While the weather lately is as far from South American as possible, a local event is looking to transport guests south of the border.
Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus is staging its fourth-annual Fall Ball masquerade fundraiser Oct. 17 at Loews Hotel, 1200 Market St. This year’s theme is “Carnaval.”
The event is the organization’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the staging of its concerts and outreach efforts.
“This is our fourth year doing the Fall Ball and it has been an amazing success every year, I’m happy to say,” said PGMC vice president and fundraising events chair Paul Fontaine, noting that the event recently won PGN’s readers-choice Best of LGBT Philly award for LGBT Fundraiser. “I think that speaks to where we’re at after only four years. Each year we’re raised more than the year before.”
Fontaine noted that Fall Ball has a different format than some other LGBT fundraising events.
“We don’t give out awards or have speakers, which can sometimes get a little boring,” he said. “It’s all about having fun.”
To that end, organizers decided on the “Carnaval” theme to bring a taste of Rio de Janeiro to Philly.
“We’re really going haywire with the Carnaval theme. The Summer Olympics will be in Rio next year, so that’s one of the hottest areas right now, and anyone who’s been there knows it’s sexy and exciting — and we’re hoping to bring that feel to Fall Ball this year,” Fontaine said. “We’ll have Brazillian drummers, Sambda dancers, a loungey-type duet in the main event. It’s all going to be built around this fun, exciting Rio feel.”
Guests will also be able to bid on auction items and partake in the open bar and myriad food options.
“There’s something for everyone,” Fontaine said.
This year’s event will also be bolstered by increased community and business support.
“We have increased our sponsorships this year by almost double, which is amazing,” Fontaine said. “Sponsorships are led by Geno’s Steaks and places like the Tavern Group stepped up and increased their sponsorships, as did TD Bank. So we’re really appreciative for the support.”
To purchase tickets, visit pgmc.org.