The San Fran GLAAD Dinner Kickoff Party

San Fran Bay Times
The GLAAD Dinner Kickoff Party at Bimma Loft
By Rink
Published: April 29, 2010

Bimma Loft is an immense modern furniture showplace and art gallery near the CalTrans Depot. It was the site of a Gay and Lesbians Against Defamation (GLAAD) Dinner Kickoff Party on April 21. Once they were past the check-in, guests saw the perfect party seating for their living spaces – a discounted large white fabric-covered couch. It had seating for four, and maybe three Bears, though it is forbidden for parties where red wine is being imbibed. The other remarkable items besides the eye-catching artwork on display were the Modafire cabinets, which produced a tremendous amount of warmth. It was announced that purchasers of Modafire portable fireplace units would be given a complimentary GLAAD Media Awards tickets, and people who signed up to be table hosts by April 21, for the June 5 Awards event, would be entered into a raffle for a four-day Puerto Vallarta condo stay.

Hundreds of people, including numerous non-LGBT couples, enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres, wine, complimentary cocktails, and the opportunity to mingle and exchange cards and glances. GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios ascended the 30-foot high DJ booth to speak about the organization’s past accomplishments and future goals. He carefully described GLAAD’s media advocacy, its work in fighting defamation, a how it has changed attitudes.

He then introduced EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors, and he spoke passionately about how GLAAD works with EQCA on equality legislation. SF GLAAD’s Juan Barajas spoke afterwards, promoting attendance at the June 10 awards, and he enthusiastically encouraged inviting friends to one of the best parties of the year. Jovial and witty Bruce Vilanch is the event host, and actress Cybill Shepard and Levi Strauss President Robert Hanson are the honorees. Hanson is known to tell audiences at large events that their butts look best in Levi’s jeans.

City Treasurer Jose Cisneros joined Levi Strauss Foundation’s Miguel Bustos and Alfredo Pedroza as they greeted friends, and other gay Latinos from Aguilas were having cocktails and chatting. GLAAD National Board of Directors member John Marez spoke with this year’s awards co-chairs Julie Candice and Richard Klein, they commented to Bimma Loft owner Nancy Arrowsmith about the beauty of her furniture gallery and thanked her for her generosity. Maria Cetto, who is performing with her band Azucar Con Ache at the May 1 NCLR Dinner, settled onto a leather couch with her wife Ann Lazo as they watched the parade of guests. Tingle Tangle Club’s Earl Dax and Wulf Pak slid past Zero Divide’s Timothy Wu, pr consultant Mark Rhoades and realtor Joel Goodrich, and there were waves of more and more guests arriving well past the kickoff party closing time. This is a good sign for the upcoming GLAAD Media Awards, and this year may surpass 2009 in attendance.