‘Love Is Love’ To Host Buffet Brunch & Fundraiser
Love is Love BDA is set to host a buffet brunch on February 4th at Thyme Restaurant, featuring dancer Marcus Zebra Smith as well as a charity raffle fundraiser for OUTBermuda’s 2024 education bursary program.
A spokesperson said, “Love is Love BDA will be hosting their very first buffet brunch on Sunday, February 4th, 2024, at Thyme Restaurant [#1 Cataract Hill, Paget West]. The event will feature Bermuda’s own talented Marcus Zebra Smith, who in 2023 was featured throughout Bermuda Pride, including Drag Brunch, a hilarious performance as Donkey in Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Bermuda’s Shrek the Musical at Earl Cameron Theater in October, and as Buttons for The Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society’s Christmas Pantomime in December, also at Earl Cameron Theater. Marcus will surely bring the entertainment, energy, and excitement for all those in attendance for his farewell performances before he emigrates to the United Kingdom days after the event.
“This event will also feature a special fundraiser for OUTBermuda’s, the engine behind Bermuda Pride, 2024 bursary, whereas several establishments have donated prizes to a charity raffle where all proceeds raised will be donated directly to this program.
“Love is Love BDA, founded in early 2020, has been known to host events catering to Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ and ally community. Last year, thanks to the generosity of several establishments and donations from patrons, they were able to donate $3000.00, through raffle sales, to Transitional Community Services. Co-Founder of Love is Love BDA Christopher Douglas is delighted to feature their first event for 2024 supporting OUTBermuda’s education bursary program thanks to the generosity of several sponsors.
“The charity raffle will include prizes such as:
- A Diamond & Multi-Colored Gemstone Pave Ring in 14K Rose Gold [0.28ct] by Shy Creations valued at $475 from Astwood Dickinson
- $250 gift vouchers to BELCO, $200 gift certificate to Crissons Jewelers, $200 gift certificates for Botox from Northshore Medical & Aesthetics Center, $150 to Island Restaurant Group [Barracuda Grill, Bolero, Brew, Frog & Onion, Hog Penny and Pickled Onion]
- $100 gift certificates to The Booth, $50 gift cards to Harbourside Holdings Ltd. [Flanagan’s, Snug Cafe, Outback, and Divots] donations from Bermuda Bookstore, Flying Colors, Uplift and more prizes to be announced in the coming days.
Jameka Smith [OUTBermuda board member], on behalf of the OUTBermuda Education Bursary Committee commented, “OUTBermuda expresses its thanks to Love is Love BDA for their support of our Education Bursary which is a program committed to promoting and supporting the wellbeing, dignity, and success of the LGBTQ community in Bermuda. Support of this program in the form of donations and sponsorships such as this allows OUTBermuda to continue this education bursary into the distant future.”
Christina Arden, who was the 2023 recipient of OUTBermuda’s Education Bursary, has added, “Receiving OUTBermuda’s education bursary is an honour and personally important as it provides indispensable financial support that allows me to continue my education in an economic environment where the cost of living has increased and pursuing an education can seem like a luxury as thousands of Bermudians are working just to survive.
“I feel this bursary is important because it celebrates and unites many of my identities that are not often connected. Everyone holds different identities connected to their race, gender, religion, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity. This bursary is a wonderful way to advance diversity and inclusion in education while also promoting a sense of belonging and inspiration within Bermuda’s LGBTQ community. Further, creating this sense of belonging is invaluable for Bermuda’s LGBTQ community.
“Seeing the educational goals and interests of members of Bermuda’s LGBTQ community increases our general visibility and shows more accurate and diverse depictions of the lives of people who are a part of this community. More importantly this bursary builds community and encourages empowerment amongst younger Bermudian LGBTQ members showing them there are other people like them and that there is opportunity, hope, and the ability to live their lives unreservedly and pursue their goals.”
The spokesperson said, “Tickets for the event are still available on ptix.bm, $85 for brunch only, and $135 bottomless mimosas [limited availability], and gratuities have already been included. Love is Love BDA would also like to encourage all attendees to wear red, pink, white, or silver in celebration of Love prior to Valentine’s Day the following week.”
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