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Draft:Blue Ball Philadelphia

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Blue Ball Philadelphia
Poster for Blue Ball Philadelphia
FrequencyAnnual
Location(s)Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Years active1991-2011

Blue Ball was an annual LGBT fundraising event held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, organized by the Sapphire Fund. The event began in 1991 and continued until 2011, celebrating its 20th anniversary before being rebranded as Sapphire Weekend in 2012. Over its two-decade run, Blue Ball became a cornerstone of the city's LGBT community, raising over $2 million for various LGBT causes.

History

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Founding and Early Years

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The concept of Blue Ball was developed in 1991 as a community-driven effort to raise funds for LGBT causes at a time when AIDS was heavily impacting the community. The event was initially a men’s circuit party but grew to include a wider audience over the years.[1] The event, first held in January, was spearheaded by community leaders such as Heshie Zinman, Kevin McNealy, and Jim Hamilton.[2]

Growth and Impact

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As the event grew, it became more inclusive and diverse, attracting thousands of attendees each year. Blue Ball expanded from a single night party to a multi-day festival, featuring a range of events such as networking opportunities, dance parties, and themed balls. The event's growth allowed it to support numerous LGBT organizations in Philadelphia, including the Mazzoni Center, Attic Youth Center, and William Way LGBT Community Center.

In 2002, Sapphire Fund took over as the event's organizers.[2] By 2004, the event had raised over $1.25 million.[3]

The event's date has changed multiple times, being held in February in 1994,[4] January in 2001,[5] May in 2006,[6] and in October by the late 2010s.[2]

Rebranding to Sapphire Weekend

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In 2012, after celebrating its 20th anniversary, Blue Ball was rebranded as Sapphire Weekend. The organizers felt that the original event had run its course and sought to create a fresh and innovative event that would appeal to a broader subset of the LGBT community and its allies. The rebranded event maintained the spirit of the original while offering a new slate of signature events, including the Sapphire Ball.[7][8]

Events

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Signature events

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Blue Ball was known for its wide range of events spread over several days. Key events included:

  • Junior Blue: A party specifically for LGBT youth aged 18 and over, which also supported youth outreach programs.
  • Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Party: Held at Woody’s, this event played off the military policy of the same name, creating a space for LGBT service members and their allies.[1]
  • Winter Wonderland Ball: Hosted by the Stimulus parties at the TLA, featuring go-go dancers and DJs.
  • Main Blue Ball Party: The headline event held at Trust (formerly the Real World house), attracting thousands for a night of dancing and live entertainment.
  • Sunday Tea Dance: Concluding the weekend with a brunch and tea dance at Woody’s.

Sapphire Weekend Events (Post-2012)

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  • Winter Wonderland Ball: A semi-formal event featuring live entertainment and DJs.
  • Sapphire Ball Live: Held at the Franklin Institute, this event included a reception, open bar, and a live ten-piece band.
  • Sapphire Brunch: Hosted at the Pyramid Club, providing attendees with a panoramic view of the city.

Beneficiaries

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Throughout its history, Blue Ball, through the Sapphire Fund, supported a variety of LGBT organizations:

  • William Way LGBT Community Center: Provided a safe space and a range of programs for the LGBT community in Philadelphia.
  • MANNA (Metropolitan AIDS Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance): Delivered nutritious meals to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
  • The Attic Youth Center: Offered services for LGBT youth, including leadership development, psychological services, and social activities.
  • National Adoption Center: Supported LGBT individuals and couples with adoption services.
  • Child Advocates: Provided legal and social services to abused and neglected children in the Philadelphia region.

The Blue Ball event in Philadelphia, organized by the Sapphire Fund, has been a significant fundraising initiative for LGBT causes over the years. Since its inception, Blue Ball has raised over $2 million to support various LGBT organizations in the area.

For its 20th anniversary, the event aimed to raise an additional $45,000 to benefit the Attic Youth Center, Mazzoni Center, and William Way LGBT Community Center.[1][2]

Legacy

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Blue Ball played a pivotal role in uniting Philadelphia's LGBT community and raising significant funds for critical services and advocacy. The event's legacy continues through Sapphire Weekend and the ongoing work of the Sapphire Fund, ensuring that the spirit of inclusion, celebration, and activism lives on.

References

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  1. ^ a b c McDonald, Natalie Hope (2011-01-25). "Blue Ball Turns 20". Philadelphia Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  2. ^ a b c d Colletta, Jen (2011-01-20). "Blue Ball fetes 20 years of fundraising". Philadelphia Gay News.
  3. ^ Blecher, Mark H. (2004-05-11). "Singing the blues". The Advocate: 6.
  4. ^ Dilallo, Kevin (1994-10-01). The Unofficial Gay Manual: Living the Lifestyle (Or at Least Appearing To). Crown. p. 186. ISBN 978-0-385-47445-0.
  5. ^ "Essentials". Out: 72. December 2000.
  6. ^ "Essentials Calendar: Philadelphia Blue Ball". Out: 98. May 2006.
  7. ^ Petenbrink, Troy (2012-01-14). "Philadelphia's Blue Ball ends, Sapphire Ball begins". Metro Weekly. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  8. ^ Colletta, Jen (2012-01-12). "New name, location for Blue Ball". Philadelphia Gay News.
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