www.ambiente.us NOVEMBER | NOVIEMBRE 2009
ELAINE LANCASTER Celebrates Her 10th Year as the Official
White Party Hostess
by Herb Sosa
Since 1995 Elaine Lancaster has helped raise over 20 million dollars for numerous
non-profit charities.
In 2008 she traveled to Cannes for the International Film Festival since the
documentary about her fundraising efforts was chosen as a Special Selection,
which chronicled her strategy for getting high net worth friends and
acquaintances to donate to the causes she holds dear. She has received the
Key to Miami & Miami Beach and there is even an Elaine Lancaster Day in Miami
Beach, proclaimed by former mayor David Dermer.
Elaine Lancaster was born out of Charity and says she will continue to do all
she can as long as there is a need. Elaine Lancaster says "What I would really like
to see is Care Resource go out of business." Explaining that Care Resource is
the largest agency for HIV/AIDS assistance in South Florida so if there was a cure
or an end to AIDS there would be no longer a need for Care Resource, but until
then whenever I am needed I will respond anyway I can.
ELAINE LANCASTER Celebrates Her 10th Year as the Official
White Party Hostess
by Herb Sosa
Since 1995 Elaine Lancaster has helped raise over 20 million dollars for numerous
non-profit charities.
In 2008 she traveled to Cannes for the International Film Festival since the
documentary about her fundraising efforts was chosen as a Special Selection,
which chronicled her strategy for getting high net worth friends and
acquaintances to donate to the causes she holds dear. She has received the
Key to Miami & Miami Beach and there is even an Elaine Lancaster Day in Miami
Beach, proclaimed by former mayor David Dermer.
Elaine Lancaster was born out of Charity and says she will continue to do all
she can as long as there is a need. Elaine Lancaster says "What I would really like
to see is Care Resource go out of business." Explaining that Care Resource is
the largest agency for HIV/AIDS assistance in South Florida so if there was a cure
or an end to AIDS there would be no longer a need for Care Resource, but until
then whenever I am needed I will respond anyway I can.
| . |
| . Fresh-Squeezed Paradise MIAMI RIVER INN miamiriverinn.com |
. LGBT/Latino/Hispanic Civil Rights unitycoalition.org |
| . AMBIENTE ONLINE STORE |
| . CLICK to SHOP |
| . 70's Inspired Purses GLOSSgear.com |
GUYSwineOUT |
. Worlds Oldest & Largest HIV/AIDS Fundraiser |
Care Resource and White Party Week are proud to have Elaine back again this
year for the 25th Anniversary while she celebrates her 10th year as the Official
Hostess of White Party.
About White Party
This November, thousands of people will descend on Miami and Miami Beach for
the “Crown Jewel” of HIV/AIDS fundraisers, the 25th annual White Party Week™
Miami. White Party Week™ remains one of the oldest and largest 100% HIV/AIDS
benefits in the world. To celebrate the silver anniversary, The White Party™
theme this year will be “A Formal Affair.”
The White Party™ itself, the main event of the week, will once again be held at
the world famous Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Saturday evening,
November 28th. This main event will feature international superstar DJ/Producer
Tony Moran spinning on the main dance floor overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay
on the east side of the mansion. The casino mound will feature local entertainers
and casino games including poker, blackjack and slots for guests to try their
hand to win fabulous prizes. Some of South Florida’s favorite restaurants will be
spread amongst the Vizcaya grounds handing out tasting portions of their
famous cuisines. Thousands of people will be on hand, all dressed in White and
some in elaborate costumes that takes them months to put together.
White Party Week Miami™, started in 1985 also has the moniker of being the
most media covered AIDS fundraisers, and it has raised millions of dollars for
Care Resource, South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community service
organization. With offices in Broward and Miami Dade Counties, Care Resource
supplies a continuum of services to those affected and infected with the
disease.
year for the 25th Anniversary while she celebrates her 10th year as the Official
Hostess of White Party.
About White Party
This November, thousands of people will descend on Miami and Miami Beach for
the “Crown Jewel” of HIV/AIDS fundraisers, the 25th annual White Party Week™
Miami. White Party Week™ remains one of the oldest and largest 100% HIV/AIDS
benefits in the world. To celebrate the silver anniversary, The White Party™
theme this year will be “A Formal Affair.”
The White Party™ itself, the main event of the week, will once again be held at
the world famous Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Saturday evening,
November 28th. This main event will feature international superstar DJ/Producer
Tony Moran spinning on the main dance floor overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay
on the east side of the mansion. The casino mound will feature local entertainers
and casino games including poker, blackjack and slots for guests to try their
hand to win fabulous prizes. Some of South Florida’s favorite restaurants will be
spread amongst the Vizcaya grounds handing out tasting portions of their
famous cuisines. Thousands of people will be on hand, all dressed in White and
some in elaborate costumes that takes them months to put together.
