November 16, 2008

Good evening! Thanks for being a part of Triangle of Hope's 13^th Anniversary Ex-drag-a-ganza!

13 years after Triangle of Hope's inception, the outpouring of support from our community still amazes me. We have raised HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of dollars for individuals LIVING with HIV and AIDS. While Triangle of Hope has changed a lot in the last 13 years, one thing has not: every dollar raised at every one of our functions goes directly back to our benefactors. And in 13 years, we've had many, among them: Agape Home, Agape Dos, AIDS Care Partners, Aliveness Project, Camp Heartland, Clare House, Damiano House, District 202, Grace House, Grace House II, Hope House, MAP, Minnesota Men of Color, Park House, and Top Shelf.

As I mentioned, Triangle of Hope wouldn't be as successful as it is without the support of our community. You've attended our casino runs, casino nights, bingos, and of course, been a part of our shows (or as I like to call them now, our 'ex-drag-a-ganzas'). Every event has been a success; whether we've made thousands of dollars, or hundreds, it's always more than what we started with, and as the saying goes "every penny counts". There is no donation too great or too small for Triangle of Hope. You may remember a time when I used to perform my 'change number': performing an atrocious song, and inviting all of you to throw your pocket change at me (I seem to recall people rushing to the bartenders to buy ROLLS of quarters). What you don't realize, is even though it's fun and games (until someone, mainly me, gets their eye poked out), when I am done sweeping that dance floor, there is a very nice addition to our total. (Be sure to look for my 'change number' this evening, and get those pennies/nickels/dimes/quarters ready!)

It should go without saying that besides the community, one of the biggest elements to our success has been the dedication of the many giving and talented performers that have graced the Triangle of Hope stage. It's impossible to name them all, but my thanks especially go out to: Anastasia, Barbara Gordon, Dramatica, Esme' Rodriguez, Felicity St. James, and Ti-Nea'. It would be unfair to mention the performers without tipping my crown to the 'behind the scenes' folks, the volunteers: Diva, Folke, Gary, Miss Julie, and Richard. And of course, I could never forget my partner in Triangle of Hope crime: the Lady Victoria. My thanks and love go out to all of you, and for those that don't see their name in ink, it doesn't mean you are not in my heart.

As I think about Triangle of Hope's 13^th Anniversary, I can't help but think of two people: Rachel Hunter and Alexander Galloway. It seems unfair that we can celebrate and carry on with two of our very own missing from the fold. It's very easy to say that 'although they are gone, they aren't forgotten', which is true, but they should be here with us, enjoying the success that they helped create. I encourage you tonight to speak their names, tell their stories, for it's through all of us that they will live forever. (I must tell you: I sent a mass email announcing our show and saw that Beth's name and email address were still in 'my contacts'. I included her too: I don't know where that email went, but I hope she got it and is sitting with Ronnie, watching us tonight.)

Lastly, as we celebrate and raise money for Clare Housing, I have a challenge for you: in honor of our 13^th Anniversary, I am hoping you'll consider donating $13.00 to our benefit this evening. What is $13.00 anyway? A quarter tank of gas? One lunch out? Think of what we can do if 10 of you donate $13.00…or 20 of you donate…Have fun tonight, and thanks for 13 LUCKY years. :0)

With love, hugs, and drag queen kisses,

Mary Brewster, Show Director

Summer's here and the time is right, for........touching base with all of you. Pride is right around the corner, and I know we're all excited that the sun is finally here! It makes it tough to see all of you, but I just want you to know we're still around. I don't have an exact date for the next show, but as soon as I can get something together, I will be sure to let everyone know.

Recently, Diva and I attended a BBQ at Agape House, held in honor of all of the things that TOH has done for Clare Housing in the past 10+ years. I was very touched by all the wonderful things that the staff had to say about Triangle of Hope; it's nice to feel appreciated. It was especially moving to see a great turnout by the residents. I have to be honest, I guess I never knew exactly 'who' we were helping, it's nice to now be able to put a 'face' to Clare Housing. It makes me even more motivated to raise funds for them.  It truly was a spectacular day. I enjoyed chatting with everyone, taking a tour of the house, sitting on the furniture that TOH helped purchase, and further connecting our bonds that tie. I wanted to share with you a beautiful thank you card I received:

To All of Our Steadfast Friends in the Triangle of Hope-

We are all so grateful for your generosity of talent, time, and love that you have given to us over the years. I have worked at the Grace Houses for almost 17 years and your attachement to us is very unique! I want to personally thank all of you.

Love,
N.W.

If that isn't worth wearing 3 inches of makeup, I don't know what is. :0)

Happy Summer!

xoxo

Mary Brewster

My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone that made Triangle of Hope's Memorial Day Weekend ex-drag-a-ganza at the Main Club a success! By the end of the night, we raised over $800.00 for the Duluth and Superior HIV and AIDS community!

