My good friend (of over 12 years) Jay “Mrs. Beasley,” had a family emergency and had to leave immediately for NY and will return in a few weeks or so. In his absence he asked me to write an article to wrap up his party. I am honored that Jay trusts me and I hope I do my friend proud!
On Monday, August 24th Jim Kolkana and Victor Zepka (owners of the Boardwalk) threw a party in their magnificent high in the sky penthouse for Mrs. Beasley’s 70th birthday and to celebrate 25 years of his column. Well let me tell you, it was a veritable who’s who in the South Florida gay and gay friendly community with over 340 guests attending this fabulous soiree. The food was catered by the team at Beefcakes conducted by their fearless leader Vicky Bennett.
Seen there were: Jackson, Mark, Ron, Jeff, Miss Kitty, Omar, Michael, Vincent, Don and VJ Gary Nolan(Alibi/Bills), Sean, Uncle Al, AJ And Matt (Johnny’s/Club 11), Paul Hugo (The Manors), Toni Barrone, Rain and Michael (Sea Monster), Pooch (Scandals), Tracy and Dave (Voodoo Lounge), Rose of Boca, Zack, Steve and Bear Man, (Ramrod), Photographers Pompano Bill, Michael Murphy, JR David, and Dennis Dean, Richard Gray, Jim, Michael, David and Mark (Depot), John and Joey (Bottoms & Tops), Norm Kent, Electra and hubby Terry, Tiny Tina, Cathy Craig, Tifanny Arieagus, Krystal, Father Bill (Poverello), Gregg Bernard, interior designer Michael Beamish who provided the entertainment as a gift for Mrs. Beasley, Orson and company, Mickey Havens who sang “My Way ” as a tribute to Beasley, the gorgeous Joanne Rand, Michaele Rand and Mike. Jerry and John “Mary” Lyons (Mona’s), Hotspots Staff (Myself, Mike Trottier, and hubby Javier, Rick Murray and hubby Micah, Jim Albright, Bobby Neal Furedi hung up with valet in the garage), Annie, Eddie O’Reilly, Ejean and Barbra Brice (Twist), Doctor Don, Mark and Stephen (Markslist), Jack Scalisi and hubby Luis, sexy bartenders Carlos and Sean, the staff including Sidney, Renaldo and hundreds more!
I spoke to Beasley on the phone the next day and he said to me “I sincerely thank each and every one of my friends for showing up and also for all the fantastic gifts I received.” The party was a huge success, and no one wrapped it up better the Electra who said, “It was the best, largest, most intimate gathering I have ever been to.”
