Absolute Disco Annual Fundraiser and Auction for Dreams of Hope on Apr 2
Pittsburgh, PA - Pittsburgh's only arts-focused LGBTQIA youth organization, Dreams of Hope, will host their annual fundraiser, Absolute Disco, on Saturday, April 2, 2016, 7:00 p.m. – VIP Pre-party at 6:00.
Join us for an evening of food, libations, music, live performance, and dance – while we honor Bruce Kraus, President, Pittsburgh City Council, with the Dreams of Hope Champion Award. Be serenaded by Etta Cox and Friends, enjoy performances by the theatriQ Youth Ensemble, and join in both live and silent auctions – Michael Bartley serving as auctioneer.
General admission includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, and desserts. VIP Pre-party features specially crafted VIP hors d'oeuvres, plus a performance by theatriQ. VIPs also enjoy all-evening access to open bar.
Tickets and information at: www.dreamsofhope.org/disco.
Established in 2003, Dreams of Hope uses the power of the arts to provide the region's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and allied (LGBTQIA) youth a welcoming environment to grow in confidence, express themselves, and develop as leaders. Their creative contributions educate audiences, build awareness, and increase acceptance.
"We are really excited about our youth leaders," said Susan Haugh, Dreams of Hope Founder and Artistic Director. "We keep asking our young people to take responsibility for more and more of what Dreams of Hope is and does, and they keep proving they are capable and eager to lead."
Members of the group gain valuable skills and abilities as they tell their stories through spoken word, movement, drama, percussion, and song. They are one of the few LGBTQIA youth groups in the country that performs before adults who work with youth. They've performed before family court judges, probation officers, CEOs, union members, and, in Washington, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and his staff.
Dreams of Hope Champion Award:
Dreams of Hope will honor Bruce A. Kraus, President, Pittsburgh City Council, with the Dreams of Hope Champion Award. This annual award is presented to individuals who have provided outstanding support to the Dreams of Hope mission and the LGBTQIA community. Bruce Kraus has made a top priority of creating equal voice and opportunity for the LGBTQIA Pittsburgh community. He is a pioneer in creating a city with truly inclusive LGBTQIA policies.
"Bruce Kraus is a visible and vocal advocate for the LGBTQIA community," said Seth Rosenberg, Dreams of Hope Executive Director. "He goes out of his way to be accessible and helpful."
Ticket Information:
Tickets are available on-line at www.dreamsofhope.org/disco.
Ticket prices:
$75 Heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer wine, desserts, dancing; admission at 7:00 p.m.
$150 VIP hors d'oeuvres, and theatriQ performance during the VIP Pre-party at 6:00 p.m. Plus, all evening access to open bar.
All proceeds from the event will go towards helping Dreams of Hope continue to provide safe spaces, nurture youth leaders, and educate audiences. Absolute Disco is supported by Alcoa, BNY Mellon, Dollar Bank, WQED, WYEP, 5801 Video Lounge and Cafe, Events by Chaundel, and Great Lakes Brewing Co.
More About Dreams of Hope
Recognizing the need for creative outlets for youth in Pittsburgh and the need for positive LGBTQIA role models and messages in society, Susan Haugh, the current Artistic Director, founded the organization in 2003. Dreams of Hope operates three programs: a theater arts program (theatriQ), a summer arts camp (Qamp), and an artist residency program for schools and community centers (sQool).
More About Etta Cox
Etta Cox, Pittsburgh's premier jazz singer, has been bringing great jazz to audiences for more than 25 years. Originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, with a degree in music education and voice, Ms. Cox has been the recipient of numerous awards including being named one of CBS Pittsburgh's Best Local Musicians, one of Pittsburgh Magazine's 25 Most Powerful Women in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Performer of the Year, and Pittsburgh Vectors Society's Woman of the Year in Arts and Music. She was also a recipient, along with Al Dowe, of Pittsburgh Magazine's Arts Award for Jazz. She has appeared on Broadway, in movies, in local productions at the City Theater and the Public Theater, and co-hosted a television talk show.
