Eat Your Heart Out Gives Back
The Heart Gallery continues to give back by helping foster children and the Eat Your Heart Out event benefits the organization every year. This is their 10th year.
By Rachel Galvin
A foodie-favorite, the Eat Your Heart Out event continues to bring in crowds year after year to The Galleria Mall. October 12 marked the 10th year for the event, which includes local restaurants and spirit purveyors. But it’s all for a great cause, The Heart Gallery of Broward County, which works closely with ChildNet and local foster care providers to seek adoptive families and other connections for foster children.
This year, the Heart Gallery honored Michael Goodman as their Child Advocate of the Year. He turned around and donated $5000 back to them. Also honored were photographer Michael Murphy and Galleria General Manager Mark Trouba (Sr. Marketing Manager Melissa Milroy was also noted on the plaque) for their efforts. Mayor Dean Trantalis also presented a proclamation.
The event was emceed by Eric Yutzy, the WPLG Local 10 morning news anchor. There was live music, a silent auction, a Dillard’s pop-up shop, raffle drawings and more.
Some of the new restaurants that were included were Bahama Breeze, Canyon, Funky Buddha, Gulf Stream Distillery, Red Chair Catering, Press and Grind Café, South Bar & Kitchen and YOT Bar & Kitchen. These were in addition to favorites like Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, Eddie V’s, The Capital Grille, Hellenic Republic, La Fuga, Lips Fort Lauderdale, Sicilian Oven, Stoli Vodka, Sweeter Days Bake Shop, The Todd’s and Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar.
Sponsors for the event included BBI, Hudson Family Foundation, Alaris Aerospace Systems, Advanced Roofing, Dunay, Miskal, Backman LLP, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Lago Mar Beach Resort, with additional support from Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Las Olas Capital Advisors LLC, RE Analysts, Stoli Group, Toothaker.org, Walter Duke + Partners, Galleria Fort Lauderdale and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Media sponsors were City & Shore, Fort Lauderdale Media Associates, Great Locations, OutClique and WPLG Local 10.
About Michael Goodman
A trailblazing entrepreneur, community advocate and philanthropist, Goodman is revered for his marketing expertise and outstanding contributions that have left a lasting impact on the community. His commitment to South Florida families includes serving as a board chair for Neighbors 4 Neighbors, the City of Wilton Manors Community Affairs Advisory Board and the City of Oakland Park School Advisory Board. Additionally, he is an honorary board member and past vice-chair of Art and Culture Center/Hollywood and a past board member of Arc Broward, Junior Achievement, Family Central and Gilda’s Club. Goodman’s outstanding contributions have earned him numerous accolades including the 2023 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Dreamer Award, the GFLCC 2023 Chair’s Award, the Leadership Broward Foundation Profiles in Leadership Award and more.
Skill & Flair on Focus at Bartender Shakedown & Mixology Matters Cocktail Competition
By Rachel Galvin
Creativity and flair were on display at the Bartenders Shakedown & Mixology Matters Cocktail Competition October 9-10 at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott. Bartenders came from around the world to participate and compete for about $10,000 in prizes. This two-day competition was competitive and engaging. When this reporter attended, on the 10th, they had a back and forth dynamic happening between a flair competition and a sustainability cocktail competition. The flair competition had three levels: Pro, Advanced and Amateur. Bartenders juggled bottles, flipped their tools and glasses and showed their stuff with style for great applause from the audience. The sustainability cocktail competition involved the bartender talking about the history behind their original craft cocktail using local farm to table, sustainable ingredients, and then showing how they made it for the judges to sample. There also were other competitions judging skills like accuracy and speed.
Contestants were whittled down to the winners. And the first-place winner in the pro competition will go on to represent the United States and the United States Bartenders’ Guild in the International Bartenders Association World Cocktail Championship in 2024, and the 2nd place will represent the United States and the United States Bartenders’ Guild in the International Bartenders Association Pan-American Games in 2024. The event also serves as the Flor de Cana Florida qualifier for 2023, with the overall 1st place winner in the Cocktail Competition representing our region in the Flor de Cana Sustainable Cocktail Challenge Finals in Nicaragua.
