Saturday, November 3, 2007

Back to Bemelman's Reunion - November 2, 2007

Fundraiser for Casey House (www.caseyhouse.com)

Revisit yesteryear, visit old friends, celebrate in a funfilled evening and recreation of Bemelman's Bar and Grill, at the original Bemelman's location.

Hosted by Posy Chisholm Feick with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Brian Masters DJs. 9pm. Indiva, 83 Bloor St. W. $25 for general admission after 9pm with cash bar - $150 VIP includes drinks and muchies.

How much fun was this event? Wow, it was a reunion for so many and an introduction for several others. A mixed queer/straight and in between crowd of mostly 40 + attended this upscale soiree. Being amongst some of the coolest movers and shakers in Toronto was quite the experience and one of the better events I've attended in a while. I rubbed my jeans and Ramones tee against thousand dollar outfits, and was asked by one youngish 60 something to "do it again".

June Callwood was remembered as the founder of Casey House, named after her son her passed away from AIDS several years back. Bemelman's was one of the first "mixed" clientelle establishments in Toronto where everyone was welcome regardless of status or sexuality. It closed in the early 90's after many years in business, and is not an upscale women's clothing retailer called Indiva. Walking in and seeing the gigantic pillars created a flashback of sorts, only things were much brighter with the white walls and lighting. Most everyone seemed to have a great time reuniting and I heard rumours that over $50,000 was raised for Casey House. So well done Sinclair and Posey.

Spotted: Proud FM Hosts, Ken Kostick and Mary Jo Eustace, Diva Sherry Sullivan,
Best Outfit: The Beautiful Dame with the Red Lobster on her shoulder

1 comment:

Michel F. Pare said...

The second son and youngest child, Casey Frayne, was killed while riding a motorcycle on April 19, 1982, when he was 20 years old, by a drunk driver. He did not die of AIDS