Locals can participate in a tropical festival and play casino games while supporting a nonprofit organization, all without leaving Philadelphia.
The Kimpton Palomar Philadelphia will host the fifth-annual Glamsino Royale Feb. 23. The event benefits Action Wellness, a local organization dedicated to providing resources to people with chronic diseases, and features a new theme each year.
“It’s meant to be that Brazilian Carnaval theme: feathers, sequins and bright colors,” said Christina Paonessa, Area Public-Relations Coordinator for Kimpton, of this year’s theme. “[It is] giving everyone a break from winter and bringing them to a warm-weather state of mind.”
Kimpton’s top two floors will be transformed into the Carnaval theme where guests can participate in table games from Tumbling Dice. Each player will receive game chips, which they can exchange for raffle tickets for a silent auction featuring prizes from retailers, restaurants, theaters and hotels. Additionally, participants can purchase more chips at the event to receive more chances to win and, in turn, fundraise for Action Wellness.
DJ Sharyn Stone will spin party tunes while executive chef Bobby Surdam of Kimpton Square’s 1682 will provide Brazillian-inspired appetizers. Additionally, the ticket price includes beer from Yards Brewery, wine from E&J Gallo Winery and signature cocktails from Philadelphia Distilling.
Paonessa said last year’s event raised more than $15,000 for Action Wellness and she anticipates this event will sell out, like last year.
“It’s a fundraiser for Action Wellness but it really promotes acceptance within the community — especially support for the LGBT community,” Paonessa said. “We’re right down the street from the Gayborhood. We’re practically there, so we want to embrace that and LGBT acceptance.”
Additionally, Paonessa said the event is a good networking opportunity.
“We encourage people to dress up and get with the theme and you can support a really great organization and meet a lot of great new people,” Paonessa said.
Action Wellness Executive Director Kevin Burns said Glamsino Royale “goes a long way with raising awareness about HIV disease and about the services that [Action Wellness] offers.”
“It’s the perfect sort of combination of fun, networking and being with the community and also supporting a really good cause,” Burns said. “There aren’t very many events that are fun but also serve to support a good cause. We think this fits the bill perfectly.”
Prizes will include hotel stays in New York City, Washington, D.C., Boston, Miami and others to be announced. Silent-auction donors include:
- Sky Brunch at Top of the Tower
- Robert Lance Jewelers
- Andre Richard Salon
- AIDS Fund
- Electric Factory
- Cut Hair Salon
- The Wilma Theater
- The Arden Theatre
- Fogo de Chao
- Rescue Spa Philadelphia
- The Fillmore
- Three Queens Yoga
- Walnut Street Theatre
- One Liberty Observation Deck
- Act II Playhouse in Ambler
- Field House
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
Glamsino Royale: Carnaval will be held 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, 17 S. 17th St. Admission includes appetizers, beer, wine, signature cocktails and starting game chips. Visit www.actionwellness.org/join-us/special-events/glamsino-royale/ to purchase tickets.