Where are the women in the Castro? On Thursday, March 24, they joined with members of the LGBTQ community and allies for a memorable evening that raised just short of $10,000 for the Rainbow World Fund’s emergency fund supporting LGBTQ nonprofits in Ukraine: Fulcrum, one of the largest LGBTQ+ human rights organizations in Ukraine; Insight, which has been helping transgender people in Ukraine for a decade; and LGBTQ Association LIGA, Ukraine’s oldest LGBTQ+ organization.
Emcee Donna Sachet and her close activist colleague Gary Virginia led the live auction that included unique items such as a logo belt buckle and bottle of Nasty Woman Wine provided by Dykes on Bikesâ (the wine sports DOB President Kate Brown on the label!); a framed artwork depicting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his key event organizer Bayard Rustin, contributed by the Bayard Rustin Coalition; decorative bottles of sparkling wine produced in Ukraine shortly before the war broke out; a selection of beers produced in Ukraine; and beautiful boxes of chocolates and other sweets from the now war-torn nation.
San Francisco Bay Times volunteer coordinator Juan Davila and his associate Miguel Vázquez sold raffle tickets and “egg prizes,” and donations were collected by Sister Chola and Novice Morticia of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Rainbow World Fund’s Jeff Cotter explained the organization’s global projects and introduced special guests Leo Volobrynskyy and Polina Krasnova, who shared thoughts about their Ukrainian heritage, how their families and friends in Ukraine have been impacted, and gratitude for support from all attending.
For a complete list of those who contributed items for the “Standing with Ukraine” fundraising activities at Divas & Drinks @ The Academy, please see page 14.
The evening culminated with the Divas & Drinks Name That Tune contest with DJ Rockaway, presented by Olivia, and Donna Sachet. Competing teams included the returning champions Team Village People with captain Amy Myers and Lou Fischer, and challengers Team GGBA with captain Dr. Krystal Drwencke and BRIO’s Pamela Schmitz. Team GGBA prevailed and will return as champions competing at the next event.
Mark your calendars for when Divas & Drinks returns this month on Thursday, April 28, for a Celebration of the Birthdays of San Francisco Bay Times columnist (and much more!) Donna Sachet and Co-Publisher/Editor and “Betty’s List” Founder Dr. Betty Sullivan. To register, go to The Academy’s event page: https://tinyurl.com/yckmt499
The San Francisco Bay Times wishes to thank Divas & Drinks co-producer The Academy and our ongoing sponsors: Bacardi, Olivia Travel, Extreme Pizza, and the San Francisco Federal Credit Union.
We are very grateful to every person, business, and organization that contributed items and services as prizes for the fundraising activities in support of Ukrainian LGBTQ people needing help. A special thanks to the Rainbow World Fund (RWF) and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for helping to gather funds and make sure they reach those in need. RWF’s LGBTQ+ Ukraine Emergency Fund: https://www.rainbowfund.org/
Published on April 7, 2022
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