Alan Parata won the 2010 Auckland crown as Miss France Saturday night's Queen of the Whole Universe show raked in $35,000, bringing the total the queer beauty pageant has raised since it started in 2004 to $170,000. From the $35,000, HIV/AIDS support services Body Positive, Positive Women and NZAF's Positive Health will each be given $7,700. The remaining $11,900 will be used as seeding money for the Wellington QWU tour in March 2011. Creative director Jonathan Smith says in the present economic environment it has become extremely difficult obtaining financial sponsorship thus the risk of staging a stage of this magnitude is very high. "But we did it - we presented another fabulous event - the 8th show was a huge success. I am very proud that we have managed to achieve the three outcomes of QWU." The outcomes are to raise funds for HIV/AIDS Charities in New Zealand in order to help develop, better and improve the wellbeing of HIV positive people living in New Zealand, offer a supportive artistic environment to the GLBTT community and engage and up-skill individuals in the world of theatre as a cast or crew member. Smith is thanking sponsors, key stakeholders, the judges, guest performers and the volunteer cast and crew of over a 100 people and the audience for their support. There are two further dates planned for QWU: Opera House, Wellington, Saturday 12 March 2011 @ 8.30pm Tickets now on sale through Ticketek www.ticketek.co.nz0800 TICKETEK (0800 842 5385) TelstraClear Event Centre, Manukau, Saturday 22 October 2011@ 8pm Tickets on sale early 2011
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 12th November 2010 - 6:55pm