Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s Fundraiser, The Chic and Unique Ball, Returns with Wild Elegance
The Chic and Unique Ball returns on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood. This year's "Wild Elegance" theme launches GMCSF's Season 17, Believe. Guests can expect a jungle-inspired evening of glamour and daring fashion. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a red carpet, cocktails, dinner, and live entertainment. Dueling electric violinists, The Synergy Twins, will perform. The evening also includes silent and live auctions plus the Golden Ticket Drawing.
Wilton Manors, FL, September 02, 2026 --(PR.com)-- The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) proudly announces the return of The Chic and Unique Ball on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood. This year's theme, "Wild Elegance," invites guests to dress daringly and arrive glamorously for a night of jungle-inspired celebration. The event opens GMCSF's Season 17, themed "Believe."
Since it made its debut in 2023, GMCSF's Chic and Unique Ball has become a dazzling highlight of South Florida's social season, known for its unique entertainment, fast-paced programming, and incredible, immersive experiences. The Ball welcomes over 400 guests each year.
Two powerhouse partners take center stage this year. Susan Renneisen receives the Douglas Jackson Pew Community Leadership Award for four decades of advocacy and impact. Brand g Vacations receives the Corporate Crescendo Award for sailing alongside GMCSF since 2015 and donating over $1.3 million to LGBTQ+ causes worldwide.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood returns as their Season Sponsor and the host venue for this year's gala. What began as a landmark holiday concert partnership in December 2016 has evolved into a dynamic ten-year relationship rooted in music, visibility, and community impact. Today, Seminole Hard Rock continues to amplify GMCSF's mission as the Amplified Season Sponsor and home of The Chic and Unique Ball.
CAN Community Health joins as an Amplified Season Sponsor for Season 17. “The Chic and Unique Ball was the best ball of 2025,” said Kal Gajraj, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of CAN Community Health. “We are proud to deepen our partnership with GMCSF and support an event that brings our community together in such a powerful way. Supporting initiatives that strengthen and celebrate our community is central to CAN Community Health's mission.” The Bears of South Florida and Brand g Vacations also return as proud sponsors of the ball. Brand g has donated a spectacular seven-night all-LGBT+ Burgundy and Provence river cruise for two as a featured live auction item, valued at $14,398.
Ball Co-Chairs Robert Beaulieu and Erick Eldridge lead this year's event, bringing a shared vision for an unforgettable evening. "Wild Elegance captures everything GMCSF represents: boldness, artistry, and community pride," said Robert Beaulieu, Ball Co-Chair and GMCSF Board Member. "We are honored to celebrate ten years of partnership with Seminole Hard Rock. The energy of this night will launch our Season 17 in spectacular fashion."
"The Chic and Unique Ball is where our community shows up for each other," said Dr. Kerry Waldee, GMCSF Board Chair. "Every ticket, every sponsorship, and every bid directly fuels the music and outreach that change lives across South Florida. We are deeply grateful to the community that continues to stand with us."
The evening comes alive beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a red-carpet arrival, open-bar cocktails, a curated silent auction, and instant-win surprises throughout the night. Guests will savor a gourmet dinner before a captivating live performance, a live auction led by auctioneer Whitney J. Dutton, and the iconic Golden Ticket Drawing. Non-stop entertainment continues as a live band takes the stage and guests dance the night away. Curated by GMCSF Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, the night's entertainment features the Chorus and special guest artists, including dueling electric violinists, The Synergy Twins. VIP guests arrive at 6 p.m. for an exclusive reception featuring an open bar, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and a premium raffle.
VIP tickets are $500 per person or $5,000 per table. Premium Admissions are $300 per person or $3,000 per table. Tickets are available now at thechicanduniqueball.com. Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $50,000 and can be explored at thechicanduniqueball.com/sponsorship. For further information, please contact Edward Otto Zielke, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, at 954-763-2266, ext. 107.
