Press Release

16 December 2002

A VERY SUCCESSFUL FINAL 4 DAYS MARKS END OF 2002 FUND RAISING

In an emotional speech to the crowds gathered in Boyztown (Pattayaland Soi 3) Dr. Philippe Seure, who runs Heartt 2000 (the main beneficiary of the PGF funds), suggested the street should be renamed "The Street of Life", such has been the effect of the monies raised in saving hundreds of lives of those affected with the HIV virus. He went on to thank all of his sponsors and supporters for their hard work and generosity and emphasised that without the help of them and the PGF in particular his work would be impossible.

This took place at the final PGF event, the Rainbow Street Party, on the evening of Monday 2nd December. The street was filled to capacity with cheering supporters who gave generously, helping through individual donations, entrance fees, raffle sales and percentages of food and drink sales. The total raised on this night alone was more than a staggering 480,000 Baht.

This followed the "Walk for Life" on World AIDS Day, when the PGF joined with many others to form a procession along Beach Road, South Pattaya Road and back along Second Road to celebrate the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS. There were many colourful floats, bands and a large number of groups of marchers. Despite the inclement weather, the rain started just as the procession did, a warm and carnival-like atmosphere prevailed throughout the whole of the parade with supporters and well-wishers cheering all of the participants along the whole of the route. When, at the end of the march, the PGF floats and walkers returned to Boyztown to find there was no electricity, they refused to let that dampen their enthusiasm. Everyone was smiling and the overall feeling of goodwill was clear to all. No one wanted the moment or the mood to stop.

A Beach Party at Tui's Place, Jomtiem on Friday 29th November marked the start to the final 4 days activities and well over 200 hundred people turned up to enjoy the pig roast, and, of course, the inevitable show from the temporary stage erected on the beach. The standard of performance from those taking part in the show was truly remarkable and made the evening the success it was.

On Saturday 30th December over 100 people attended a Gala Dinner at Bruno's Restaurant. The food was excellent; the service impeccable, and once again, a good time was had by all. A raffle followed which raised an incredible 150,000 Baht (from only 100 people!), bringing the total for the evening to over 200,000 Baht

The highlight of the evening was a presentation made to Bruno Forrer, himself, a re-presentation really, from the organisers of the Utopia Awards for his lifelong contributions to the gay community and those in need. Bruno, who is recovering from a serious illness, was there to accept the award to loud applause.

Robert Scoble of Utopia Asia, made the presentation, saying ;

"Restaurateur and philanthropist Bruno Forrer is a shining example of what one individual can do to change society. An openly gay businessman and active member of Pattaya's business community for more than three decades, Bruno has quietly provided much needed support to Thailand's developing gay communities, and generous contributions to AIDS victims in particular. He has gladly offered the resources of his business for dozens of fundraising events. He is an outstanding and unassuming philanthropist and a role model for gay businessmen throughout Thailand."

In total the final 4 events raised more than 795,000 Baht for the PGF charities, the major one being, of course, Heartt 2000 which continues to do so much for those suffering from the HIV virus, people who would surely die from the disease if not given the necessary medicines which they cannot afford. The number of patients who have received help from Dr Philippe is now close to 600 and increasing daily. Money continues to be required to enable this work to continue and the organisers of the PGF are now going to take a short rest and consider how they can help further in 2003.

The incredible success of the final 4 days brought the total raised by the PGF in 2002 to an amazing 3.4 Million Baht which was then rounded up to 3.5 Million Baht with a personal donation of 100,000 Baht from Jim Lumsden at the Boyz Boyz Boyz Birthday Party on 4th December. This surpasses the 2001 total of 3.2 Million Baht, something no-one thought possible when they sat down in January to plan the year's events.

Jim is one of the unsung heroes of the PGF. It was Jim Lumsden, who over two years ago came up with the original idea for the Pattaya Gay Festival and it has been his energy and verve as organizer and M.C. at the major festival events, over the past two years, that has contributed so much to the fund raising success of the events.

In addition to all the Pattaya and overseas gay businesses that sponsored and supported the PGF with events and donations throughout the year, many individuals also made contributions to the PGF charity funds, some with cash donations and others holding events with the proceeds going to the PGF Charities. Most recently Brian Wigley, organized a " Cruising for Life " day boat trip and donated all profits, a total of Baht 36,000, to the PGF Charities.

The PGF especially would like to thank Mayor Pairat and the officials and staff of City Hall for all their help and support for the Walk for Life Parade and other events of the four days of the Festival.

The total of 6.75 Million Baht for the 2 years the PGF has been in existence is beyond everyone's dreams and all concerned are truly delighted at the charitable works made possible by these wonderful results. Thanks to all who have supported the events and given generously during the year.

Rumour has it that the Pattaya Gay Festival, may be changing it's name, to "Pattaya Pride" next year. With the fantastic results of the last two years, it would be a well deserved name change.