Some other awards that were slated to be given include categories like Most Accurate Bartender, Best Mixology Skills, People’s Choice Award, Most Honorable Bartender and more.
There also were samples of alcohol available for those in attendance and they could find out about different brands. In addition, the conference included interesting workshops on various topics that would educate everyone from the ambitious bartender to the cocktail enthusiast looking to up their own game.
To see scores, visit BSD_Flair_Finals_scores.jpg (1044×324) (bartendbetternow.com)
Here is a link to the website: Bartenders’ Shakedown 2023 – Flairbar.com (bartendbetternow.com)
Here are a few photos… Find more on www.facebook.com/letstalkmagazine
Ancestral Fashion Show: Bringing the spirit of Ghana to South Florida
By Rachel Galvin
Bold and bright, traditional and forward-thinking … that is the fashion of Ghana, and it was brought into focus in an intimate fashion show held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The show took place in an outdoor venue called Jazzy’s Hideaway. The event brought in fashionistas and influencers who soaked in the cultural infusion as model after model showcased the fashions. It was all made possible by show curator Karen Hendrickson, who brought the one-of-a-kind fashions from Ghana designers. She included both men’s and women’s styles, from casual to haute couture. She explained at length the significance of each type of fashion.
Guests could have some ethnic food or grab a drink and chat with others while Hendrickson and a few others were interviewed by the media. Hendrickson explained that her main job is not actually in fashion, but rather she is the CEO of a health company called Rabito Clinic and the founder of Visual Orator. But fashion is her passion. She also enjoys gardening, so Jazzy’s Hideaway with its beautiful trees was a perfect way to incorporate nature into the show.
“I love fashion,” said Hendrickson. “I love showcasing people who don’t have an opportunity or platform.”
The show included eight models, each with six outfits. She included people of all body types.
“I wanted to drive home to people a mental vision that Africa is not what they are thinking by showing different types of clothing. Fashion is such a great medium,” she said.
Kimberly Douglas and the FLOW Film Festival helped to connect Hendrickson and her husband, Prince Richard, with the owner of Jazzy’s Hideaway. The festival’s awards were presented at the venue. Prince Richard was a producer of a film in the festival called “Sodom & Gomorrah.”
Hendrickson will continue to be involved in fashion in the Bahamas and Ghana, and may even return to South Florida.
For more information on her visual orator, visit www.karenhendrickson.me.
Find Jazzy’s Hideaway on Facebook and find out more about the FLOW Film Festival at www.flowffm.org.
See more photos on the Let’s Talk Magazine Facebook page soon.
Eat Your Heart Out at Galleria Mall
Photo Credit: Michael Murphy Photography
By Rachel Galvin
Foodies, mark your calendars for October 12, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for the upcoming “Eat Your Heart Out” event at Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale, 2414 E. Sunrise Blvd. This is the 10th anniversary of the fun-raiser and, as usual, will feature gourmet creations, fresh libations and live entertainment. Catabella Music will be this year’s band. They usually offer up a bit of everything from Latin Music to retro hits. Host Eric Yutzy, WPLG Local 10 morning news anchor, will keep the party going as people mix and mingle. The evening will also feature a Dillard’s pop-up shop, a silent auction and raffle drawings for a chance to win valuable prizes, including a weekend getaway for two at the luxurious Beachcomber Resort & Club in Pompano Beach.
The event benefits Heart Gallery of Broward County, an esteemed nonprofit organization dedicated to finding loving families for foster youth facing placement challenges. Michael Goodman, founder of GPR | Goodman Public Relations, will be honored as Heart Gallery of Broward County’s Child Advocate of the Year during the signature event.
