There’s NO Party Like A One Big Event Party!

Isn’t is surprising when you take a winning formula, add some new ingredients, rearrange things and then shake them up really well?  You get a really great evening with everyone having a sparkling time.  The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective‘s 15th One Big Event(OBE) on Oct. 28 is a first class example.

You knew the Connecticut Convention Center was hip and happening as soon as you entered from the garage.  A large mural of OBE characters enjoying themselves greeted our guests as they came in.  It was only a preview of things to come……

This year we totally rethought the evening.  We had a new layout, new music, new sound and new auctioneer.  Everyone enjoyed cocktails (who doesn’t?), a fine meal, wonderful opportunities to bid at the silent and live auctions and dance.  When you have a conga line going around the room, you know you better not stand in the way! 

A highlight of the evening was the inspiring speeches of OBE Chair, John McGarvey and Health Collective Executive Director, Linda Estabrook.  John reminded everyone that it is love that brought the audience together that evening.  Estabrook told the crowd about the important work the agency does and how the demand is increasing.

Other speakers included Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Randol Vasquez gave a powerful testimony of the life changing affect the Health Collective has had on him and those like him.  It truly inspired the audience as Auctioneer Patrick Soucy asked them to donate to the Health Collective.  Patrick then worked the crowd in the Live Auction when some wonderful items were snatched by lucky winners.

One Big Event is truly a team effort.  Many thanks to the OBE Committee: John McGarvey, Linda Estabrook, Donna Gerard, Richard Kimball, Dan Millett, John Rzasa and Jennifer Smithberger.  We had many volunteers who helped make everything happen.  Thanks to all of them.

A great BIG thanks to our Biggest Sponsor, Aetna.  Also, our Seriously Big Sponsors: Adams & Knight, The Hartford Courant and Voya. And our Really, Really Big Sponsors: Bank of America, Macy’s, Nordstrom, TD Bank and Travelers.  We are grateful to all our sponsors, auction donors and program book advertisers.  And a big “Thank You!” to all the attendees.  We think you had as much fun as we did.

If you want evidence of how much fun took place on Oct. 28, take a look at OBE photographer Tom Hurlbut’s terrific photos.  You can also see photos from the Hartford Courant and Facebook.  Finally, you know everyone had a lot of fun (maybe too much fun?) when someone leaves a souvenir behind.  We hope Cinderella found her Princess Charming.  If you need your left shoe, give us a call.

Here are the links:

https://thomashurlbutphotography.smugmug.com/Events/One-Big-Event-2017/

http://www.courant.com/java/hc-pictures-one-big-event-2017-20171029-photogallery.html

https://www.facebook.com/onebigevent.org/

Program Book

Also check out this year’s program book, courtesy of Adams and Knight!

https://files.adamsknight.com/_000BXf9OoYBb6R

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