Traverse Arts Project

There’s nothing like a red carpet event and there’s no other annual event that commands a red carpet more that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ 81st Oscar Night, 8 p.m., February 22.

Our own gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community of the Philadelphia region will celebrate a brand new glamorous event with “The Red Carpet Party,” a “friend raiser” and benefit for Traverse Arts Project and its new Philadelphia GLBT Artists Festival to be launched, May 28-June 1.

So, in 2009, let the party begin!  That’s the attitude that host Desiree Hines (and Festival Coordinator of Philadelphia GLBT Artists Festival) has about the spectacular event that she has been planning with her troop of volunteers. First, she landed the central, upscale location, The Ethical Society Building in Rittenhouse Square. Next, she started soliciting sponsors like Specialty Group, LLC, and Rain Vodka.

Not surprisingly, her enthusiasm, dedication and passion are catchy; she next got City Paper to sign on as a media sponsor. Soon she had Franzia Wines, QUEERtimes, BUCKmonkey (yours truly) and ZipCar as more sponsors. As of this writing, she’s certain (and confident and determined enough) to have added even more sponsors to the benefit evening of glitz, glamour and celebrity (“We’re all stars,” she proclaims.)

For catering, Hines has obtained executive chef Amanda MacWilliams, former Grill Chef at the former Striped Bass Restaurant who created a lavish gourmet buffet. “The food, well, it’ll be amazing with the menu that MacWilliams is creating for the gala evening,” Hines said.

The evening’s festivities will include for all guests a Red Carpet interview at 7:45pm with Tony Lankford’s DOWNTOWN: The Actors Lounge and a personalized Red Carpet Photo produced by Lui Photography to take as a keepsake.

Following their Red Carpet time invited guests will join Traverse Arts Project in the Assembly Hall and Auditorium to enjoy viewing the awards ceremony while being treated to an open bar of Rain Vodka Cocktails, Franzia Wine, and Beer, a large selection of hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and entertainment by DJ K-Tell.

“We have the entire first and second floors, and one of the side rooms at the Ethical Society for this event. SO, we can actually get a good crowd of 200 to 300 guests,” she said.

Hines said that festive attire will be the order of the day, from Black Tie Formal to Blue Jeans Chic. “This will allow anyone with a great sense of style to feel welcomed to the party,” she encouraged, “Be creative and spread the joy and fun.”

During the evening, there will be a few “choice” door prizes to give away, including a deluxe salon gift package, worth of a few hundred dollars, and a hotel package of three days/two nights at the sponsor hotel, Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Center City.

For ticket deals, Hines is partnering with CityPaper and QUEERtimes about offering special offers such as buy two for $75 and single tickets at $40. Regular advance tickets costs $50 per person; $75 per person at the door.

Proceeds of the Red Carpet Party will benefit Philadelphia GLBT Artists Festival and the nonprofit Traverse Arts Project.

For information or ticket purchases, visit traversetheater.org/oscar.htm

(This event is not an officially sanctioned AMPAS event)