The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) will set the stage for one of South Florida’s most glamorous nights on Saturday, November 1, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, GMCSF’s Amplified Sponsor for Season 16, with its signature fall fundraiser, The Chic & Unique Ball: Step Into Burlesque. This burlesque-inspired evening, presented by CAN Community Health, combines dazzling entertainment, high-energy fundraising, and community celebration, all in support of GMCSF’s mission to inspire audiences, open minds, change hearts, and affirm our common humanity—tickets with full event details at thechicanduniqueball.com.
This year’s Ball is chaired by Erick Eldridge, Director of Special Events for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and a member of the GMCSF Board of Directors. “This event is a shining example of what makes South Florida special — a diverse community that knows how to celebrate life and give back at the same time. Step Into Burlesque is about stepping boldly into our truth, supporting one another, and having a fabulous time while doing it,” said Eldridge, emphasizing the Ball’s spirit of confidence and inclusivity.
The evening will feature a special VIP reception featuring performances by GMCSF Artistic Director Gabe Salazar and award-winning singer-songwriter Matt Alber. The main dinner show will showcase the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, delivering a powerful and entertaining program that celebrates artistry and community. Guests will enjoy a red-carpet welcome, silent auction, open-bar cocktails, and a three-course dinner before an exhilarating live auction hosted by Whitney Dutton. The night concludes with a spectacular poolside after-party beneath the iconic Guitar Hotel, complete with cocktails, live entertainment, and the dazzling Guitar Light Show.
I have known Edward Otto Zielke, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, for many years, so I asked him about his thoughts on the ball, and he said “The Chic & Unique Ball is where artistry meets advocacy. Every performance, every note, and every smile in the room fuels our mission to inspire and affirm through music. This event showcases the remarkable resilience of South Florida’s LGBTQ+ community and the allies who stand in solidarity with us. “
This year’s Ball will also honor our community partners. The Bears of South Florida will receive the Douglas Jackson Pew Community Leadership Award, presented at the annual gala to individuals and organizations recognized as mission champions for the Chorus, strengthening communities and advancing GMCSF toward achieving its vision. When I asked BOSFL president Brock Boyd his thoughts on this honor, he said: “The Bears of South Florida are deeply honored to receive the Douglas Jackson Pew Community Leadership Award from the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. This recognition affirms the power of community, volunteerism, and collective generosity. GMCSF is not only a grantee of BOSFL but also a valued partner—we have proudly collaborated on events together that uplift and connect our community. To be recognized by an organization whose music inspires and strengthens South Florida’s LGBTQ+ community is both humbling and inspiring. This award belongs to every member, volunteer, donor, and supporter who helps us live out our mission of giving back.”
The second honor will be to CAN Community Health, their Diamond Sponsor as Mainstage Concert Series Sponsor and Annual Ball Presenter for Season 16, who will be presented with GMCSF’s Corporate Crescendo Award, given to corporate partners who are making a significant impact within the organization and the broader community. I spoke to my friend Kal Gajraj, PhD, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, at CAN Community Health about this honor, and he said: “We believe that just like in a chorus, every voice matters. When we come together, we create something powerful, a community united for a common purpose. Because when every voice is uplifted, our whole community grows stronger together, healthier, and more connected.”
VIP admission is $500 per person or $5,000 per table of ten. It includes the VIP reception, prime dinner seating, exclusive performances, luxury table gifts, premium open bar, and private cabana access at the after-party. Premium admission is $300 per person or $3,000 per table of ten and includes red carpet arrival, premium dinner seating, open bar, and access to the after-party. Guests will also have the chance to bid on spectacular live auction experiences, including a Panama to Belize luxury cruise for two donated by Brand g Vacations and an Iceland adventure for two donated by Impact Encounters Luxury Tours.
GMCSF’s new Board Chair, Kerry Waldee, shared, “The music, performances, and creativity on display will not only entertain but also remind everyone of the power of the arts to bring people together and uplift LGBTQ+ voices.” Proceeds from the evening directly support GMCSF’s performances and outreach programs, amplifying LGBTQ+ voices through music and community engagement.
For tickets and event information, visit thechicanduniqueball.com.