The Chic and Unique Ball will also serve as an official welcome for GMCSF's new Executive Director, Justin Fyala, who takes the helm on October 19, 2026. Fyala brings a decade of leadership from the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC, along with arts management experience spanning the Kennedy Center, IMG Artists, and the Dallas Opera. "Nothing reflects the spirit of GMCSF quite like The Chic and Unique Ball," said Fyala. "This night brings our mission, our partners, and our community together in full force. Stepping into this role at such a defining moment is an absolute privilege, and I'm excited to celebrate the amazing people who make our powerful music possible."
About The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida:
The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) is a vibrant community of voices, blending generations and cultures in harmony with one mission: to shape a brighter, more inclusive future through music. GMCSF stands as a powerful force for advocacy, using the universal language of music to transcend social barriers and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. Mission: We sing so that LGBTQ+ people can live their truth through quality music experiences that inspire audiences, open minds, change hearts, and affirm our common humanity. Vision: A diverse world united.
With a roster of over 160 talented singers, GMCSF is the largest gay men's chorus in the southeastern United States and one of the top ten LGBTQ+ choruses in the country. Our grand-scale concerts, meaningful community engagements, and volunteer-driven outreach touch lives throughout South Florida and beyond. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, GMCSF captivates over 35,000 live audience members annually and welcomes over 77,000 visitors to its growing digital platform, gmcsf.org.
A significant milestone was reached in December 2016 when GMCSF partnered with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood to present its holiday concert at Hard Rock Live. What began as a landmark event has evolved into a dynamic ten-year partnership rooted in music, visibility, and community impact. Today, Seminole Hard Rock continues to amplify its mission as the Amplified Season Sponsor and host of The Chic and Unique Ball, its signature fundraiser. Visit thechicanduniqueball.com to learn about this year's theme and celebrate a partnership that continues to grow.
The Chorus welcomes singers of all identities who sing in the lower vocal range (Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, Bass), with auditions held throughout the season. We also take our music and mission into the community, with volunteers powering performances at events ranging from Florida Panthers and Miami Marlins Pride Nights to the International Gay Polo Tournament in Wellington and Treasure Coast Pride Fest at the Saint Lucie County Fairgrounds. These are just a few examples of our expanded outreach. Whether on stage or in service, GMCSF stands united in building bridges and creating space where everyone can live their truth. Join us and be a part of the harmony shaping South Florida's future.
Since it made its debut in 2023, GMCSF's Chic and Unique Ball has become a dazzling highlight of South Florida's social season, known for its unique entertainment, fast-paced programming, and incredible, immersive experiences. The Ball welcomes over 400 guests each year.
Two powerhouse partners take center stage this year. Susan Renneisen receives the Douglas Jackson Pew Community Leadership Award for four decades of advocacy and impact. Brand g Vacations receives the Corporate Crescendo Award for sailing alongside GMCSF since 2015 and donating over $1.3 million to LGBTQ+ causes worldwide.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood returns as their Season Sponsor and the host venue for this year's gala. What began as a landmark holiday concert partnership in December 2016 has evolved into a dynamic ten-year relationship rooted in music, visibility, and community impact. Today, Seminole Hard Rock continues to amplify GMCSF's mission as the Amplified Season Sponsor and home of The Chic and Unique Ball.
CAN Community Health joins as an Amplified Season Sponsor for Season 17. “The Chic and Unique Ball was the best ball of 2025,” said Kal Gajraj, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of CAN Community Health. “We are proud to deepen our partnership with GMCSF and support an event that brings our community together in such a powerful way. Supporting initiatives that strengthen and celebrate our community is central to CAN Community Health's mission.” The Bears of South Florida and Brand g Vacations also return as proud sponsors of the ball. Brand g has donated a spectacular seven-night all-LGBT+ Burgundy and Provence river cruise for two as a featured live auction item, valued at $14,398.
