by Shaun Knittel - SGN Associate Editor

On July 29, at The Grill on Broadway, members of the community gathered for 'Mimosas With Mama,' hosted by Mama Tits, to celebrate the life of fallen Capitol Hill icon Scott Kalina. The event raised $2,000 for Seattle Counseling Service (SCS), an LGBT-specific mental health and addiction services resource serving Seattle since 1969.

'Capitol Hill lost one of its brightest lights last weekend, when friend to all, Scott Kalina, was taken far too soon,' Tim Harmon, marketing manager for The Grill on Broadway announced in a July 25 press release. 'As a personal friend of Kalina, local entertainer Brian Daniel Peters was affected greatly by the tragic loss.'

Peters' alter ego, Mama Tits, hosts the weekly drag brunch, 'Mimosas With Mama' every Sunday at The Grill On Broadway. So, on July 29, Peters turned the event into a heartfelt memorial and celebration of Scott's life, by bringing in entertainers and friends who were close to him, along with members of his family.

The event featured performances by Mark 'Mom' Finley, Robbie Turner, Aleksa Manila, Ursula Major, Tipsy Rose Lee, Atasha Manila, Katrina Duall, Fraya Love, Lady Chablis, Heather Hysteric, BlueBear Wharton, and of course, Mama Tits herself.

Proceeds from the show, as well as entertainers' tips were donated to Seattle Counseling Service in Scott's name.

Scott had struggled with drug addiction and, in the days leading up to his death, is believed to have relapsed. On July 21, just after 10 p.m., Seattle Fire crews responded to a call at his Capitol Hill apartment. According to Seattle Fire, when they arrived, Scott was not breathing and people at the scene were attempting to give him CPR. Medics continued the resuscitation effort but he was declared dead at the scene. He was 34.

Mama Tits put together a photo board at the event, and requested that Scott's friends bring photo prints depicting their best memories with Scott for placement on it. The board was nearly full by the end of the evening, and was presented to the Kalina family.

At the event, Mama Tits reminded everyone that there needs to be more awareness about addiction and that it is important to get involved when friends need help. 'We need to have the balls to call them out on it and have to have the balls to help them' said Mama.

A memorial for Scott Kalina will take place Saturday, August 4, at Cal Anderson Park in the Shelter House area from 5 to 8 p.m., and a celebration of his life will be held at the Social from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

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