What's HOT South Florida :: 07/23 - 07/29

A week ago Monday afternoon, Jerry from Mona's presented the check to the Pet Project from their annual July 4th benefit. Drum Roll please....it was $14,000....CONGRATS!

Later Monday night, my buddy, Angel Rock, premiered his new Monday party, Kinky Mondays at Unplug (7335 NW 36th Street). This will be a weekly party that gets Kinky every Monday with Angel and his friends. On Tuesday, Mack Planet presented their monthly Mack Mixer, this month at the beautiful Atlantic Hotel and once again it was a stellar turnout.

On Thursday the LGBTQ Task Force presented their check to the Miami Foundation for over $260, 000...Congrats to all involved. Following the check presentation we all went over to the Hotel Gaythering to play Bingo, which was so much fun! On Friday, I went down to Marytrini's 5th Anniversary of Wet Bar Fridays. It was so much fun hanging out with promoter extraordinaire, Milancita, all night long.

On Saturday, Sidelines held a Casino benefit for Poverello for their Bowling to Fight Hunger which raise a lot of money. All weekend long was the annual Miami Beach Bruthaz, holding events all over Miami Beach. Once again this was a success and a great event for our community!

Thursday, July 23

The Smart Ride 12 presents a Tupperware Fundraiser with Dixie Longate at 7:30pm inside ArtServe (1350 East Sunrise Blvd). Tickets are $35 and can be purchased in advance at TheSmartRide.org

MIFo-Fort Lauderdale has announced its first 954 GLOW Fort Lauderdale screening, "Paternity Leave" playing at the Classic Gateway Theater (1820 E. Sunrise BLVD. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304) at 7 pm. Matt Riddlehoover's "Paternity Leave" is a romantic comedy about Greg (Jacob York), Ken (Charlie David), and a moment of passion on the eve of their four year anniversary changes the course of their lives forever. Tickets on sale NOW at MifoFilm.com

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) presents its Spotlight Mega-Mixer Networker from 6-9 pm at Bacardi's Headquarters (2701 Le Jeune Road, Coral Gables). Free food bites and cocktails courtesy of Bacardi & GREY GOOSE Vodka. Mingle and network with over 200 Chamber members, guests and the community at large. Leverage of the "Business Cards Bulletin Board" and Chamber Ambassadors who will be present to answer inquiries and make introductions/connections. Free drawing for great prizes courtesy of various chamber members. Music by DJ/Producer Maximus 3000, Photography by Juan Saco Mironoff of Miami-Gay-Blog.com. Cost: Chamber Members (Free) / Others ($15). RSVP at GayBizMiami.com, [email protected] or 305-673-4440.

Friday, July 24

Rumors celebrates Howie's (of HoBo's) birthday from 7-11 pm with entertainment provided by Alandra and company.

Saturday, July 25

The Manor presents Burlesque, starring the winner of "Ru Paul's Drag Race" Season 7, Violet Chachki. The first 100 guests in line at 11 pm get to meet and greet with Violet. In the Ivy Room and patio, Noche Latina Saturdays celebrates the Independence of Colombia with special guests, Sasha Lords and Willow Bierce Austin (both Colombian), along with DJ Nena spinning and Omar on the bongos. Saturdays at the Manor feature fabulous acts, hot Go-Go boys, and extravagant d�cor. 11pm to 4 am with no cover before midnight and only $5 with Manor card and $7 without after. This is a special event and 18 and over is allowed in, with 18-20 years olds $15 all night.

Rumors hosts "Gear Up Leather Up" from 9 pm to midnight hosted by film star Tom Wolfe and co-hosted by Naomi Wynters. This is a charity fundraising event which includes a jockstrap auction, raffles and great entertainment. All proceeds benefit The Smart Ride 12.

Today is the Grand Opening of Tunie's Natural Grocery and Vitamin Market (900 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale). In honor of the grand opening, until July 31 if you buy 2 of anything, you get one free (entire store on sale all week).

Sunday, July 26

Rumors celebrates Brendan's birthday from 8-11pm. Yes, he turns 32! Come help him celebrate.

Tuesday, July 28

Randy Jones, the Cowboy from the Village People shares stories from his career at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery (2157 Wilton Drive) at 7 pm. One of the most beloved entertainers and pop icons from the Disco era, multi-Platinum recording artist and American Music Award winner Randy Jones came to embody The Cowboy in The Village People in a way that has captured the public imagination for decades. Don't miss this unique opportunity as Randy Jones shares stories from his career. Bring your Village People memorabilia to be autographed. Light refreshments provided courtesy of Barefoot Wine and Bubbly.

Wednesday, July 29

"I DO: The Fundamental Right of Marriage is Recognized For Same-Sex Couples" is presented by SunServe, The Law Office of Stephanie Schneider, P.A., Elizabeth F. Schwartz, Esq., and the Treece Financial Group, from 6:15 pm to 9:00 pm, at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. Join them for a discussion about how the United States Supreme Court decision in the Obergefell case impacts federal and state rights and benefits for Florida LGBT residents. Panelists include: Elizabeth Schwartz, Esq., who will address what nationwide marriage equality means; how divorce works, parental rights, surrogacy and adoption; Stephanie L. Schneider, P.A., who will discuss the Obergefell decision, legal rights, government benefits; Dr. James Lopresti, Dir. Education/Senior Clinical Supervisor, Sunserve, Inc., who will review LGBT Healthcare Bill of Rights; David Treece, Treece Financial Group, Inc., who will review financial issues pertaining to social security and pension planning. Refreshments Served. Open to the Public, but seating is limited so RSVP now to Lisa Peters at 954-764- 5150, x103 or [email protected]

Hot Stuff

Don't forget to take advantage of the Adams Interiors $200 gift certificate in their ad. It expires on July 31.

The 43rd anniversary of Miss Florida F.I. is almost here as it takes place on Monday, August 10th at 7 pm at the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort on Miami Beach. For tickets go to: MissFloridaFIpageant.com and for hotel rooms call the Deauville, where rooms start at only $139 a night. Use the code "MissFL2015" for an instant upgrade. For more information about the pageant call 954-478-4587.

This is HOT

Celebrate Summer with Luscious Summer Fruit Desserts as Kosher food expert, pastry chef and author Paula Shoyer makes warm weather entertaining easy and delicious.

Every great celebration is sweeter with a great dessert. As summer sets in and warm weather brings us outdoors for barbecues, picnics, and concerts, now is the tastiest time to reach for seasonal and sweet fresh fruit. Farmers' markets are full of fresh summer fruits, perfect for desserts that are low in sugar but high in flavor. Paula Shoyer's recipes are sure to please every palate, and just happen to be kosher, or designed for other special diets.

"Summer brings occasions when you may be baking for many people and you need to whip up a dessert with little more notice than your neighbor saying to come on by for a last-minute cook-out," Paula says. "Summer baking does not have to mean spending hours in a hot kitchen or eating heavy desserts. As a busy business owner, wife and mother, I know how valuable time can be. I have created simple recipes that use fresh summer fruits that you can take to any picnic or party - if they last that long."

To learn more about Paula Shoyer, visit her website, TheKosherBaker.com.