This year, there will be new restaurants into the mix, including Bahama Breeze, Canyon, Funky Buddha, Gulf Stream Distillery, Red Chair Catering, Press and Grind Café, South Bar & Kitchen and YOT Bar & Kitchen. These selections join previously announced fine food and wine favorites Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, Eddie V’s, The Capital Grille, Hellenic Republic, La Fuga, Lips Fort Lauderdale, Sicilian Oven, Stoli Vodka, Sweeter Days Bake Shop, The Todd’s and Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar. More restaurants will continue to be announced.
“We are thrilled to get the party started for this year’s ‘Eat Your Heart Out,’ which celebrates our 10th anniversary of the popular event and showcases the very best in food and beverage offerings,” said Dr. Mary Kinirons, executive director of Heart Gallery of Broward County.
The 10th anniversary edition of “Eat Your Heart Out” is sponsored by BBI, Hudson Family Foundation, Alaris Aerospace Systems, Advanced Roofing, Dunay, Miskal, Backman LLP, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Lago Mar Beach Resort, with additional support from Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Las Olas Capital Advisors LLC, RE Analysts, Stoli Group, Toothaker.org, Walter Duke + Partners, Galleria Fort Lauderdale and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Media sponsors are City & Shore, Fort Lauderdale Media Associates, Great Locations, OutClique and WPLG Local 10.
About Heart Gallery
Heart Gallery of Broward County launched in 2007 as a traveling photography exhibit of foster youth who were waiting to be permanently adopted and has evolved to work closely with ChildNet and local foster care providers to seek adoptive families and other connections for these children. Now in its 10th year, this event, the largest and most successful fundraiser that the organization hosts, benefits not only the children, family and partner organizations it serves, but the whole community.
About Michael Goodman
The event includes a special presentation to Michael Goodman, founder of GPR | Goodman Public Relations, named this year’s Child Advocate of the Year. A trailblazing entrepreneur, community advocate and philanthropist, Goodman is revered for his marketing expertise and outstanding contributions that have left a lasting impact on the community. His commitment to South Florida families includes serving as a board chair for Neighbors 4 Neighbors, the City of Wilton Manors Community Affairs Advisory Board and the City of Oakland Park School Advisory Board. Additionally, he is an honorary board member and past vice-chair of Art and Culture Center/Hollywood and a past board member of Arc Broward, Junior Achievement, Family Central and Gilda’s Club. Goodman’s outstanding contributions have earned him numerous accolades including the 2023 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Dreamer Award, the GFLCC 2023 Chair’s Award, the Leadership Broward Foundation Profiles in Leadership Award and more.
Tickets are on sale, now, at https://bit.ly/EYHO2023. Early bird tickets are $100 per person through August 30. Tickets are $150 per person. Complimentary valet parking is included. For sponsor opportunities or more details, call 954-918-3008 or email mary@heartgalleryofbroward.org.
Disney Treasure Unveiled
By Rachel Galvin
Disney Cruise Line has unveiled their newest ship, The Disney Treasure, which will set sail on December 21, 2024 from Port Canaveral, Florida. This is the sister ship to the Disney Wish that launched in 2022. The Disney Treasure is the perfect ship for Disney lovers and families as they adventure on the high seas.
The design is based on beloved Disney characters and movies, from the Grand Hall, looking much like Agrabah from “Aladdin,” to the Plaza de Coco restaurant reminiscent of the movie “Coco” and beyond. Guests can venture 20,000 leagues under the sea at Periscope Pub, venture into the Skipper Society, inspired by The Jungle Cruise, or unite with fellow adventurers at Worlds of Marvel. They can watch classic Disney films at Wonderland and Neverland Cinemas, or catch a play based on Disney films at the Walt Disney Theatre.
Adults can kick back at the Quiet Cove with its pool and lounge or at the Senses spa while kids enjoy the Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck filled with nautical adventures inside or go outside to the Toy Story Splash Zone, or Aquamouse: The Curse of the Golden Egg, which includes animated shorts and 760 feet of winding tubes that kids can be propelled through down to the pool below. There are actually seven pools to enjoy.
