November 16, 2008
Good evening! Thanks for being a part of Triangle of Hope's 13th 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 13th 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 13th 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