In all, it was five days of clubbing and guilt-free cocktailing. Guiltless because the frolicking was all for a good cause, benefiting the Gay & Lesbian Foundation of South Florida, which grants a huge portion of the proceeds to local South Florida causes and organizations. Last year it donated nearly $200,000 and since Winter Party's inception in 1993, it has doled out close to $2 million and has become one of the largest dance party fund-raisers in the world. To help achieve awareness and support for the event, Lisa Palley of Palley Promotes spearheaded the press office and was a leading force in promotions.
Of the 6,000 party-tourist turnout, many have been gathering socially since the beginning. And because enduring the bump-and-grind and the unending thump-thump of music requires a certain state of mind, organizers this year added a few un-circuity events for the revelers who were ready to put on a shirt and engage in some actual conversation. "We realized we needed to put out a product that was more diversified," said event co-chair Richard Wood. "We needed opportunities for those of us getting a little older to get out of the clubs." Thus, several swanky cocktail parties, an afternoon pool party at the Surfcomber Hotel and a bag full of sexy shopping events—complete with coupons, drinks and DJs at local retailers such as Club Monaco and Sisley—all took place in a matter of days. And for those needing mobility around town, shuttle service was set up transporting commuters each evening until 9 AM.
There was, however, no lessening of the bump and thump this year as the scantily clad, buff bodies found dancing refuge at several of the larger venues which were turned into beat boxes for the evening. DJs Susan Morabito and Victor Calderone played for the masses at Crobar on South Beach while resident DJ Tracy Young spun at the 25,000-square-foot Space in Downtown Miami. Appropriately named, Space can pack the house as a nightclub, yet is modern and sophisticated enough to host an intimate function. The venue boasts a bilevel multisensory environment featuring three rooms, an upper mezzanine overlooking the dance floor and a rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of the downtown skyline.
Ending the weekend, on Sunday afternoon thousands of men and some women descended on a strip of sand for the Beach Party—the bash that started it all many years ago. Organizers estimated the crowd at 5,000, yet it seemed like one huge, heaving mass of flesh—smiling, laughing, taking pictures, touching and feeling truly ecstatic. The $65 to $85 admission was a ticket into a hedonistic playground built right by the waters edge as DJ Manny Lehman worked his magic on the turntables. Assembly of the beach event was handled by Designs by Sean, who also supplied the décor. Event Star constructed the dance floor, TM Sound & Lighting enhanced the audio and visuals, and Miami Beach Police and Eagle Security kept the scene safe for all partygoers.
"It's not always about going into a dark club with flashing lights," said Ice Palace owner Eugene Rodriguez. "It's not about escaping, it's about having fun." Summing up the consensus, Darrell Burks, chairman of the board of directors for the Gay and Lesbian Foundation said, "Organizers really tried to broaden the appeal this year."
—Jose Gomez