If kids really want to discover and explore, they can visit Disney’s Oceaneer Club or get creative at the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab. They can go to a galaxy far, far away and explore new creatures at Star Wars: Cargo Bay, get recruited by the Marvel Super Hero Academy or enjoy royal splendor at Fairytale Hall.
The whole family can also compete at Hero Zone, a sports and recreation venue. Then, they can participate in a Family Time Game Show or other activities at the Lion King inspired Sarabi.
If you are hungry after all that adventuring, they have plenty to choose from, from Mickey & Friends Festival of Food for quick service to themed sit-down luxurious options like Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement and The Rose.
Then, settle in to luxurious accommodations, from spaces that work well for families to the luxurious concierge suites, two-story Royal Suites and the futuristic Tomorrow Tower Suite.
The ship offers seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral. They set sail next year but you can book as early as September 20 (September 12 for Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members.
Want to know more about what the Disney Treasure has to offer? You don’t need a treasure map. Just visit disneycruise.com/treasure. Adventure awaits!
Photos courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
Sarabi 
Plaza de Coco 
Aquamouse 
Walt Disney Theatre 
The Grand Hall
Opening up a dialogue: “Kokomo City”
By Rachel Galvin
Liyah Mitchell in KOKOMO CITY, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
Unapologetically who they are, the women and men featured in “Kokomo City” tell an intriguing story … their own. The documentary, shown in black and white, features the story of four black transgender sex workers in Atlanta and New York City, and some others who have something to say about the issue.
In the film, the discussion covers many issues from their perspective — why someone becomes trans, what it takes to be trans, what they encounter and how far they would go to live their lives. But also it includes who is attracted to a trans woman and who is not, and talks about transphobia, as well as how they fit into the culture around them.
The life is a hard one but these women live it to the best of their ability, facing the slings and arrows of their outrageous fortune but standing against their sea of troubles one day at a time in an effort to boldly be themselves and simply to survive. They face everything from discrimination, to abuse, to downright violence. Some, like Koko Da Doll, pay the ultimate price, as she was killed by gun violence after the film was finished and it is dedicated to her.
The women discuss the types of relationships they have had as escorts and in their personal lives, as well as the type of men who are attracted to them, and how each type reacts differently. They also talked about some of the responses they get to them in public and among their families.
Presenting as women is not that easy. It requires hormones, often electrolosis, makeup, wigs, eyelashes, implants and even more extensive surgery. Each woman has to decide for themselves what is best. We get an inside look to what makes these women who they are.
The topics discussed are told in an intimate way, as if the viewer is a new friend in the living room or next to them in the car told something private in confidence. These are the types of stories many of us never get to hear. The film opens up the world of a group that is often unseen, unheard and really unknown. The frank conversations allow for a dialogue and break the stigma surrounding the word transgender in a new and groundbreaking way.
The stories are interspersed with beautifully filmed b-roll showing everything from the ordinary, like an egg being cooked, to the beautiful, like a dancer giving it his all. Showing how there is beauty in the mundane and how the lives of these people who are often discounted are not only worthy but beautiful in their own way.
Be aware that these stories are raw and real, and include graphic topics from sex to violence, and that includes plenty of profanity and also nudity.
The movie was directed by Miami native D. Smith, who is a two-time Grammy-nominated producer, singer and songwriter and also made history as the first trans woman cast on a primetime unscripted TV show, and executive produced by Lena Waithe.
The film has already gotten accolades, winning the Sundance Film Festival’s NEXT Innovator Award and NEXT Audience Award, as well as the Berlinale’s Audience Award in the Panorama Documentary section.
It has already been seen at the Miami Film Festival and Outshine Film Festival earlier this year. Now, the Magnolia Pictures film is opening in Miami at O Cinema South Beach (1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL) on Friday, August 4. (NY opens on July 28. Atlanta and additional U.S. markets open also on Aug. 4). On Saturday, August 5, there will be a special post film Q&A with the director. More info. on O Cinema at o-cinema.org.