White Party Week Miami™, started in 1985 also has the moniker of being the
most media covered AIDS fundraisers, and it has raised millions of dollars for
Care Resource, South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community service
organization. With offices in Broward and Miami Dade Counties, Care Resource
supplies a continuum of services to those affected and infected with the
disease.
| . |
10 things we need to know for White Party, by Elaine...
1-What can you not go without at White Party?
A SMILE....just seeing all the event goers resplendent in White, mixing with one
another having a wonderful time flowing in and out of the Mansion onto the
lawn and dancing on the veranda while boats slip into place and stars shine
brightly overhead. It makes you SMILE.
2- What was your favorite White Party accessory?
Happy People celebrating life & the lives of loved ones who are no longer with
us on this earth, but live on in our hearts & minds.
3- Where can we find Elaine at Vizcaya during White Party?
Well my primary function is to host the VIP at the beginning of the evening
speaking & joking around with the sponsors, & their guest. Talking with the
various media outlets. Then on stage introducing the evenings entertainment.
and in some years past, on the dance floor doing my thing.
4- Tell me something no one knows about the White Party.
I’m not sure what people do or do not know but what i would like to share with
your readers is this is the 25th anniversary of WPW which was born out of a house
party & grew into this international event.
5- What is the best thing that comes out of the White Party?
The money. Plain & simple....the money. Without the money generated by this
week long events thousands of south Floridian’s would not be able to receive
HIV/AIDS services provided by the organizers of WPW, Care Resource - the one
stop provider. If it was not for the generosity of media sponsors like OUT,
ADVOCATE, South Florida Blade, 411 & Ambiente Magazines. Clubs like TWIST &
Score that has been a community sponsor I believe from their beginning. Some
people see White Party Week as just a Party, but to the recipients of care from
Care Resource it can be the difference between life or death. A Party? Perhaps,
1-What can you not go without at White Party?
A SMILE....just seeing all the event goers resplendent in White, mixing with one
another having a wonderful time flowing in and out of the Mansion onto the
lawn and dancing on the veranda while boats slip into place and stars shine
brightly overhead. It makes you SMILE.
2- What was your favorite White Party accessory?
Happy People celebrating life & the lives of loved ones who are no longer with
us on this earth, but live on in our hearts & minds.
3- Where can we find Elaine at Vizcaya during White Party?
Well my primary function is to host the VIP at the beginning of the evening
speaking & joking around with the sponsors, & their guest. Talking with the
various media outlets. Then on stage introducing the evenings entertainment.
and in some years past, on the dance floor doing my thing.
4- Tell me something no one knows about the White Party.
I’m not sure what people do or do not know but what i would like to share with
your readers is this is the 25th anniversary of WPW which was born out of a house
party & grew into this international event.
5- What is the best thing that comes out of the White Party?
The money. Plain & simple....the money. Without the money generated by this
week long events thousands of south Floridian’s would not be able to receive
HIV/AIDS services provided by the organizers of WPW, Care Resource - the one
stop provider. If it was not for the generosity of media sponsors like OUT,
ADVOCATE, South Florida Blade, 411 & Ambiente Magazines. Clubs like TWIST &
Score that has been a community sponsor I believe from their beginning. Some
people see White Party Week as just a Party, but to the recipients of care from
Care Resource it can be the difference between life or death. A Party? Perhaps,
| . |
| . |
but with a purpose.
6- If you’ve never been, what should one expect?
A truly magical night. some people wait all year for this week to come around to
take party in the variety of events that take place all over Miami & the Beaches
at various times of the day. You don’t have to stay up till dawn to take part in
the events. Since this year is themed “A Formal Affair” I am extremely excited to
see how elegant everyone turns out. I am envisioning, something out of the
Great Gasby. The music is historically the best since it is a positive, lyrical genre
of music which always works the crowd into a frenzy.
7- Best place to get the perfect White Party outfit?
Zoo 14 used to be the Go To place but now Maria has relocated her shop to Ft.
Lauderdale, so folks will have to go pay her a visit to check out her selection of
White Party outfits. If you go by early enough you can have something made
custom.
8- Why have you decided to host it for 10 years?
Because I can. I first got my start with the Dallas AIDS Resource Center
answering telephones in the early 1990’s when only AZT was the only available
form of treatment. It was too depressing then to be surrounded by so many
people who were filled with little hope or hopelessness. I wanted to do
something that could help people but in a uplifting way. So I took over an event
called, “A Evening with the Stars” and amazed myself how successful I was.
I got on the phone & called Neiman Marcus, American Airlines, United &
Southwest Airlines. Skyy Vodka, and I knew Artist, Elton John, and Texas people
that were Big Rich Texas style & I threw a party like none before at a restaurant
named, Monica’s aca y alla, then mayor Ronald Kirk came & bestowed upon me
a Proclamation from the City. I knew after that night I could do anything i set my
mind to and worked hard to accomplish. At the time it was the highest grossing
fundraiser by an individual in the history of the Resource Center. And now with
continued advancements in treatment, care & medicines there is HOPE for a
6- If you’ve never been, what should one expect?