Ball Co-Chairs Robert Beaulieu and Erick Eldridge lead this year's event, bringing a shared vision for an unforgettable evening. "Wild Elegance captures everything GMCSF represents: boldness, artistry, and community pride," said Robert Beaulieu, Ball Co-Chair and GMCSF Board Member. "We are honored to celebrate ten years of partnership with Seminole Hard Rock. The energy of this night will launch our Season 17 in spectacular fashion."
"The Chic and Unique Ball is where our community shows up for each other," said Dr. Kerry Waldee, GMCSF Board Chair. "Every ticket, every sponsorship, and every bid directly fuels the music and outreach that change lives across South Florida. We are deeply grateful to the community that continues to stand with us."
The evening comes alive beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a red-carpet arrival, open-bar cocktails, a curated silent auction, and instant-win surprises throughout the night. Guests will savor a gourmet dinner before a captivating live performance, a live auction led by auctioneer Whitney J. Dutton, and the iconic Golden Ticket Drawing. Non-stop entertainment continues as a live band takes the stage and guests dance the night away. Curated by GMCSF Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, the night's entertainment features the Chorus and special guest artists, including dueling electric violinists, The Synergy Twins. VIP guests arrive at 6 p.m. for an exclusive reception featuring an open bar, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and a premium raffle.
VIP tickets are $500 per person or $5,000 per table. Premium Admissions are $300 per person or $3,000 per table. Tickets are available now at thechicanduniqueball.com. Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $50,000 and can be explored at thechicanduniqueball.com/sponsorship. For further information, please contact Edward Otto Zielke, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, at 954-763-2266, ext. 107.
The Chic and Unique Ball will also serve as an official welcome for GMCSF's new Executive Director, Justin Fyala, who takes the helm on October 19, 2026. Fyala brings a decade of leadership from the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC, along with arts management experience spanning the Kennedy Center, IMG Artists, and the Dallas Opera. "Nothing reflects the spirit of GMCSF quite like The Chic and Unique Ball," said Fyala. "This night brings our mission, our partners, and our community together in full force. Stepping into this role at such a defining moment is an absolute privilege, and I'm excited to celebrate the amazing people who make our powerful music possible."
About The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida:
The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) is a vibrant community of voices, blending generations and cultures in harmony with one mission: to shape a brighter, more inclusive future through music. GMCSF stands as a powerful force for advocacy, using the universal language of music to transcend social barriers and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. Mission: We sing so that LGBTQ+ people can live their truth through quality music experiences that inspire audiences, open minds, change hearts, and affirm our common humanity. Vision: A diverse world united.
With a roster of over 160 talented singers, GMCSF is the largest gay men's chorus in the southeastern United States and one of the top ten LGBTQ+ choruses in the country. Our grand-scale concerts, meaningful community engagements, and volunteer-driven outreach touch lives throughout South Florida and beyond. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, GMCSF captivates over 35,000 live audience members annually and welcomes over 77,000 visitors to its growing digital platform, gmcsf.org.
A significant milestone was reached in December 2016 when GMCSF partnered with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood to present its holiday concert at Hard Rock Live. What began as a landmark event has evolved into a dynamic ten-year partnership rooted in music, visibility, and community impact. Today, Seminole Hard Rock continues to amplify its mission as the Amplified Season Sponsor and host of The Chic and Unique Ball, its signature fundraiser. Visit thechicanduniqueball.com to learn about this year's theme and celebrate a partnership that continues to grow.
The Chorus welcomes singers of all identities who sing in the lower vocal range (Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, Bass), with auditions held throughout the season. We also take our music and mission into the community, with volunteers powering performances at events ranging from Florida Panthers and Miami Marlins Pride Nights to the International Gay Polo Tournament in Wellington and Treasure Coast Pride Fest at the Saint Lucie County Fairgrounds. These are just a few examples of our expanded outreach. Whether on stage or in service, GMCSF stands united in building bridges and creating space where everyone can live their truth. Join us and be a part of the harmony shaping South Florida's future.
Contact
Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida
Edward Otto Zielke
954-763-2266
gmcsf.org
Edward Otto Zielke
954-763-2266
gmcsf.org
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