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The idea of the White Party was born in 1985 from a simple yet fundamental desire to end AIDS, mixing in equal elements of fashion, entertainment, music and a cause for celebration. Having only Montréal’s BBCM (Black & Blue) to compare itself to, The White Party Week’s philanthropic efforts benefit Care Resource, otherwise known as Florida’s one-stop shop for HIV/AIDS services.

The first edition brought $16,000 and the event continues to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for Care Resource, making it one of the largest HIV/AIDS fundraisers in the world. “By engaging our local community, from restaurants, nightclubs, media sponsors, governmental officials, promoters, local DJs and entertainers, the event has a groundswell of support from those that benefit from Care Resources’ services,” says Wade Patterson, Director of Finance and Resource Development of Care Resource. “The funds raised from the events are directly funneled back into the community in enhanced and increased services – from feeding more clients, providing transportation assistance or dental services.”

Purely Miami

The week-long schedule of revelry spans an impressive array of spectacular dance music driven events for the men and ladies, which includes The White Party, the crown jewel of events that make up the annual White Party Week. Over the past 27 years, The White Party has become an internationally recognized event that has helped define and shape the gay party circuit culture worldwide with its high production values and international DJ talent.

However, the event has had to go through a plethora of changes that reflects the growth and diversity of the niche it serves.  “Born in a period of desperation and hopelessness, the party has evolved to reflect the strength and growth of our community and those that support us,” says Patterson. “Consumers have matured over the years and have a higher expectation of value for a ticket purchase.  The agency has kept the admission price of White Party events reasonable and at the same time ensured that White Party offers an audio and visual experience that ensures attendees are receiving value and memories that they can share with their families and friends.”

“White Party is evolving to attract and to appeal to a younger generation of attendees, but at the same time, provide our guests with the highest standards they have come to expect,” he continues. “Every year, White Party evaluates the success of our events through attendee surveys, client and volunteer participation, and community feedback.”

DJ Joe Gauthreux

The DJ’s Holy Grail

With DJs and artists being booked from all over the world, the music has come to be renowned and an integral component of the party. Each year, event organizers amass an impressive roster of DJs, with a good balance of new and established talent having their time on the decks. Of the DJs contacted for this article, the general consensus seems to be that the White Party is seen as the circuit DJ’s Holy Grail. It was a long time coming for Carlo Chioccio, known as DJ Kio Kio who has his White Party debut at the Heatwave Pool Party on Saturday, November 26. “It’s always feels great to come back to my old stomping grounds and DJ, especially for the White Party,” he says. “I lived and played in South Beach for five years and never had the opportunity to be a part of the White Party. Being my first time, I ready to make that pool party bounce!”

Returning to the fray is this year is Joe Gauthreux, spinning at The White Party, Friday, Nov. 25. “Last year, I DJ’d their Muscle Beach party and it still stands out as one of the best times I’ve ever had at a gig,” Joe says. “This year I’m performing at the Miami Seaquarium for the actual White Party, which is a very big honor.” Having served us beats at the Black & Blue Jock Ball in 2003, headlining at the Black Party in NYC and just about every other major stop on the circuit, Joe knows a thing or two about what makes or break a party. Gays love a theme party and this year, it’s all about ‘evolution’, ringing in a ‘new era of the White Party’. For one thing, organizers are taking advantage of the Miami heat to bring the party outdoors. “White Party this year is having 2 of its 3 main nighttime events outdoors, which is a very unique thing,” Joe says. “There is just something so magical about dancing outdoors under the stars with 2000 people. It is an experience that everyone who loves to go out and dance should experience at least once!”

Montréal goes down on Miami

So while the majority of Montréalers are digging out their boots and car scrapers in preparation of the frigid months ahead, Patterson offers a convincing selling point to those who are on the fence of heading down south for bit of decadence and to take in the last wisps of heat. “If the cold wasn’t reason enough to leave Montréal, how about the thousands of hot men that travel to Miami from all over the world?” he says. “Each of our events has a persona of its very own; from small intimate gatherings at our opening events to the supersized main events, White Party Week will keep even the most discerning party connoisseurs happy.”

White Party Week happens November 23 through November 28 in Miami, Florida.

www.whiteparty.org