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Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is hosting a drag brunch to raise funds for The Pride Center, taking place June 1.

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Feature

Hard Rock Brunch Aims to Break World Record While Raising Funds for Pride Center

By Jason Parsley

In June 2023, a drag brunch in New York City made history — setting a Guinness World Record for largest ever held. Now, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood wants the crown. 

On June 1, they’ll host a brunch of their own, hoping to smash that record — and raise funds for The Pride Center at Equality Park while they’re at it. 

The number to beat: 412. 

"The Hard Rock is trying to make this the world's largest drag brunch," noted Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center. "So yeah, we're hoping that this qualifies as the largest." 

But it's not just about breaking records — it's also about raising critical funds for the community center. The Pride Center’s federal funding — like that of many LGBTQ nonprofits — is under threat as budgets are slashed, and the government pulls back funding for HIV-related treatment and prevention. Boo hopes to raise an additional $175,000 to offset those losses through the end of the year. 

"This way we can at least keep the current programs and services in place," Boo said. 

Even if someone can’t attend, donations can be made at pridecenterflorida.org/donate

Boo also expressed appreciation for the event’s sponsors, especially in a year when many Pride events across the country have seen corporate support waver. 

"Every one of them is to be applauded and recognized for staying firm and supporting the community," Boo said. "A huge thanks to everyone." 

The presenting sponsor is CAN Community Health. 

“CAN Community Health is proud to be a presenting sponsor, celebrating diversity, honoring role models, fostering unity and giving back to the communities we serve,” Kal Gajraj, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of CAN, said in a press release. “This milestone event reflects our commitment to Pride year-round and by supporting The Pride Center, we are ensuring a safe space, resources and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.” 

The event will feature Michael Dean as Cher, along with South Florida drag icons Daisy Deadpetals, Velvet Lenore, Erika Norell, and Aaliyah Jae. The Pride Center Honors awards ceremony will recognize Ana Navarro, political strategist and co-host of ABC’s “The View;” Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida; and The Our Fund Foundation for their commitment to the LGBTQ community. WSVN Deco Drive reporter Alex Miranda is set to host. 

Tickets are $150 per person. Visit givebutter.com/c/VtPWYL to purchase.

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Photo of the Week

On April 30, ArtsUnited honored community leaders Don D’Arminio, Marc Martorana, and Joe Pallant at the “Dining with the Divas” Celebration Dinner at Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale. Hosted by Velvet LeNore, the evening featured celebrity performances from Victor Zepka, Joshua Justin, and Jeffrey Roach, raising funds to support ArtsUnited's mission to foster LGBTQ artists. The event was a night of great food, entertainment, and community spirit!

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