Drag and variety show nets $3,170 toward an Alaska vet's home

[Blue_In_AK]

From Bent Alaska http://www.bentalaska.com/2011/08/drag-and-variety-show-nets-3170-toward-an-alaska-vets-home/

A fundraiser comprising drag queens and LGBT youth at Mad Myrna’s in Anchorage on Saturday night netted over $3K+ for a severely wounded Alaska veteran to help build him a handi-capable/handi-accessible home.

Event organizer Caleb Pritt was pleased with the result.

“I am simply overwhelmed with the generosity and compassion so many showed last night,” said Pritt. “Too often, in society we see the military and veterans on one side of the political spectrum while on the other you have female impersonators and LGBT youth and activists. This is encouraging to me to see these two communities come together and raise money for a worthy cause.”

<snip>

The benefit was held on behalf of Chugiak native Sgt. Latseen Benson. More about the fundraising effort for Benson can be found Homes for Our Troops: Latseen Benson. (Donations towards Benson’s home can also be make there.) Benson is the son of 2006 Democratic nominee for U.S. Congress and 2010 Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor, Diane Benson.

“I am so thankful to Jeff Wood and the entire staff of Mad Myrna’s, the members of the Imperial Court of All Alaska who assisted in this effort, Grant Aviation, Village Inn, and so many more businesses and individuals who gave of their time, their talents, their auction items and raised money for a great cause,” said Pritt. “A group of drag queens and LGBT Youth raising money for a severely wounded veteran is something even Hollywood wouldn’t think up, but it shows how united Alaskans can be in a good cause. I hope our example spreads across this country and is a way to unite, rather than divide communities.”

Pritt said he hopes to make this an annual event.

This was a really, really fun event. I've posted some photos at my website here: http://northernvisions.smugmug.com/Events/Homes-for-Our-Troops-Mad/18569316_mph2zn#1434133390_XTNVxTh





Do yourself a favor and watch the YouTube posted at the article link. It's local radio personality and auctioneer Cary Carrigan in drag lip-synching "I Will Survive." That alone was worth the price of admission. :)

[xchrom]

1. Drag Queens Rule! Nt

[Skittles]

2. those ladies are lovely!

:D

[joeybee12]

3. knr

[Warpy]

4. I love drag shows and drag queens, in general.

I knew where they went for breakfast on Sunday morning after a wild Saturday night in Boston, so of course I was there every week. It was a greasy spoon and the food sucked, but the floor show was fabulous!

They only time I see anybody in drag here in NM is on Halloween.