Two Auckland bars will tonight hand over to the New Zealand AIDS Foundation the almost $7,000 they raised with their Big Gay Out beer and dance tents. The latest donation means gay men’s bar Urge and drag cabaret venue Caluzzi have together contributed nearly $30,000 to the NZAF over the last four years of running the tents. Urge owner Alan Granville said the sum raised wouldn’t have been possible without an army of volunteers. “It was incredible having so many people wanting to help out on the day – a huge thanks to all our staff and friends, everyone at Caluzzi and Eagle Bars and everyone else who battled the inclement weather to make the day a success.” NZAF Executive Director Shaun Robinson says the support of Urge, Caluzzi and their volunteers is invaluable to the NZAF. “Without doubt, Urge and Caluzzi are among the biggest and most consistent supporters of the NZAF. Their commitment to the Get it On! Big Gay Out and the way they consistently organise the most popular area at the event with volunteer staff is the best example I can think of for a community partnership.” As well as the money raised at the Get it On! Big Gay Out, an additional $1,100 was collected later in the week at the Mr Urge New Zealand Bear contest, part of the Get It On! Bear New Zealand Week. An $8,000 cheque will be handed over to the NZAF at Caluzzi at 6PM today.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 14th March 2012 - 3:06pm