by James Whitely - SGN Staff Writer

On Wednesday, June 6, Purr Cocktail Lounge held its fifth annual bartender auction. Patrons bid on dates with bartenders from Madison Pub, the Baltic Room, R Place, the Lobby, and Purr to benefit Rise n' Shine, a local nonprofit providing emotional support, stability, and advocacy for children and teens affected by HIV/AIDS.

Rise n' Shine clients include children orphaned by the disease, children living with parents with HIV/AIDS, and children who are infected themselves.

'It's a great cause,' said Barbie Humphrey, owner of Purr, who took a position on Rise n' Shine's board last year.

Barbie realized soon after opening Purr that her patrons wanted to date her bartenders. She saw it not only as an opportunity to raise money, but to bring local bars and bar owners together.

Local drag star Glamazonia hosted the event.

'She's great,' Humphrey told SGN. 'We've used her four out of the five times.'

Local restaurants donated gift certificates for each of the bartenders. In total, $12,600 was raised for Rise n' Shine. Purr's own bartender Rusty sold for a record $2,000.

'It feels great,' said Humphrey of her employee. 'It really makes me proud.'

Purr will begin gearing up for Pride next Wednesday, June 20, which is also its monthly dueling-piano night. The bar will be redesigned each night to match a different color of the rainbow, giving it a new feel every day.

'Pride's going to be a lot of fun,' Humphrey promised SGN.

 Share on Facebook

Share on MySpace!

    Share on Delicious

Share on StumbleUpon!