Special thanks go out to the performers: Felicity, Barbara, Ti-Nea', Roxxanne, Paige and Princess! You rock, my sisters! Thank you!

Extra special thanks to: Bob, Chuck, and Mike from the Main for making us always feel so welcome, Princess for making us sound so good, Diva and Tony for all of your hard work selling 50/50's and counting cash, D.J. for the great pictures, and a special *shout out* to Dan from J.T.'s for the $50.00 donation! *muah*

We all had a 'superior' time, and look forward to next year!

Love, hugs, and drag queen kisses,

Mary Brewster

Hi y'all............
 
In the 12+ years that I have been performing, I have gotten to know and gotten to work with many wonderful and talented entertainers. Stewart Olerich is one of those entertainers. Many of you know Stewart from around the Cities from his karaoke gigs, or you've probably seen him at the Townhouse performing with DiscFunktion. By now, you may have heard that Stewart was hospitalized with bacterial meningitis, resulting in the loss of his hearing. I think Stewart is a very talented individual, young and vibrant, and I am certain that this is only a minor 'setback' in his career and in his life. 
 
Stewart's friends and family, along with the members of Triangle of Hope, will be putting a fundraiser together for Stewart. As you can imagine, the financial burden along with the emotional aspects of losing your hearing, is tremendous. This community has never ceased to amaze me; in large numbers, we can do wonders. Oftentime, we come together when it's too late. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to do something when it matters most.
 
With that being said, I invite you all down to the Townhouse on Sunday, April 6th, from 3pm until 7pm, to 'celebrate' Stewart. Mother Pearl and her bingo will start out the afternoon, to be followed by perfomances by the cream of the crop of the Twin Cities: Ti-Nea', Mia Dorr, Barbara Gordon, Loring Mitchell, Felicity St. James and Total DiscTraction. Of course, there will be a few 'celebrity guests' *wink* and other special entertainers as well. 
 
I hope to see you all April 6th!
 
Hugs and drag queen kisses,
 
Mary Brewster
 
Oh one more thing! We are on the lookout for donations. If you've got something in mind that you'd like to donate, please contact: BigBucks4Stewart@comcast.net, or as always, you can email triangleofhope@yahoo.com.
 
xoxo

Thanks to all that braved the cold yesterday and made Triangle fo Hope's "Love is on the Air" benefit for Clare Housing a HUGE success! At the end of the night, we were able to send "Mother Mary" home with a check for $1000.00! Damiano is going to have a beautiful bathroom!

Special thanks go out to:

The board of TOH (Gary, Folke and Richard)...with help from Diva and Miss J
Holly and Barry and the staff @ the Townhouse
DJ Alec (for making us sound so wonderful!)
The performers! : Lady Victoria, Barbara Gordon, Dramatica, Esme' Rodriguez, Felicity St. James, Renee' Monroe and of course, the Clare Housing Playas!

Lastly, thanks, as always, goes out to those that support Triangle of Hope. We couldn't do it without you!

Love is in the air, indeed!

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo

Mary Brewster

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all that helped support Triangle of Hope during our 12th Anniversary celebration at the Townhouse this past Sunday!

An ex-drag-a-ganza was promised and the 'kings and queens' came through! Over $1400.00 was raised for Clare Housing! Woo-hoo!

Hugs to: Holly and Barry, Folke, Richard, DJ Tony, Lady Victoria, Ti-Nea', Dramatica, Monica West, Felecity Saint James, Agusta Wind, April Maye, Lady Katie, and our special guests, the Clare Housing Players!

That night was very special to me: it's amazing that Triangle of Hope still has an impact on the 'community', 12 years after our inception. I had the opportunity to speak with a few of the Clare Housing Players after the show, and our hard work and dedication is so very much appreciated. The stories they shared brought tears to my eyes: we REALLY do make a difference.

Thanks again for a wonderful 12 years: I look forward to at LEAST another 12.

xoxo

Mary Brewster

One more thing: don't forget to mark your calendars! November 11th, at the Townouse, Triangle of Hope will be hosting a benefit in honor of Alexander Galloway. This special show starts at 3pm, and will include the talents of: Esme' Rodriguez, Barbara Gordon, Lady Victoria, Felecity Saint James, Agusta Wind, April Maye, Ti-Nea' and 'other special guests'. Pre-thanks go out to Holly and Barry at the Townhouse, Rikki at Camp Bar, and Sean at Innuendo for their gift certificate donations. We're busy working on some great prizes, including a "Everything You Need for Thanksgiving" basket, and a "One Night in Saint Paul" basket. More information will follow: keep your eyes posted!

It's Triangle of Hope, baby!