Zena Award Winner, Nadine Smith

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6th Annual Juno Gala

The Altamonte Springs Hilton will never be the same. On February of this year, Lesbians, the Gaybros (Gay friendboys) and let’s not forget our straight allies, arrived from across Florida for the 6th Annual Juno Gala.  The nearly 200 people in attendance came down with Disco Fever- hot and sweaty- well, you know the symptoms, they just make ya wanna get up and shake your groove thang.

And a whole lot o’ groove shakin’ was goin’ on. The 70’s and the 80’s were back in a big way with the sounds of DJ Frankie D., keeping the crowd on the floor all night long and just when you were ready for a break, a cocktail, a slow song– Disco Fever strikes and Evelyn “Champagne” King hits the stage. Talk about Love Come Down! The room was rockin’, the throngs were jumpin’ and some of those crazy Gaybros swarmed the stage (listen up Dr. Hal) and dirty danced with Miss Champagne King herself. Shame!

Throughout the evening, Orlando’s own babyBlue kept us entertained with her VarieTEASE CARNIVALE ensemble. Afro wigs, roller skates, hot pants, little people (is that what we say now?) it was all very Studio 54-ish! Wheeee! Oh what a night! Were hot pants mentioned?? We love short shorts!

Earlier, when the evening was much more tame, our goddess President, Genie Wood, welcomed us and reminded us why we were all there… to raise awareness, promote advocacy and to provide valuable resources and support to lesbians (their partners and caregivers as well) with cancer. The silent auction and the live auction were led by Celebrity Auctioneer, Daniel Buck Soules, from The Antiques Road Show fame. And it did just that, raised awareness and some serious cash for the Juno cause.

Juno’s 2008 Zena Award was presented to Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida. Nadine’s inspirational speech to the Juno crowd regarding current gay rights issues ended with a standing ovation.

Each year since its inception in 2004, the Juno gala has grown in size and donations. Many thanks to all who attended and special recognition to this year’s corporate sponsors; Shelter Mortgage, MetLife Auto & Home, Physician’s Associates, and Meeting Movers, Inc. for their contributions in making the 2008 Juno Gala bigger and better than ever.

Don't Forget to sign up for our Juno Scramble. To get more Info, Click here>>

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