A local organization that captures the unique stories of LGBT individuals all around the world recently celebrated its sixth anniversary, and is bringing back its boozy brunch fundraiser at the John C. Anderson Apartments.
The I’m From Driftwood second-annual Spring Brunch Fundraiser will take place noon-3:30 p.m. April 11 at the JCAA courtyard, 249 S. 13th St.
The brunch will feature a buffet, open bar of mimosas and Bloody Marys with Tito’s Vodka, strawberry champagne mojitos from El Dorado Rum and Narragansett beer. The event will also include live music by jazz band Tal Shtuhl Trio, raffles, silent auctions and free entry to the Stonewall Sports pub crawl.
“I’m From Driftwood is all about the connections that are made when we share our stories. Guests at our events don’t wear nametags, but stickers that say ‘I’m From’ and they fill in the blank,” said Marquise Lee, IFD board member and video producer. “It’s amazing to see the conversations that get started from those stickers, to hear people exchanging their personal histories, especially in a city with as rich a history as Philly’s.”
The fundraiser is part of IFD’s annual goal to raise approximately $25,000 to match a grant by the Palette Fund. Last year, the organization raised $7,000 at the brunch, well above its target of $5,000. About 140 people were in attendance at what was the first event held in the JCAA courtyard.
“We are absolutely hoping to attract the same sort of crowd this year,“ said Lee. “This brunch fundraiser enables us to keep up our mission of collecting and sharing first-person LGBT stories from around the world, as well as archiving them.”
The event is also produced in partnership with William Way LGBT Community Center, which will have a preview of the special Annual Reminder Days anniversary exhibition on display.
“Philly is so rich in its history, especially around the Annual Reminder Days,” Lee said. “We are hoping to capture the original members of the Reminder Days at the brunch, then be able to release [the films] during the anniversary celebration.”
Lee noted that admission to this year’s event for JCAA residents would be covered by the Temple LGBT Alumni Society, the Jack Barry Group and individual gifts from Michael Pomante and Michael Anthony.
Tickets are $75 in advance at imfromdriftwood.com/brunch through 5 p.m. April 10, or $100 at the door. VIP tickets are $125 and include gift items from El Dorado Rum and Pig Iron Theatre Company. Ticketholders also receive free entry to the Stonewall Sports pub crawl happening until 6 p.m. that day at various Gayborhood bars.