10th Annual Boca Burger Battle
By Rachel Galvin
Sanborn Square was packed with people on Saturday, July 15, for the 10th annual Boca Burger Battle. This even puts top local chefs head to head in competition to see who can achieve the honor of being the champion. This year’s winner was Yard House in Boca Raton, with Burton’s Bar & Grill in Boca Raton coming in second, followed by Tucker Dukes in Deerfield Beach. The coveted People’s Choice award went to Papamigos in Delray.
This year’s judges were Carmine Gialanelia, from WiLD 95.5 with his show “Carmine & Maegan In The Morning; Chef Scott Seddon, who is also the brand manager for Pero Family Farms; Sam Kerrigan from CBS News 12; Vicki Corrao, who sits on the board of the Palm Beach American Culinary Federation and is a former owner of three Italian restaurants on Mulberry Street in NYC’s Little Italy, and is also a judge for numerous events for Cordon Bleu and Johnson & Wales; Robert S Weinroth, former Palm Beach County Mayor; and Douglas Heizer from The Boca Raton Tribune.
Besides being able to eat and drink to their heart’s content, guests could also dance to music provided by the Miss Dymsey’s Class band.
There was also a Pre-Party from 4 to 7 p.m. with the School of Rock playing their hearts out. Plus there were some games to enjoy.
This year, the event gave back to the Children’s Giving Foundation, a 501c3 Boca Raton nonprofit that supports Children’s Charities here in South Florida. They presented a check for Achievement Center for Children & Families for $1000. Funky Buddha also donated $500 toward the cause.
If you missed this year’s event, there is always next year. But you can look forward to more events they have coming up like their All Hallow’s Eve Spooky Affair on Oct. 28 & 29, their Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival on Nov. 11 and their Wing Battle, Taco Battle & Dessert Battle coming up in February. For all the details for upcoming events, visit https://bocaburgerbattle.com.
Look for more pictures coming soon on the Let’s Talk Magazine Facebook page!
Revealed Realms
Three artists perspective on a hidden world
(Photo of work by Sri Prabha)
By Rachel Galvin
A melding of past and present, from natural to surreal, the three new exhibits currently on display at the Boca Raton Museum of Art invite the viewer to experience the world in a new way. The VIP Preview Reception of the exhibits, collectively titled “Three Artists | Three Visions – One Spirit” was held on June 13 and introduced guests to the artists in question by showcasing their artwork.
Matthew Schreiber: “Orders of Light”
Matthew Schreiber, who was in attendance at the reception, is known for his work with lasers as well as holograms, which were on display. Peering at one of his works is like taking a step into something both sacred and surrealistic, looking through space and time into a moment captured and never to be seen again… each time you look at it, you see something different, and trying to take a photo of it is futile. The art is temporary, fleeting, like a ghost, and looking upon them gives you an eerie feeling as if you have just seen one.
The locations exhibited in his holograms on display lend to that theme … since they were spiritualist camps in Lily Dale, NY, and Cassadaga, FL. He has one piece taken there of his wife almost staring across the space on the wall to another piece taken in the other location years later, as if she is looking at herself across time and space. He also has a piece showcasing a strangely bent spoon that once belonged, he said, to occultist Alistar Crowley, or at least it was found in his home. In addition, he had a vibrant and equally eerie hologram series showing outstretched hands. He was inspired to do these, he said, following the death of legendary singer David Bowie and after seeing the documentary “Moonage Daydream” about Bowie’s life, in which the last shot features a fan reaching to the singer. Schreiber said the piece made him think about reaching out to Bowie’s ghost. Also, the way in which it was formed, blocking the light by miniscule movements in the artist’s hand when putting it in the lasers, was like the creation of a ghost hand.
Schreiber has an undergraduate degree in Fine Art Painting from the University of Florida where he also began his study of holography and physics. He went on to complete his MFA in Art and Technology and Experimental Film from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a specialization in Holography from the Royal College of Art, London in 1994.
