Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 09:26:06 -0400 (EDT)
From: A Jay Eddy <ajayeddy@bc.seflin.org>
Subject: Rep.Foley, Norm Kent Esq. & Dr. Castro Honored at Gala

October 18, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         (Photos Available)
Broward Log Cabin Club of FL
P.O. Box 1281, Ft.Lauderdale, FL 33302
(954) LCR-1995

 U.S.REP.MARK FOLEY AMONG PWAC HONOREES AT AIRPORT SHERATON GALA

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Sunday the 17th proved to be a stunning
evening for the People With AIDS Coalition (PWAC), their guests
artists and all who shared in the presentation of awards to
several outstanding individuals who serve the men, women and
children living with the HIV virus.

The evening was filled with emotional moments. The Flamingo
Freedom Band entertained guests at the "Laughter Speaks to the
Heart" cocktail reception. The Gay Men's Chorus brilliantly
opened the dinner banquet with a selection of appropriate songs
sung to a capacity audience filling the Empire Ballroom of the
Sheraton Hotel. Performers Ray King, Maxine Lamar and Eduardo
Noriega joined in placing their best talents forward enhancing
the evening's array of fabulous presentations.

U.S. Congressman Mark Foley, Norman Elliot Kent, Esq., and
Clarissa Castro, Pharm.D., were recognized for their special
contributions to the enrichment of life for people living with
the HIV/AIDS. "Unsung Hero Award" recipients were: "Volunteer of
the Year" Payton Hopkins - Tuesdays' Angles and Poverello Food
Bank, "PWA Advocate of the Year" Jody Ihme - Names Project of
South Florida, "Service Professional of the Year" Priscilla
Reyes- Center One, and "Medical Professional of the Year" Robert
Keller, MD.

Log Cabin members were especially pleased to hear that Rep. Foley
backs greater HIV education, the use of prescription marijuana,
Republican support of program funding in the face of rhetoric
which refutes any such GOP effort, etc. "Here again we see the
need for our community to remember and encourage their friends in
office and not allow other politicians, regardless of party, to
simply expect the gay and gay-friendly vote without working for
it," noted Andy Eddy, Log Cabin's Director for Community
Relations and Outreach.

Indeed it was an evening to be remembers. "Unfortunately too many
of those associated with our community rags are faceless at these
events. Activists tire from the frustrating gossip and petty
hostility printed with such negativity vs. the accountability and
credible productivity that's often not being honestly shared,"
noted Mark Ferrara, Executive V.P. of Broward Log Cabin after
being criticized for being Gay, Republican and Christian too.

"The entertainers and workers last night at Fritz Ann's 'Night of
a Thousand Stars,' coupled to what you see here tonight, show the
resilience and vibrancy of our community regardless of how it is
beaten back by those who demonize us," said Jack Majeske,
President of the BLCCF. "Thank God for the persistent activists,
their time and the spending of their own money often without any
regard of personal compensation or reward," he further stated.

The Broward LCC is one of the oldest Log Cabin Clubs in the
Southeast and the first club chartered by a State Republican
Party in the South. For information contact (954) LCR-1995.




A Jay Eddy
ajayeddy@bc.seflin.org