Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Winter Party Festival 2011: Six High-Energy Days for a Good Cause

From the world renowned Beach Party to an Art Deco Walking Tour, the 2011 Winter Party Festival promises an array of events and activities as diverse as the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community itself.  One of the world’s largest and most anticipated events of the year, Winter Party Festival is expected to draw 10,000 revelers from around the world for more than 20 pulse-raising events, including several dance events with world-class DJs and entertainment.  Beyond the parties, Winter Party Festival features art and culture, shopping, cocktail receptions, tours and events exclusively for women, all dedicated to fundraising for local and national LGBT equality efforts.

Produced by
the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Winter Party Festival raises funds to build power, take action and create change for the LGBT community.  Two-thirds of the net proceeds generated from Winter Party Festival go to work locally through grants administered by the Miami Foundation (formerly the Dade Community Foundation), while the remaining one third goes to support The Task Force’s efforts nationally.  Since its inception in 1994, Winter Party Festival, along with The Task Force’s annual Recognition Dinner, has raised more than $2.2 million for LGBT organizations in South Florida.
 
“Miami Beach is, arguably, the world’s favorite playground,” said Chad Richter, chair of this year’s Winter Party Festival.  “With our stellar line-up of events, DJs and entertainers, this year’s Winter Party Festival will most definitely deliver and exceed the expectations of our guests.  But it’s also important not to lose sight of the reason behind why we’re all here to have a great time.  The proceeds from Winter Party Festival help continue The Task Force’s local and national fight for LGBT rights and equality.  Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about.”

In addition to the can’t-miss Beach Party on the sand along famed Ocean Drive, highlights of this year’s Winter Party Festival include the “Under One Sun Pool Party” on the Doubletree Surfcomber’s tropical pool deck as well as the debut of “Winter Party Matinee,” a partnership with one of Europe’s biggest dance parties.  Additional activities include a shopping adventure on the Lincoln Road pedestrian mall, a concert and reception featuring young musical artists from the Florida Grand Opera and four exciting events exclusively for Winter Party Festival’s women guests.
 
“With apologies to Mark Twain,” Richter said, “we want everyone to know that they’ll have the hottest winter of their life at Winter Party Festival.”

Tickets to Winter Party Festival 2011 are available individually or as part of discounted, multi-event passes.  For more information, to purchase tickets and passes, or to check out the complete schedule of events, visit www.winterparty.com.