Sara Dienes: “Incidental Nature”
Bringing to our attention what is normally beneath our feet, unseen, is something that artist Sara Dienes has often focused on. Her colorful rubbings of sidewalks, manhole covers and other trodden upon surfaces shows the beauty of the ordinary. After all, she said, “Spirit lives in everything.” This exhibit focuses on her 1950s street rubbings, work inspired by her several trips to Japan, and portraits of her peer group. The method of making the art is just as important if not more important than the work itself.
An original member of the Neo-Dada movement (1950s-1960s), Dienes, who has since passed away, is an under-represented artist who was a mentor to Robert Rauschenberg and inspiration to Jasper Johns.
Sri Prabha: “Resonator – Reanimator”
Fantastical and futuristic, the world created by artist Sra Prabha takes us to outer space and beyond while emphasizing togetherness with the universe and how we are all made of the same stuff. Utilizing a multi-layered multi-dimensional approach, he brings together sculpture, video, paint, found art and more to create a unique new plane of existence to remind us of the interconnectedness of everything. He brings in ideas from Vedic philosophy and science, the chanting of monks and more. Within his psychedelic vision, you are seeing the world from the miniscule to the monumental.
Benn Mitchell: “Photographs: Hollywood to NYC”
After you see the work of the three new exhibits downstairs, make sure to venture upstairs, where a lot of their collections reside including a new exhibit of Benn Mitchell’s photographs. These black and white gems give an inside look at some people in front of the camera and behind back in 1943 at Warner Brothers as well as people on the street in New York City from the 1940s through the 1960s.
Mitchell sold his first photograph to “Life” magazine as a teenager before heading to snapshots at the sound stages. He also worked as a photographer for the Navy and went on to work in the Big Apple in a large commercial studio before starting his own in 1951. Eventually, he became a local here in Boca Raton and donated many of this works to the museum.
Photo by Benn Mitchell 
All exhibits are on display until Oct. 22. For more information on all the exhibits, visit www.bocamuseum.org. More photos soon on Facebook page!
Stonewall Pride kick-off honored LGBTQ leaders
Some of the honorees at the event
Photos & Story By Rachel Galvin
As a great way to launch PRIDE Month, there was a special event on May 31 at the Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale honoring community leaders from the gay community, which included speeches, drag performances and the launch of a photography exhibit featuring historic moments in the community. There also was a large PRIDE tribute wall with photos taken by Michael Murphy. Also shown was an award-winning short film featuring LGBTQ voices in an oral history format, produced by the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood and directed by Freddy Rodriguez. Before the performances and speeches began, people could grab a glass of wine and a light bite, and mix and mingle while viewing the exhibit.
Honorees included City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Visit Lauderdale’s Senior Vice President of Inclusion & Accessibility Richard Gray, South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director/Founder Sebrina María Alfonso, WSVN Channel 7 Anchor Craig Stevens, South Florida SunSentinel journalist Rod Stafford Hagwood, renowned entertainer Tiffany Arieagus, Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus founder Gary Keating and founder of The Copa and entrepreneur John Castelli. Other volunteers were also honored.
Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher presented a proclamation recognizing History Fort Lauderdale’s PRIDE Month efforts.
The event was emceed by FayWhat?!, host of “The FayWhat?! Show” on the Happening Out Television Network, and media personality Shawn “Kitty Meow” Palacious, and featured live performances by entertainers Nicole T. Phillips and Erika Norell. DJ Aulden Brown kept the music pumping.
Each honoree had the chance to say a few words. Trantalis gave an impassioned speech that summed up the sentiment of the moment, saying, “We will not be afraid to stand up for who we are, and we will not be considered second rate people. We have come too far. We have done too much. We have walked too many miles. We have spoken up too often. And we will not let anyone denigrate who we are, no matter what form we take. Whether you’re a lawyer, or a drag queen or anyone in between, we are people. And we will always be able to stand up for who we are.”
