere, Fulton observed. Also, he exclaimed, “They are so generous! They are one of our biggest sponsors.”
The Studios has even been able to accommodate a serious date change. The party had been held, in previous years, the week after Halloween. Then, in 2011, they heard that Deborah Cox – a multi-platinum selling, multi-talented performer – would be available, but only in early 2012. “She’s a very big supporter of the cause,” Fulton explained, “and a popular musician in the gay clubs.”
Added to that, attendees had mentioned that the early November date made the event feel like a Halloween costume party. The organizers looked at the calendar and, “we were able to place it at a time when very little else is going on,” Fulton explained. Besides, the weekend after Valentine’s Day attendees can more easily find a red dress. So the party moved, to February 18th this year, and the Fremont Studios has already penciled the Seattle Red Dress for February 16, 2013.
Many Hands Make Light Work But A Few Hands…Make A Seattle Red Dress
This celebration has far surpassed a house party. In the first year, 450 people attended. Fulton estimated that 1,000 tickets were sold in 2010, and this year (at a capacity of 1,200 in the Fremont Studios) this year the Seattle Red Dress could sell out.
Yet, surprisingly, for a party of this size, “there are only four guys doing this,” Fulton admitted, and he’s one of them. Four unpaid volunteers organize all the sponsors, beneficiaries and entertainment for a simple reason, Fulton explained, “we’re all very devoted to the cause.”
Galano tends to the logistics, contracts and bartenders for the party, while Fulton takes care of marketing and design. Robert Matencio and Brian Gorr stepped onto the Steering Committee in the last two years, and “it’s great to have those public faces on our team,” Fulton said. A local DJ, Gorr has great connections in the music industry, and has been able to line up quality music. Matencio also brings a quality act – Gaysha Starr, as hostess/emcee for the party. He has also, Fulton explained, helped line up a lot of the all-important sponsors.
Still, they could use some help. “It is getting to the point where it is getting beyond our ability,” he admitted, “it’s a lot of work for just four people.” He keeps working at it for two reasons, “I’ve always wanted to give back to my community,” he said, and “I love throwing the event!”
All Focus On Support & Solidarity
All the festivities – no matter how outlandish, popular and fun – support a single cause, and show solidarity with those who have, work with or love someone with AIDS/HIV.
Each year “we always try to be as diverse with our beneficiaries as possible,” Fulton explained. While Seattle Red Dress always raises money for organizations that fight HIV/AIDS, the organizers look for agencies that address different aspects of a disease that can infect every part of a person’s life.
For 2012, the four beneficiaries are:
Lifelong AIDS Alliance formed from a merger, in 2001, between the Chicken Soup Brigade and the Northwest AIDS Foundation. They focus on preventing the spread of HIV (by distributing condoms and safer-sex messages,) providing practical support services (including providing health insurance,) and advocating – at the local, state and federal levels – for those whose lives are affected by the disease.
Rise N’ Shine provides emotional support, stability and advocacy for children and teens. These children have been orphaned by the disease, live with parents with HIV/AIDS, and can be infected themselves. Rise N’ Shine programs include summer camps, a holiday party, mentoring and emotional support groups.
Gay City focuses on promoting the comprehensive health – physical, mental, social, political, and spiritual – of all gay, bi, and transgendered men in Seattle. A multi-cultural health organization, Gay City is the leading provider of HIV and STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) testing in King County.
“It is a disease that affects everything,” Fulton observed – every age group and every part of a life. Treatment is available, but still no cure sits on the horizon. The Seattle Red Dress party not only raises money for who fight this disease, daily, but also awareness of the need of all of us to support them.
So go, have a good time for a good cause – but get your tickets today! “The VIP tickets will most likely sell out,” Fulton observed. In advance, buy a VIP ticket for $100. At the door, they will cost $120 – if any remain. General admission tickets will be $40, in advance through Brown Paper Ticket, but at the door they go for $60. With VIPs limited to a fixed number, Fulton said that they will do their best to get everyone in, as general admission, that comes to the door – but he can’t guarantee it.
As for anyone who might show up without a red dress on, well, let’s see, Red Door Ale House will probably let you in that night, but the Fremont Studios won’t.
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©2012 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.