CoH's On the Red Carpet Oscar Party

Standing in front of the Mini of Chicago step-and-repeat, with a live microphone and video feed to the venue space of the Park West, I was a nervous wreck. Standing next to the lovely, and incomparable Precious Jewel, we were about to put Ryan and Giuliana to rest. Interviewing and welcoming almost every attendee of the sold out Center On Halsted "On the Red Carpet" Oscar's Party, Precious and I threw sass and whit into the typical red carpet questionnaire. Taking cue from the experienced talents of Precious, I had to pretend that every major Chicago LGBT community member was watching me from the other room, and constantly remind myself that the Kardashians should be everyone's style inspiration, and that Brad Pitt was nominated for his money balls. Needless to say, we werked it out.

The event was set up with three large viewing monitors, and dozens of other television sets filling the double story space with every second of Oscars' glory. With hors d'oeuvre being served, a silent auction, and private viewing tables set up for each guest, the Center's Jacob Kosier, Director of Special Events & Volunteers, really out did himself. The evening seemed to go off without a hitch, raising an incredible $70,000 through ticket sales, silent auction, raffle, and corporate sponsorship all to support the Center on Halsted's continuing programs and services.

Finding my table with my date for the evening, we settled in for the show, watching the Oscar's and watching Precious Jewel successfully complete four outfit changes! With plenty of glitz, glamour, and celebrity (and I do mean myself and Precious), the charity party made for an unforgettable experience. I was honored, once again, to be part of an event like this, especially since I was able to use my eye for fashion and my awkward humor in support of such a worthy cause. Not to mention, I looked damn good doing it.

You can still make a donation to Center on Halsted at www.centeronhalsted.com

Related: View photos from On the Red Carpet