Big Wig Ball
Annual fundraiser for
queer, trans and allied youth arts
May 20, 2017
7:00 pm - 1:00 am
PITTSBURGH OPERA
2425 Liberty Avenue
This event welcomes attendees 21+.
Join us for an extraordinary evening of queer hair, fashion, and performance; and a raging dance party! We want you to be imaginative and outrageous from head-to-toe. So, come proper in a fully coiffed lace-front, a choppy neon asymmetrical bob, or whatever wig-flipping style you dare create to support queer and trans youth arts!
MC Joseph Hall
Lighting Projections by Julie Mallis
Performances by LGBTQA+ artists throughout the night
Two Raffle Packages up for grabs!
VIP Reception (7pm-10pm): $125-$200**
Eats by Black Radish Kitchen
Libations by Franktuary, 5801, The Abbey on Butler Street, and Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Champion Award presented to our founder, Susan Haugh
with Auctioneer Heather Rae Martin
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Dance Party (10 pm-1am): $30-$50**
Cash Bar & Food Trucks
Fantastic Beats by
Ratchet Ivy League, Theodore Rexx,
and Herman ‘Soy Sos’ Pearl
After-hours at Hot Mass with Cologne-based DJ and Producer, Lena Willikens:
$5 off entry with BWB wristband
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Thank you to our generous sponsors UPMC Center for Engagement and Inclusion, Dollar Bank, 5801 Video Lounge and Cafe, 90.5 WESA, 91.3 WYEP, The Abbey on Butler Street, Alcoa, Apple, Black Radish Kitchen, BNY Mellon, Franktuary, Giant Eagle, Great Lakes Brewing Co., Hot Mass, Pittsburgh City Paper, Port Authority, and WQED.
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**This year we are offering you the option of buying a ticket at the minimum price (VIP: $125, Dance Party: $30) or paying a bit more if you can afford. You can also make a separate donation if you'd like. Either way the money provides arts programming for queer and trans youth!
Your support is always welcome!
EVENT SPONSORS
download sponsorship brochure
Check out the items up for auction at the Big Wig Ball!
Who will have the highest bids?
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LIVE AUCTION
with Auctioneer Heather Rae Martin
Item #1
Tuscan Villa Rentals
Value: $5950
7-night stay for four people at one of five rental properties in Manciano, Italy
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Our homes are situated in the ancient town of Manciano which rises on the top of a hill open to the four winds with a breathtaking view in all directions: from the Amiata to the Fiora Valley, from Talamone to the beaches of Montalto di Castro, from the Argentario to the islands of Giglio and Montecristo. Manciano extends for 37,203 square kilometers in a hilly zone situated between the valleys of Albegna and Fiora. It is thought that the town’s name derives from the patrician Roman family name of Mancia who owned a large area of property called “Praedium Mancianum.” At one time, Manciano was a fairly important market town for the area. Its stronghold already recorded in the 12th century. A brief occupation by Siena (1419-1455) left the town an imposing fortress built around 1424. The first mention of the Manciano castle is found in a privilege emanated in 1188 by Pope Clemente III in favor of the Church of Sovana. In that area, it was already subjugated to the AldoBrandeschi Dominion and in 1274 with the act of division of the Aldobrandesca County; it was assigned to the Branch of the Counts of Sovana.
Does not include airfare or other travel.
Item #2
Zulu Nyala Photo Safari
Value: $4550
2 open land rover trips with experienced guides in the private Zulu Nyala game reserve each day. 6 days and 6 nights accommodations for two. 3 delicious meals per day.
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An entrancing experience in a unique wilderness area Zulu Nyala Private Game Reserve provides a unique bush experience in the heart of one of South Africa’s most diverse conservation regions. Nestled between the wilderness reserves of Mkuze, Hluhluwe and St Lucia, this lush stretch of paradise is home to a wide variety of game, from the elephant to rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, the shy Nyala buck and the secretive leopard.
Does not include airfare or other travel, transfers, personal beverages or side trips.
Item #3
Chef Robert Courser Dinner
for Ten in Your Home
Value: $5,000
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Chef Robert Courser will collaborate with the winning bidder on the creation of a custom menu and prepare a meal for ten. Winning bidder will be responsible for providing the location, inviting the guests, and paying for “the groceries.” Robert will do the shopping and the cooking, but winner should plan to accompany Robert on the shopping excursion, which will be an incredible event itself.
Heading to college with the intention of studying Bio Chemistry, Robert leaned back on what came natural and set out on a path which led him to culinary school at School Craft Culinary Arts. After school, Robert worked the gambit of restaurants in his hometown of Ann Arbor. He was asked to work as the Executive Sous Chef at Opus One. "Opus was one of the best experiences for me. Being under the watchful eye of Chef Tim Gisinski allowed me to blossom as a chef," says Robert. After his time at Opus, Robert was sought out by Southern Hospitality Management Group for their flagship restaurant Seldom Blues. Robert came aboard as the Executive Sous Chef to work under Chef Jerry Nottich. They soon took Seldom Blue to restaurant of the year status. After a few years, Robert wanted to try different aspects of the restaurant world. In 2006 Robert partnered with Enricco Rosseili as a co-owner of La Dolce Vita. After about a year, Robert felt disconnected from his beloved kitchen and food, so he and Enricco parted ways; in turn leading Robert to Chen Chow. As the Executive Chef of Chen Chow, Robert's cultural vision was defined by a firm commitment to the highest quality of fish and produce available, with a great respect for all the seasons and a passion for spontaneity. Robert embodied the Japanese concept of "kappo" in his approach, which emphasizes capturing the moment when an ingredient is at its freshest, purest state.
Robert has been featured on a variety of TV news programs over the course of his career, as well as in the following publications: Essential Detroit Dining Guide, Real Detroit, Metro Times, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Jewish News, North West World Traveler, Signature Magazine, and Ambassador Magazine.
Chef Robert promises to provide the winning bidder:
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a customized menu for up to 10 people
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personal shopping experience
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a memorable dining occasion that will leave your guests profusely thanking you for inviting them to such a gastronomical celebration
Two raffle packages up for grabs.
Enter one or enter both. You don't need stick around to see whether you've won. We'll call or email on Sunday.
Tickets for each package are only $5
or 5 for $20, 15 for $50, 40 for $100
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Raffle #1
East Liberty Retreat
Value: $675
2 nights stay at the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh, $75 dining credit for Whitfield at the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh, 2 tickets to a show at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, and $100 Gift card to Big Burrito Restaurants
Raffle #2
Lady Gaga Package
Value: $635
2 tickets* to Lady Gaga on 11/20/2017
and $75 gift certificate to Big Y Restaurants
*Tickets numbers are Section 110, Row F, Seats 15 & 16