A truly magical night. some people wait all year for this week to come around to
take party in the variety of events that take place all over Miami & the Beaches
at various times of the day. You don’t have to stay up till dawn to take part in
the events. Since this year is themed “A Formal Affair” I am extremely excited to
see how elegant everyone turns out. I am envisioning, something out of the
Great Gasby. The music is historically the best since it is a positive, lyrical genre
of music which always works the crowd into a frenzy.
7- Best place to get the perfect White Party outfit?
Zoo 14 used to be the Go To place but now Maria has relocated her shop to Ft.
Lauderdale, so folks will have to go pay her a visit to check out her selection of
White Party outfits. If you go by early enough you can have something made
custom.
8- Why have you decided to host it for 10 years?
Because I can. I first got my start with the Dallas AIDS Resource Center
answering telephones in the early 1990’s when only AZT was the only available
form of treatment. It was too depressing then to be surrounded by so many
people who were filled with little hope or hopelessness. I wanted to do
something that could help people but in a uplifting way. So I took over an event
called, “A Evening with the Stars” and amazed myself how successful I was.
I got on the phone & called Neiman Marcus, American Airlines, United &
Southwest Airlines. Skyy Vodka, and I knew Artist, Elton John, and Texas people
that were Big Rich Texas style & I threw a party like none before at a restaurant
named, Monica’s aca y alla, then mayor Ronald Kirk came & bestowed upon me
a Proclamation from the City. I knew after that night I could do anything i set my
mind to and worked hard to accomplish. At the time it was the highest grossing
fundraiser by an individual in the history of the Resource Center. And now with
continued advancements in treatment, care & medicines there is HOPE for a
| . |
fulfilling, rich, active life. There are survivors for twenty some odd years &
growing.
9- What is your hope for the White Party & Care Resource?
I HOPE people are able to come out and support each & every event that they
possibly can this year more than ever. I am fully aware of the current economic
downturn in the recent years and it has affected non-profits for a while, but the
money that is raised means so much to many. I would encourage everyone to
go to the care resource web site (www.careresource.org) and read about what
service’s are provided and where the money raised goes. Something like 87% of
each party dollar goes to client services & without the continued support of the
community and all the hundreds of volunteers who make White Party Week
happen this would not be possible. Regardless of ones status as a community not
just locally, but globally We ARE ALL in this together.
10- What can I do?
I know you are asking in general what you can do because i know you already do
so much, but what people reading this interview can do is really quit simple.
First of all one does not have to be rich to be charitable. One of the most
important things one can do is Volunteer. Answer the phones, help out at the
food banks, visit people who might be in the hospital, let someone know who
may not be doing too well that they are not alone. That you are there, there are
support groups available. Be encouraging, loving & supportive is very important
to the over all well being of people with HIV/AIDS. I have been a caring,
listening friend to many who needed to be heard and just listening to someone
can do so much to their spirit. I know a person’s mind set is such an important
factor in the equation for total good health. If one is too busy but has the ability
to write a check then I say sign your name. It takes a lot of money to provide
services for the clients and I know how thankful everyone involved with White
Party Week is to each and everyone who makes this week work.
growing.
9- What is your hope for the White Party & Care Resource?
I HOPE people are able to come out and support each & every event that they
possibly can this year more than ever. I am fully aware of the current economic
downturn in the recent years and it has affected non-profits for a while, but the
money that is raised means so much to many. I would encourage everyone to
go to the care resource web site (www.careresource.org) and read about what
service’s are provided and where the money raised goes. Something like 87% of
each party dollar goes to client services & without the continued support of the
community and all the hundreds of volunteers who make White Party Week
happen this would not be possible. Regardless of ones status as a community not
just locally, but globally We ARE ALL in this together.
10- What can I do?
I know you are asking in general what you can do because i know you already do
so much, but what people reading this interview can do is really quit simple.
First of all one does not have to be rich to be charitable. One of the most
important things one can do is Volunteer. Answer the phones, help out at the
food banks, visit people who might be in the hospital, let someone know who
may not be doing too well that they are not alone. That you are there, there are
support groups available. Be encouraging, loving & supportive is very important
to the over all well being of people with HIV/AIDS. I have been a caring,
listening friend to many who needed to be heard and just listening to someone
can do so much to their spirit. I know a person’s mind set is such an important
factor in the equation for total good health. If one is too busy but has the ability
to write a check then I say sign your name. It takes a lot of money to provide
services for the clients and I know how thankful everyone involved with White
Party Week is to each and everyone who makes this week work.
The 25th Anniversary of The White Party is quickly approaching!
White Party Week is scheduled for November 25th through November 30th 2009.
Visit www.whiteparty.org for tickets and more information.
| . |
