Friday Night Excursion

The Miami Gay Lesbian Film Festival Volunteer Appreciation Party was held last Friday at the bay front home of Dr. Ward. Mr. S, Kendall and I started off by meeting at Halo for the new happy hour hosted by Edison Farrow. We ran into The Mrs Astor, Mr. S's bosses and some other friends. There were music and comedy videos playing on the walls. It was entertaining.

Afterwards, we went to the Party. I was expecting more than I got. The home was very nice and there was much art to admire. There was a great view of the bay and the evening ended with a quick fireworks display.

Okay, now my venting part. It was difficult to RSVP for the event because one was not told of the location in order to make that decision. After two e-mails I received the reply and confirmed our affirmative attendance. I was told they needed numbers for catering numbers. I then assumed there would be food served. The food, while we were there, pita, fruit, a type of hummus ..... basically a Vegan Fest. There was an open bar and that was okay (left overs from the festival).

The Party was to be an appreciation for the volunteers, but what I saw in attendance was mainly board members and other organizers of the MGLFF. Phillip, the volunteer organizer, was there and he is always cheerful and pleasant. He, besides Nellie, was the only one to approach us and make us feel at home and welcome. Carol Coombes was nice, but when it came time to make the welcome, intros, etc all there was was a "pat on the back" for the organizers, board members, patrons, etc and a quick mention of the volunteers. I was disappointed. Then, most of the attendees stayed to their "cliques" and did not mingle. We stayed for about an hour an a half of the three hour event and then departed.

We raided some goodie bags and then went to TWIST to finish the evening. We ended up running into some of the people that were at Halo earlier. Then, we headed back to my home for the weekend.

I will volunteer again next year for the MGLFF and might have bigger role in organizing, etc. I did speak to Phillip about the idea of those who know to mentor those who would like to "step up" their roles next year.

Enough for now, have a good week!!