By Mike Monopoli

When we think of Christmastime, we think of kids and family. Sadly though, for many GLBTQ youth, the holidays aren’t as joyous as they should be. Spurned children made to feel lonely, worthless and rejected are robbed of the opportunity to reach their full potential. Instead of learning to become healthy prosperous adults they are forced to fend for their own survival, sometimes living their lives on the streets. Gifts and special holiday celebrations are simply not part of their lives. Fortunately, they can seek refuge at Safe Homes of Worcester, a program created by The Bridge of Central Massachusetts. Some of the youth helped by Safe Homes include tragic cases, like homeless kids disowned by their families. The program also provides drop-in services to youth who are accepted at home but who are looking to socialize with their peers and discuss any issues they may have in a safe, welcoming setting. The goal of the program is to decrease the isolation that many GLBTQ youth feel in their everyday lives, and to support their health, safety and well being. For those wondering what the “Q” stands for, it represents youth who are still questioning their sexuality.

“Fundraisers make up a significant part of the money we receive” says Laura Farnsworth, Director of Safe Homes. “We also have a small grant from the Worcester Community Foundation and recently, from the Department of Public Health in Boston. Fundraising continues to be the biggest challenge for Safe Homes. We go year to year, sometimes month to month not knowing where the money will come from to sustain the program.” Tony Sanders and Patrick Hayes are two community members who realize how important it is to support our youth. Also known as Savannah Night and Viola Fields respectively, the two are the creators of A Christmas Gala, a fabulous evening out complete with four course dinner and a live cabaret show featuring talent from all over New England, which will be held Saturday, December 8th. “We are so grateful to Tony and Patrick for putting this together for us,” says Farnsworth. “Tony is one of those wonderful resources and community activists that always gets involved in causes. He goes above and beyond whenever the opportunity presents, and we are blessed to have him in Worcester.”

Along with his desire to help our youth, Patrick, a.k.a. Viola, provides the experience of a seasoned performer and has helped Savannah blossom into quite a stage presence herself. “I’ve done this for about three years now. I like to show that you can get up on stage and be classy, I think it’s really an art. Tony performs very well. He’s a natural, he’s got that Southern charm.” The two also worked together on a cancer benefit earlier this year. “This event is packed with talent from all over the area,” says Patrick, gushing with enthusiasm. “It’s going to be a great dinner, there will be a choir, Santa will be there. The songs are all so energetic! We’re planning a very special opening that’s going to be a lot of fun.”

“Patrick and I are hosting the show together” says Tony, a.k.a. Savannah, a relative newcomer to the stage. “Some of the performers will sing live, some will lip synch. There will be about 30 numbers in the show, which will last around two and a half hours. It’s jam packed with excitement. We wanted to keep the audience entertained and the show constantly moving. There’s lots of choreography. It’s going to be an evening out, not just a show.” The event is being held at the Italian American Club on Lake Avenue. “We have a lot of decorating to do,” adds Tony, who started working with Safe Homes when he owned Vibes, a gay book store. “Some of the kids from Safe Homes will come and help us set up. Some of my friends will step up and help too. It’s for the kids, it’s something I never had when I was growing up. [The organization] hold drop-in socials, which is great for people who are underage to meet others like themselves, and a safer alternative to the internet. In addition to the socials, they have counseling services and also bring the kids on field trips. It’s a great cause.”

For tickets to A Christmas Gala
call Tony at (508) 479-6977

SafeHomesMa.org

Photo: Viola (L) and Savannah (R) at this year’s July 4th Sarcoma Cancer Benefit