Stonewall PRIDE commemorates not only the gay community today but also remembers the history of pioneers in the past, many of whom were shown on the PRIDE tribute wall displayed with the photos by Michael Murphy. In addition, it remembers the Stonewall Riots in 1969 when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The raid led to a riot among bar patrons and neighborhood residents and that served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.
The art exhibit showcasing photos and video from the local community’s history is free to see and is located near Swarovski within the Galleria Mall (2414 E. Sunrise Blvd.) until June 30.
The event was presented by History Fort Lauderdale and sponsored by Galleria Fort Lauderdale, Visit Lauderdale, Castelli Real Estate Services, BBX Capital, Memorial Healthcare System, OutClique, HotSpots Media Group/Happening Out Television Network and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Opening reception contributors included The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Lips Fort Lauderdale, Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar, and Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants.
Look for more PRIDE events happening throughout the month.
Erika Norell performs 
Michael Murphy with his photography 
Honoree & WSVN Channel 7 Anchor Craig Stevens 
Nicole T. Williams performs 
exhibit 
Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus founder Gary Keating 
“Open Dialogues” movie 
Emcee Fay What?! & Ft. Lauderdale Mayor and honoree Dean Trantalis 
Part of exhibit 
Part of exhibit 
Part of exhibit 
exhibit 
Part of exhibit 
Take Pride wall 
Photographers JR Davis & Michael Murphy 
Honoree & Visit Lauderdale’s Senior Vice President of Inclusion & Accessibility Richard Gray 
Enjoying the show 
founder of The Copa and entrepreneur John Castelli. 
Volunteers were also honored 
Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher 
Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director, History of Ft. Lauderdale 
Nicole T. Williams performs 
Art Curator Souleo & designer Beau McCall 
Volunteers check people in 
World AIDS Museum Director Terry Dyer & Ellery Andrews, deputy director of History Fort Lauderdale take photos with a friend. 
Honoree & Entertainer Tiffany Arieagus 
Melissa Milroy, Sr. Marketing Mgr., Galleria Mall 
Emcees FayWhat?! & Kitty Meow
25th Annual Cuisine for Art
Celebrity waiters. Photo by Rachel Galvin
By Rachel Galvin
Local dignitaries and community leaders took on a new role as celebrity waiters at The Art & Culture Center of Hollywood’s 25th Annual Cuisine for Art on May 25. The event took place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Guests could strike a pose on the red carpet, grab a drink and bid on items for the silent auction while listening to live music by Ilan Tarrab before going into the main ballroom. Inside, they could find their spot at a table of 10 and enjoy the “show,” emceed by Aaron Shapiro while the celebrity waiters helped them to get everything they needed. A three course meal was served. The on-stage presentation was interactive in several ways, including a heads and tails game with guests.
Those in attendance heard a little about the Art & Culture Center, which began in 1975, moving to its current location in 1992. Now, in collaboration with the City of Hollywood, they are adding on a new 5,000 sf arts education wing that will adjoin the current location, the Kagey Home facility, built about 1924. The new wing will expand what they can do, including dancing, theater presentations, artists talks, film screenings, fine art and more. The planned opening of the new facility is next fall.
A special presentation was given by award-winning author and humor columnist Dave Barry, who poked fun at politics and more. He was an honoree in 2019.
This year’s honoree was Misty Weinger, a longtime board member, arts advocate and engaged donor at the center instrumental in contributing funds to determine the feasibility of creating a new Arts Education building on the 1.2-acre campus, which is in the works. She is also the senior partner/ shareholder at Kofsky Weinger, PA and is managing partner for the firm’s tax practice. She also works with special needs children in the community.
After she was honored, the DIVAS Through the Decades took to the stage to sing their hearts out. The waiter who received the most tips, the challenge winner, was also announced.
For more information on the Art & Culture Center of Hollywood, visit www.artandculturecenter.org
