In June, Razzle Dazzle Dallas was revived as a five-day event centered on Cedar Springs Road. With so much of the event underwritten, organizers were able to return $60,500 to a number of community organizations.
Proceeds from the Metro Ball that took place at S4 on Friday night of Razzle Dazzle week went to the Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund. Money collected at the Main Event on Saturday night, as well as from other Razzle-related parties, was divided among eight other beneficiaries.
Money was distributed to beneficiaries at Sue Ellen’s on June 27. Here’s the breakdown of funds: Resource Center Dallas — $5,900; AIDS Arms — $5,400; AIDS Interfaith Network — $5,400; Cedar Springs Merchants Association Beautification Fund — $5,400; Legacy Counseling/Founders Cottage — $5,400; Legal Hospice of Texas — $2,834; Lone Star Ride — $2,833; Youth First Texas — $2,833; Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund — $24,500.
Next year’s Razzle Dazzle Dallas Main Event will be on Saturday, June 9. A full press release from the organizers of Razzle Dazzle Dallas is below.
RAZZLE DAZZLE DALLAS WEEKEND RAISES $60,500
FOR NORTH TEXAS BENEFICIARIES
The 2011 Revival of the National Gay Pride Month Celebration Deemed a Success by Organizers
June 27, 2011 – Dallas, Texas – The legendary Razzle Dazzle Dallas was revived this month as a five-day Cedar Springs Road festival in which $60,500 was raised for local charities. An appreciation party for the beneficiaries, volunteers, corporate sponsors and community leaders was held today at Sue Ellen’s to thank the hundreds of individuals who helped make Razzle Dazzle a success and to officially announce the fundraising totals. Next year’s Razzle Dazzle main event will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012.
Local RDD beneficiaries and award amounts are as follows:
Resource Center Dallas $5,900
AIDS Arms $5,400
AIDS Interfaith Network $5,400
Cedar Springs Merchants Association Beautification Fund $5,400
Legacy Counseling/Founders Cottage $5,400
Legal Hospice of Texas $2,834
Lone Star Ride $2,833
Youth First Texas $2,833
Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund $24,500
The MetroBall organizers joined forces with Razzle Dazzle Dallas this year and served as the major HIV/AIDS fundraising event for the festival. In one evening, MetroBall raised $24,500 to benefit the Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund.
“Razzle Dazzle Dallas is back! On behalf of the Steering Committee and MetroBall we want to thank the North Texas community for supporting the mission of helping the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and to make this a better place for all. We send out a heartfelt thank you to Budweiser, Bud Light and Ben E. Keith, Inc. who served as presenting sponsors of Razzle Dazzle,” said John Cooper-Lara, Co-Chairperson of Razzle Dazzle Dallas and MetroBall.
“The Cedar Springs Merchant Association and several of us knew we could throw fun events, drive sales on Cedar Springs and raise needed dollars for local non-profits. It all worked and came together when volunteers, businesses and non-profits lined up to support Razzle Dazzle and a good cause,” said Scott Whittall, president of the Cedar Springs Merchant Association.
The members of the Razzle Dazzle Dallas 2011 Steering Committee are: John Cooper- Lara, Co-Chair; Steven Marlin, Co-Chair; Jimmy Bartlett; Howard Okon; Scott Whittall; Travis Gasper; Henry Ramirez; Chris Bengston; Ron Adams; David Wickham; Carl Fant; David Berryman.
The Steering committee is looking to 2012 and ways to grow the events and beneficiary donations. Any business or individuals interested in sponsorship or volunteer opportunities can contact the Razzle Dazzle committee by email at info@razzledazzledallas.org or go to www.razzledazzledallas.org.
