Enlarge Photo
| Credit: seattlepaparazzi.com Saturday night we had the pleasure of joining Menswear designer and Project Runway 4 contestant Jack Mackenroth (previously interviewed here) for Black Tie Bingo, a swanky night of Gay Bingo benefiting Lifelong AIDS Alliance in Seattle.
The evening began in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt as cocktails were poured amongst contortionists, stiltwalkers, and acrobats from local circus troupe Pure Cirkus. Guests were dressed to the nines, perhaps hoping to impress Jack with their tuxedo selection.
Once inside, Doug and I found ourselves seated at the Friends & Family table and were suddenly making friends with Jack's family and sitting alongside Jack himself for part of the night! Jack was completely sweet and lovely, of course -- we chatted a little more about his experience on the show, whether he'd consider going back for another season, and what he's been up to lately. Interrogation and photo (see me, Jack, and Doug above!) now aside, Doug and I continued tipping back cocktails and bestowed "insta-friend" status on Jack's sister Sarah (last picture.)
Before the main bingo games start, Lifelong AIDS Alliance raised a cool and quick $60,000 in their "raise the paddle" for the organization. One lady (accompanied by a fellow we simply called "the silver fox") kicked off the paddle-raising with an amazing $5,000 donation, preparing folks to go big or go home!
Jack then took the stage with bingo hostess Sylvia O'Stayformore, where the bingo games then kicked off. Officiated by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (Abbey of St. Joan), vacations were the prize of choice -- each package more fabulous than the previous.
After the event wrapped up at the Grand Hyatt, guests were whisked off by limousine (or walked, which we chose to do) a few blocks to The Baltic Room for The Official After Party. More drinks, mingling, and dancing ensued -- and we chatted with Sarah and her friends, deciding being downstairs was much more fun than the VIP room anyway.
Lifelong AIDS Alliance put on a great event with a fantastic hope, and raised a bunch of money for the organization at the same time. Congratulations on the big success, and thanks so much to Jack Mackenroth for taking the time out of his busy schedule to participate.
Photos from the event can be found at seattlepaparazzi.com, where you can buy prints and full size digital versions -- all proceeds benefit Lifelong AIDS Alliance.
[ Hunk du Jour Interviews Jack Mackenroth ]
[ seattlepaparazzi.com - Event Photos ]
[ Lifelong AIDS Alliance - Donate Today! ]
[ Jack Mackenroth - Official Site ]
Enlarge Photo
| Credit: seattlepaparazzi.com 
Enlarge Photo
| Credit: seattlepaparazzi.com 
Enlarge Photo
| Credit: seattlepaparazzi.com 
Enlarge Photo
| Credit: seattlepaparazzi.com 
Enlarge Photo
| Credit: seattlepaparazzi.com 
03.04.08
What a lovely recap boys...it was great meeting you two and my friends seemed to really like you (of course, they were really drunk)....no. I hope to see you guys soon - but not if you have a camera - my picture looks like a puffy toad. Talk to you soon. Sarah
Posted by Sarah | March 4, 2008 8:16 AM
Looks like it was a lot of fun all for a good cause! I was so bummed when Jack had to leave the show, I hope he comes back next season.
Posted by TimCat | March 4, 2008 9:26 AM
It sounds like bingo was fun but the party after was even better! Great to meet you guys!
Posted by Kelly | March 4, 2008 4:55 PM
Look how handsome you guys are. Sounds like a great event!
Now I have to laugh (and cringe a little) that the drag queen has more armpit hair than I do :D
Posted by Nathan | March 5, 2008 9:14 AM