Event Photos

DJs:

Ana Paula, Brett Henrichsen, The Perry Twins, Roland Belmares

SUMMARY / REVIEW:

Coming at the end of the long winter’s chill, an early March party in this tropical paradise means goodbye to snow, slush and subzero temperatures and hello to South Beach bikinis, muscles and models. This outdoor beachfront extravaganza brings out the best DJs, entertainers and attendees from all points on the compass.

Launched in 1994 as a one-time charity dance overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, an entire Winter Party Festival has evolved to become a six-day arts festival, club dance, and swanky cocktail marathon, all benefiting gay groups locally and The Task Force, the national advocacy organization. Over 10,000 guests from all over the United States and abroad attend at least one of the 20 events, including music, fashion, art, comedy and more—all taking on the Miami mainland or on that fabled strip of land, Miami Beach.

The Festival climaxes with the Winter Party Beach Party, an all-day event right on the sands of South Beach that draws more than 5,500 revelers. No matter where your interests lie, the Festival offers something for you. Winter Party Festival—it’s much more than a day at the beach.

PRESS RELEASE:

A Week-Long Celebration and Fundraiser Making a Year-Round Difference

MIAMI, Jan. 22 — More than 6,000 people dancing on the sands of South Beach is among the many highlights that draw thousands worldwide to one of the country’s premier LGBT fund-raising events: the annual Winter Party Festival, which features art and culture, shopping, cocktail receptions, pool parties, and multiple dance events with world-class DJs and entertainment. This year’s Winter Party Festival takes place March 3–8 and, once again, promises to deliver something for everyone. Even better, the event raises important dollars that benefit many throughout the year.

Winter Party Festival is produced by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Since 1994, Winter Party Festival and its sister event, the Miami Recognition Dinner, have raised more than $2.3 million for organizations serving the South Florida LGBT community. Two-thirds of the net proceeds from Winter Party Festival will be distributed to the Miami-Dade LGBT community through a granting program administered by the Dade Community Foundation, while the remaining one-third of the proceeds will benefit the Task Force.

“Our incredible line-up of official Winter Party Festival events provides people with memories of a lifetime. This event changes people’s lives — through their experiences here in Miami Beach and through the organizations and individuals that are the beneficiaries of our fundraising,” says Winter Party Festival chairperson Chad Richter. “And, visitors and locals alike get to enjoy all this while reaping the benefits of an annual boom for business — this event is important for local businesses too.”

“Winter Party Festival draws people from around the world to a place where they can celebrate our unity and our diversity while supporting human rights,” says Russell Roybal, deputy executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “We work at the grassroots level in local communities like South Florida and at the national level where we are driving change in our laws and political arena to ensure all voices are heard and equality is secured.”

Note to editors: Only authorized events listed on the Web site and in the free program guide are official Winter Party Festival programs. Media are urged to check that events are official before listing as part of the Winter Party. Only official Winter Party Festival events have a proven track record of giving back significant funds to the LGBT community nationally and locally.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is the first national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights organization and remains the community’s uncompromising progressive voice. It fights for equality and justice by building grassroots power through training, advocacy, organizing and forward-thinking research and expertise. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation. Learn more at www.theTaskForce.org.

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