Posts Tagged ‘Big Gay Huidson Valley’

“Show Your Love” Ball presented by BigGayHudsonValley.com

Thursday, January 16th, 2014

On Friday, February 14th, Big Gay Hudson Valley will host its first-ever Valentine’s Day event for the Hudson Valley LGBTQ community and their friends and allies. Created for everyone – single and the partnered – the “Show Your Love” Ball will take place at the spectacular Locust Grove Estate on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie from 7pm to 11pm.

Tickets are $80 per person. Get yours here.

Upon arrival guests will receive a glass of sparkling wine from Clinton Vineyards, and the night will feature a four course meal and open bar featuring beer and wine catered by Ed Kowalski of Crave Restaurant & Lounge in Poughkeepsie. Hudson’s very own Ophelia Nightly will serenade attendees with her fabulous voice and keep spirits lively with her divine sense of fun and camp. At the end of the meal, guests will enjoy an interactive collection of dessert stations featuring a variety of selections from local artisans like Hudson Chocolates, Adirondack Creamery, Trixie’s Oven, and Sprout Creek Farm. In addition to live entertainment, music and dancing will be served up by Superior Sounds.

Please note that gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available for all courses. Please indicate any special dietary needs when you purchase your tickets online.

A portion of the proceeds from the “Show Your Love” Ball will be donated to local Hudson Valley LGBTQ not-for-profits. Guests will have the opportunity to “show their love” for Hudson Valley LGBTQ organizations that they feel most connected to by sending a valentine to one of the groups listed below:

* Hudson Valley Community Services
* GLSEN Hudson Valley
* Hudson Pride Foundation

At the end of the night, each organization will be given a percentage portion of the evening’s proceeds based on the number of valentines they receive.

Dress for this event is “cocktail fabulous” (ie: look good for a night on the town.) Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, January 15th at 12 noon. Tickets are $80 per person with just 110 seats available. Purchase your tickets now and don’t miss this opportunity to Show Your Love for the Hudson Valley LGBTQ community this Valentine’s Day.

The Menu
~Passed Hors d’oeuvres~
New England clam chowder served in espresso cup with fried clam skewer
Tuna tartar served in mini tuile with wasabi cream and pickled ginger
Spicy Thai beef dumplings with black tahini
Mini duck sliders with pear kimchi
Fig and fontina purse with lavender
Chicken & waffle skewers with maple aioli

~First course~
Roasted red pepper bisque with lump crab salad and fried sunchokes

~Plated Salad~
Local delicata squash and endive salad served with toasted pepita seeds, arugula, farro and crown maple-whole grain mustard vinaigrette

~Entrée choice of one~
Coffee-ancho chili rubbed sirloin served with barbequed potato gnocchi, broccoli rabe, cherry tomatoes and heirloom carrots

Pan seared Scottish Salmon served with coconut cauliflower puree, salted peanut foam and cilantro gel and mango tapioca

Organic Carrot “farrotto” (risotto made with farro) served with coriander carrot puree, lambs lettuce and black garlic.(vegan/gluten free)

~Dessert~
Interactive Stations with offerings from Hudson Chocolates, Adirondack Creamery, Sprout Creek Farm, and Trixie’s Oven

Big Gay Hudson Valley PROS Mixer

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Big Gay Hudson Valley.com’s PROS Mixers are about networking the region’s LGBTQ community and our allies to create new connections; They happen the second Tuesday of each month at a variety of locations.

For our August event, BGHV is headed to Shadows on the Hudson. Doors open at 5:30pm.

Milti and his team will be serving up some snacks at the bar, and we’ll have use of the patio overlooking the Hudson River as the bartenders serve up a delicious array of beverages.

Please help us to determine how many to anticipate, by RSVP’ing in advance on Facebook. Also, please help us to spread the word to any colleagues in the region that you feel would benefit from this networking opportunity.

BigGayHudsonValley.com's PROs Mixer: Food Drive for ARCS

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

Big Gay Hudson Valley.com’s PROS Mixers are about networking the region’s LGBTQ community and our allies to create new connections.

_____________________________________________________
** SPECIAL CANNED FOOD DRIVE EDITION **
Please help us to stock the food pantries of our friends at Hudson Valley ARCS. Bring along a nonperishable food item with you and give to those less fortunate.

_____________________________________________________Happening each and every month at the Out Bar, located at 206 Main Street in Poughkeepsie, come join your community for a beverage so that you can unwind after a busy day of work.

As Poughkeepsie’s newest dedicated gay bar, The Out Bar’s newly renovated interior and open-air backyard terrace is a bright & shining gem in the continued revitalization of Poughkeepsie’s Main Street corridor.

Please help us to determine how many to anticipate, please RSVP in advance on Facebook. Also, please help us to spread the word to any colleagues in the region that you feel would benefit from this networking opportunity.

We look forward to seeing you at the Out Bar in Poughkeepsie!

