Spring Fundraising

Spring time hasn't even fully started yet, and my inbox is already full of invites!

Tis the time for fundraising, shopping for summer looks, cocktailing, and of course as I mentioned in my last column getting those dusty winter bodies in shape for summer pool parties, yachting, and outdoor fests.

Speaking of shopping for summer looks, my friend Enzo Battaglia invited me out to his boutique for an exclusive, private viewing of his upcoming line. Enzo is such a stylish guy. He use to own a boutique on the Gold Coast but since moved it to the trendy Lincoln Park area, 1718 N. Clybourn. His boutique is popular among the Gold Coast crowd and has been featured in CS Magazine. I must say that I was impressed with Enzo's line. His boutique should be a definite stop for all your shoe fetishes. He even let me try on some of the clothes that his boutique carries. My personal favorite was a navy blue double zip track jacket; perfect for lunch with friends or going out for the weekend.

Jerry Azumah's people, former Bears' player, invited me to a private performance of an upcoming new artist, Yashi, at Pops For Champagne. I'm always on the search for great new music to put in my Ipod and as an avid fan of Pops For Champagne, I just had to go. My friends and I put on our best champagne toasting outfits, well water for me since I gave up alcohol for Lent, and sat back to enjoy Yashi's voice. Yashi looked beautiful in a flirty black sequence cocktail dress. She has an edgy soulful voice that hints to an RnB background. All in all….another great excuse to go to one of my favorite places and enjoy good music.

My new family, ChicagoPride.com, invited me to Chicago Takes Off at the Park West. Chicago Takes Off is an annual burlesque revue-style show where dancers donate their time, energy, and talent for a show that benefits TPAN. I must say out of all the charity functions I attend; this one is by the far the most colorful, fun, and sexiest one that raises money for a good cause. I never thought TV Land shows like the Brady Brunch and Batman and Robin could look so hot! Congrats to Rhett Lindsey of TPAN and the entire team who worked to put on such a fantastic show – great job!

Center On Halsted hosted its annual Oscar party at the Fairmont Hotel. This was actually the first time the Center held the annual fundraiser at a different location. In the past, the party was held at the Center. When my friend, Taryn Williams, and I first entered the room, all we had to say was wow. Center on Halsted literally rolled out the red carpet for guests. I've never been to the Oscars, but I felt like I was there with a life-size flat screen streaming the awards show, topless firemen taking raffle tickets for donations and delicious food. I got to meet Tico in person, executive director for the Center on Halsted. He's as gracious in person as he is on the phone.

I also finally got to meet Craig Hyland and his team who all sit on the associate board for the Center on Halsted. It was great to meet all of them in person since we're working on an upcoming project together, Professional Young Gays, which is slated to start this summer in June. I'm excited to work with all of them and a thumbs up to the Center for throwing such a fabulous event. I also have to thank Steve Starr for taking such great photos! They all came out great!

Well for now that's it from me, and I hope to see all your beautiful faces around town.