Sanctuary Second Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, September 20
It’s festive, it’s fun, and it’s raising money for a good cause. That can only mean one thing: the return of Julian’s Reverse Quinceañera! This fundraiser, returning for a third year, with ticket sales benefiting Sunshine Social Services, Inc. (SunServe), will present a new group of “damas” (ladies) on Saturday, September 20 at the Sanctuary Second Presbyterian Church (1400 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to a fabulous party, an auction will be held before the event, with the winners announced the night of the event, and the proceeds from the auction will benefit SunServe as well.
The “Reverse Quinceañera” first started in 2012 as organizer Julian Cavazos turned 51. The theme of the fundraiser came after inverting the digits of his age; at age 15, many Hispanic girls are presented as “women” to polite society. The event took on a humorous life of its own as men and women from the community were dolled up much like the young women are. Nine “damas” will participate in this year’s comedic spoof on a quince; the people presented this year are Lori Tanner, Ryan Schultz, Ross Carson, Alex Escobar, Scott Hanson, Deidra, Michael Norflett, Gene Broyles and Al Magdelano.
This year there is an interesting twist on the auction; you can bid for your favorite items at home, at work, or on the go, all online. If you visit the Reverse Quinceanera auction page at juliansrq.com/the-auction, you can see the various prizes on offer. Much like the website eBay, not only can you place bids on your favorite items, you can exercise the “buy it now” option for a higher donation. Examples of auction items available as of press time include a two-night stay at Palms Casino Resort, valued at $300; a gift certificate to YOLO restaurant valued at $100; a chiropractic exam and treatment valued at $415 and a diamond package from Dapur Asian Tapas and Lounge valued at $350.
Tickets are still available to purchase; they can be bought online by going to juliansrq.com. The requested attire for the evening is “Mexican fiesta!” Ticket prices are currently at $60 per person and can be bought in multiples of one, two, three or four. If you can’t attend the party but you’d like to donate to SunServe anyway, the option is available on the same page to place a donation of any amount you would like to give. As of press time, VIP tickets are sold out.
ABOUT SUNSERVE
Sunshine Social Services, Inc. (SunServe) is one of the oldest social service agencies in South Florida. According to SunServe, their mission is “recognizing that the entire LGBTQ community has the right to quality care, our mission is to provide critical life assistance and professional mental health services with an emphasis on economically disadvantaged, marginalized youth, and senior adults in the greater South Florida metropolitan area.” SunServe offers counseling and support groups for LGBT youth and for senior citizens. SunServe also operates the Noble A. McArtor Senior Day Care Center, which serves nearly three dozen senior citizens each week and allows families and caregivers time off to finish errands and tasks inside and outside the home.
Julian’s 3rd Annual Reverse Quinceañera, benefiting SunServe, is sponsored this year by Fast Printz, Metro Media Works, Rumors and Village Pub. For more information about the event and for ticket and auction inquiries, call 954-764-5150. Get immediate updates on facebook by “liking” the event page at facebook.com/juliansannualreversequinceanerapageant.