BigGayHudsonValley.com's PROs Mixer: Food Drive for ARCS

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

Big Gay Hudson Valley.com’s PROS Mixers are about networking the region’s LGBTQ community and our allies to create new connections.

_____________________________________________________
** SPECIAL CANNED FOOD DRIVE EDITION **
Please help us to stock the food pantries of our friends at Hudson Valley ARCS. Bring along a nonperishable food item with you and give to those less fortunate.

_____________________________________________________

Happening each and every month at the Out Bar, located at 206 Main Street in Poughkeepsie, come join your community for a beverage so that you can unwind after a busy day of work.

As Poughkeepsie’s newest dedicated gay bar, The Out Bar’s newly renovated interior and open-air backyard terrace is a bright & shining gem in the continued revitalization of Poughkeepsie’s Main Street corridor.

Please help us to determine how many to anticipate, please RSVP in advance on Facebook. Also, please help us to spread the word to any colleagues in the region that you feel would benefit from this networking opportunity.

We look forward to seeing you at the Out Bar in Poughkeepsie!

AIDS Walk Red Ribbon Afterparty

Friday, March 16th, 2012

AIDSWalk_afterparty_front

After the Hudson Valley AIDS Walk and our daytime afterparty at the Derby, we’ve got a special treat in store for adults only! Join ARCS and your hostess TRIXIE STARR at Out Bar on Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 8:30 pm until 2 am the following day for the Red Ribbon After Party! Wear your Hudson Valley AIDS Walk t-shirt and get half-priced beer and well drinks all night long! (Don’t worry, if you weren’t able to walk with us in the morning, you can pick up an AIDS Walk t-shirt at Out Bar for a $20 donation.) The DJK plays the hottest house music, and Fox Drive FX radio will be broadcasting LIVE from the Out Bar on 94.1 and 95.7 FM!

Enter our crazy/sexy contests and games to win prizes, too. $5 suggested donation at the door.

Night Out at the Museum: New Videos Online!

Friday, April 15th, 2011

BigGayHudsonValley.com threw a “Night Out at the Museum” on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at the Frances Lehman-Loeb Art Center on the campus of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie to celebrate their re-opening after renovations, and to raise awareness for the upcoming Hudson Valley AIDS Walk on May 7th. Babycakes Cafe (a Dining Out for Life participating restaurant) provided an array of fruits and cheese, while on-campus acapella group the Vastards performed their gleeful renditions of pop hits. Nicole Roylance, Coordinator of Public Education and Information for the Frances Lehman-Loeb Art Center, took a few moments to talk with us about the Center’s Keith Haring silkscreens. Nicole kindly loaded their Keith Haring silkscreen works onto a digital display, due to the size of each silkscreen, to bring a greater sense of connection to the AIDS Walk for this one night. In this short video, she shares the connection now forged between the Lehman-Loeb Art Center and ARCS.

Check out ARCS’ YouTube channel to see these videos!

Photos from Drag Brunch at Gunk Haus

Monday, April 11th, 2011
Guests enjoyed delicious brunch fare like this fruit-topped waffle.

Guests enjoyed delicious brunch fare like this fruit-topped waffle.

Our sold-out Drag Brunch took place at Gunk Haus restaurant in Clintondale, NY on Sunday, April 10, 2011. Over 75 guests enjoyed classic brunch entrees with a German twist while DJ John Martin from Superior Sounds provided upbeat music. Hudson Valley “girl about town” Trixie Starr served as our hostess, and JoJo Gerard reinterpreted classic songs from yesteryear. The Gunk Haus staff kept on their toes (in lederhosen and kilts, no less) and helped us raise approximately $1,000 for ARCS’ programs and services. Funds will go toward the Hudson Valley AIDS Walk on May 7th.

We are grateful to our volunteers and donors: Dirk and Elizabeth from Gunk Haus, Trixie Starr, JoJo Gerard, John Martin, Marquis Evans, Jana Fernandes, Ellen Maher, Eclectic Studios Hair Salon, the Hotel Sierra, Lydia Higginson, Verizon, Dick Wilde, BigGayHudsonValley.com, Billiam van Roestenberg, and everyone who attended this fantastic, fun event.

Photos by Dick Wilde

Tim Lawton, Rob Conlon, Todd Michael Thomas, and Michael Hall raise a toast to ARCS.

Tim Lawton, Rob Conlon, Todd Michael Thomas, and Michael Hall raise a toast to ARCS.Trixie Starr

Marquis Evans from Superior Sounds takes a break for brunch.

Marquis Evans from Superior Sounds takes a break for brunch.

