On Monday 25 February the Pattaya Gay Festival 2008 held our ‘Tribute to the Stars’ opening Street Party in Boyztown, Pattaya.

Despite poor weather during the day, the rain stopped in time to allow Pattayaland Soi 3 to be closed and turned into a wonderful cabaret show theatre, including full stage set with spectacular sound and light effects. More than 360 people were treated to a spectacular show with live singing, dancing, cabaret shows and a great lucky ticket draw featuring prizes valued at around 100,000 Baht.

The host for the evening was Madame Jim from the Ambiance Hotel who presented Dr Phillipe of the HEARTT 2000 Charity with a cheque for 2.5 million Baht from Pattaya Gay Festival. This was the total amount that Pattaya Gay Festival had donated to HEARTT 2000 during 2007. Dr Phillipe told the crowd that by ‘Doing It Together’ we can all help with the fight against HIV and AIDS. He went on to say that although more support is being made available nationally in Thailand this only covers first line and other basic treatment. There is still a tremendous amount of work and money needed to help those requiring more complex combination therapy.

To date HEARTT 2000 has treated 1,600 patients in 10 years and is still treating 500 patients with more complex requirements.

Great entertainment was provided by Toi from Le Cafe Royale Piano Bar, the Divas and Dudes from Boyz Boyz Boyz, the Show troupe from Throb, Dolly Sisters, Madame Jim, Glen from Throb as well as Richard and DK of El Duo.

Donations for the prize draw included a brand new Platinum Motorbike from Mike Walsh, a Sapphire and Diamond ring from Honest Gems, and a weeks holiday to Phuket. Cash donations included B164,000 from an anonymous donor, B50,000 from Craig Linsley of Le Cafe Royale, B50,000 from Peter Storrow (also from Le Cafe Royale) and B30,000 from Dame Ruby, B5,000 from Dolly Levi of the Quens Hotel, Benidorm as well as numerous other donations from kind individuals.

Huge thanks go to all those who gave fantastic donations as well as all those attending the event and buying lucky draw tickets.

Thanks also to all the Boystown venues and to Cafe New Orleans and Wild West Boys who donated 10% of their drink sales to the party.

The fantastic generosity of all meant that the Pattaya Gay Festival 2008 ‘Tribute to the Stars’ opening street party got the year off to a great start by raising 517,000 Baht. With perfect timing, the rain started just as the party ended!

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