Event Date: Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017
Event Time: 6:00 PM till 11:00 PM
Event Location: Connecticut Convention Center
This is a whole new One Big Event. We’ve taken the best of the old and added interesting new features and shaken them up to create a whole new concoction – “Shaken not stirred.” James Bond would approve and so will you when you join us at the Connecticut Convention Center on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.
We have a new sound this year too. DJs Courtney and GIo from PartyPro DJ will provide a sound like the hottest nightclub in NYC or LA. Can energy come in sound? Get on our dance floor and find out.
Gio is incredible at mixing and keeping the dance floor going. Originally a club DJ doing foam parties, raves, and college events, Gio is both versed in pleasing a demanding crowd, and satisfying musical desires from all decades and genres.
Gio has been the opening act for well-known artists, and has played in front of thousands of people but also loves working elegant and intimate celebrations and showcasing his professionalism and desire to please, musically.
With 12 years of experience behind the turntables, Courtney was born and raised in Detroit–a proud city rich with musical history, home of Motown and brilliant recording artists. From the beginning, it was impossible for her to ignore the passion for music she inherited from her father who would always play music around the house when she was a child.
Influenced by artists such as Monica, Brandy and especially the late Aaliyah, her musical palette also includes a variety of artists ranging from jazz saxophonist John Coltrane and jazz vocalist Marlena Shaw, to Motown’s quintessential vocal group The Temptations.
When she’s not creating an amazing party for a newly married couple, Courtney continues to showcase her skills at clubs, lounges and private events around Connecticut. Check out both our fabulous DJs here: www.partyprodj.com/meetdjs
We salute Aetna on their fourth year as One Big Event’s Biggest Sponsor. Thanks to the many businesses and organizations who support the programs and services of the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective. You too can be a part of OBE and benefit from the exposure from partnering with us! View our 2017 Letter to Sponsors. Contact Dan Millett, OBE Coordinator to find out how you can benefit from this partnership. View our 2017 OBE Sponsor Sheet. For more information, please contact OBE Coordinator, Dan Millett at (860)278-4163 x 118 or email danm@hglhc.org.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, E.D. Linda Estabrook & Board President Joseph DeMaio. Photo: Thomas Hurlbut
Some things get better with age, and the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective’s One Big Event (OBE) is a prime example. Happy attendees gathered at the Connecticut Convention Center on October 15 to celebrate and support the Health Collective at our 14th fundraiser. Folks enjoyed a busy evening of socializing, auction bidding, dining and dancing. We put the gay in gala! Everyone was a winner that night.
M.C. Michael Wilson, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman & OBE Chair E. John McGarvey Photo: Thomas Hurlbut
Master of Ceremonies Michael Wilson, taking time off from his busy directing schedule, was the lively and entertaining host of the evening. Many speakers, including Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health CollectiveExecutive Director Linda Estabrook, One Big Event Chair E. John McGarvey, Board President Joseph DeMaio and Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin gave their reason for being there. They offered illuminating and impassioned testimony to the work of the Health Collective and the need for it to continue its mission.
Sophisticated Ladies Photo: Thomas Hurlbut
You knew the tone of the evening right as you walked off the escalator and saw the life size figures of the OBE marketing theme. Everyone was posing with them and having a lot of fun. If they could sit, folks would have invited them to join their table. Thanks Adams & Knight! Between selfies with the cutouts and posing in front of the step and repeat display, some cell phones must have given out from so many great photos ops. And why not? It was a smart looking crowd from imperial drag queens to politicos to movers and shakers in our fair city.
A Night Fit For A Queen (or Two!) Photo: Thomas Hurlbut
The the passion was not just at the podium. Many were deeply involved with their bidding on auction items throughout the evening. It was a full time job just keeping track of all the items that you wanted. With over 200 items, there was something for everyone. The evening ended with Shaded Soul Band making beautiful music. The audience couldn’t help but get on the dance floor.
A Gentleman Always Dresses for the Occasion. Photo: Thomas Hurlbut
Great BIG thanks to all of our sponsors, especially our Biggest Sponsor, Aetna. Also, our Seriously Big Sponsors: Adams & Knight, The Hartford Courant and Voya. And our Really, Really Big Sponsors: Macy’s, Nordstrom, TD Bank and Travelers. We are also grateful to all our auction donors and program book advertisers. And a loud shout out to everyone who came to One Big Event. We love partying with you. Thanks for the love and support.
The Stars Were Out That Night Photo: Thomas Hurlbut
We look forward to seeing you in 2017 for our 15th celebration. Watch out – you’re in for a great time!
They Were Up for a Good Time and Ready for Anything Photo: Thomas Hurlbut
See all the fabulousness! To view the photography gallery from One Big Event, email Tom@THPstudio.com and a link will be sent to you. And because there was so much to photograph, you can also check out: http://www.courant.com/java/hc-pictures-one-big-event-gala-20161015-photogallery.html.
Stepping and Repeating Photo: Thomas Hurlbut
The Silent and Live Auctions at One Big Event always have competitive bidding on amazing items and this year promises to be no different. One Big Event attendees will can get the best in arts and crafts, restaurants, health and beauty, shows and events, clothing and jewelry and so much more. If you have an item to donate, please complete the following form: Donation Form. or contact Richard Kimball, OBE Auction Coordinator. Stay tuned for our upcoming Auction preview.
To find out all you need to know about the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective’s 15th One Big Event, contact Richard Kimball, OBE Coordinator.
Richard Kimball: rrkimballcpa@gmail.com
Eat your heart our Hallmark! Our signature fundraiser shines in any poem you care to showcase it in. But seriously folks, we would love to see you at One Big Event this year. And what other night offers so much to attendees? Cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing. Did I say it is an amazing time? Not only that, but it supports a great cause: funding the programs and services of the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective. These have a positive impact on many in the greater Hartford community. Do you have what it takes to be a One Big Event Table Captain? Get your friends, family, neighbors and business associates together for a super evening out. Just think how great it will be to have a group photo in front of the OBE Step and Repeat banner. Bring on your star power!
One Big Event Committee
One Big Event Host Committee
One Big Event Honorary Host Committee
HARTFORD GAY & LESBIAN HEALTH COLLECTIVE.
Did you know the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective impacts over 7,000 individuals every year? Whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, questioning or straight we are a medical and community resource that is sought after, recommended, respected and trusted for over 34 years. There is a reason that our clients trust us for their medical, dental, emotional and community needs. Our staff and volunteers are approachable, knowledgeable and nonjudgmental – a wonderful reason to be a part of One Big Event.
For more information visit our website at: https://www.hglhc.org/