Bob Brink of Beacon

Bob Brink of Beacon

Brian Kelly, Ryan Judge and Stephan Hengst

Brian Kelly, Ryan Judge and Stephan Hengst

Ellen Maher, ARCS' Community Relations Manager

Ellen Maher, ARCS’ Community Relations Manager

J. Dewey, ARCS' Director of Public Relations, with Trixie Starr, glamorous hostess

J. Dewey, ARCS’ Director of Public Relations, with Trixie Starr, glamorous hostess

James, Gunk Haus' kilted server

James, Gunk Haus’ kilted server

Jeff Kraus, ARCS' Executive Director, addresses the crowd

Jeff Kraus, ARCS’ Executive Director, addresses the crowd

John Martin and Marquis Evans from Superior Sounds

John Martin and Marquis Evans from Superior Sounds

JoJo Gerard gave three stellar performances at Drag Brunch

JoJo Gerard gave three stellar performances at Drag Brunch

Patrick Decker and Stephan Hengst of BigGayHudsonValley.com

Patrick Decker and Stephan Hengst of BigGayHudsonValley.

Thanksgiving Food Drives

Friday, November 19th, 2010

We’re thrilled to announce that we have two Thanksgiving food drives coming up, both organized by wonderful community partners. What better way to say thanks for all you’ve got than by sharing a little bit with a family in need?

Ardsley/Westchester County:

The Silver Lining Club at Ardsley High School is holding a food drive at DeCicco’s Market at 21 Center Street in Ardsley on Sunday, November 21st from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Stock up on Thanksgiving meal supplies and purchase an extra non-perishable food item to drop off outside at the ARCS table. The Club is also accepting donations of cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items, as these items are often expensive for families of ARCS’ clients. Ideal items include laundry detergent, household cleansers, shampoo, moisturizer, shaving cream, soap and deodorant.

Poughkeepsie/Dutchess County:

Thanksgiving is almost here, and you know what that means; Everyone is home for the Holiday! Yes, that’s right – the Wednesday night before Turkey Day is one of the biggest nights of the year to go out!

That said, join your old friends – and make some new ones, too – during Big Gay Wednesday at Babycakes Cafe on Collegeview Avenue in Poughkeepsie. The party starts at 9pm on Thanksgiving Eve, and goes until 2am… so you’ll have plenty of time to catch up with your friends.

In the spirit of giving, BGHV and Babycakes have partnered with ARCS – AIDS-Related Community Services – to help stock their Poughkeepsie food closet We know we CAN do it; but we need your help! Bring a grocery bag of non-perishable food items with you to Babycakes this Wednesday Night, Nov. 24th, and you’ll receive a coupon good for a two-for-one cocktail (limit one per person) that evening!

In addition, everyone that brings a bag of non-perishable food to Babycakes this Wednesday will also be entered to win two tickets for Christmas with Tom and Trixie: Is That All There Is? on Thursday, December 16th at 8pm.

Not only will you get a chance to imbibe, dine on a dessert with your friends, or enjoy the beats served up by the boys of Prephab, but you’ll also have the chance to help ensure that those less fortunate will have something to eat this holiday season.

So put on a cute new outfit, raid your pantry and fill a bag, and come on out to Big Gay Wednesday at Babycakes this November 24th; we’ll see you there!

Babycakes Cafe is located at 1-3 Collegeview Avenue near Vassar College in Poughkeepsie.

Photos from Our Halloween Spooktacular!

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

Get all the latest news from ARCS by signing up for our monthly e-mail newsletter!

The current edition can be found here, hosted by the very generous Vertical Response email website. Check it out for a link to photos from our Halloween Spooktacular, snapped by volunteer Lorie Loupe!

Sign up to get your copy directly by visiting our homepage – then look for the yellow box on the lower right-hand corner!

The 2010 Hearts for ARCS Valentine's Charity Ball was a hit!

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

On Saturday, February 13, 2010 ARCS hosted its eighth annual Hearts for ARCS Valentine’s Charity Ball at the C.V. Rich Mansion in White Plains. As guests entered, our dedicated volunteers offered them leis to get them into our “Tropical Escape” theme, which was solidified by the graphic design stylings of Andrew Mandolene. Our hostess for the evening was none other than Carol Channing (well, as portrayed by Richard Skipper)! Everyone loved the vocal stylings and diamond-studded commentary from our gracious emcee, with the talented Christine Talbott Sutin accompanying her on piano.

In between Carol’s performances, guests flocked the dancefloor to the music of DJ Jamie Villarie from DanceTime Entertainment. Glenn Burns provided guests with complementary photos at his customized photo booth, while Fischer & Williams Photographic Studios captured the evening on film. Once the silent auction ended with a rousing countdown, attendees nibbled on desserts provided by Big Girl Baking and sandal-shaped sugar cookies from Sweet Valley Treats.

We will be posting the final results from our premiere fundraiser soon. In the meantime, check out photos from the event at Fischer & Williams’ online album!

Special thanks to our other sponsors: BigGayHudsonValley.com, Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Completely Bare Spa, Greenwich Medical Spa, and American Laser Center of Poughkeepsie