Red Dress - The Day After

Last night was Portland's Red Dress Party. I doubt there are any official numbers available yet, but last year the party capped out at 1,500 people. This year, the venue was larger and the goal was to sell out at 2,500 people. All I know is that there were alot of people packed in there and the place was jumping. DJ Harmonix was playing main DJ and lots of sweating bodies clad in red were dancing, drinking, and having a great time. Over the last five years, the Red Dress Party has raised over $87,000 for local charities that work with queer youth and support those living with HIV and AIDS. Whatever was raised last night will be added to that total.

The Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were again in attendance and tasked with working the door and coat check. We were assisted in this endeavor by Sisters who came in from out of town just for the event. Sisters from Seattle, San Diego, and Las Vegas were all there and working their magic. There's no way the Portland Sisters can pull off an event like this on their own. Besides, it's always nice to meet other Sisters, be able to interact and have fun together, and most of all, to serve the community together.

The night was full of great little moments. I met many new people and had some great conversations with people about the Sisters. I also had fun working the line that, at one point, went around the building. And my feet are killing me from dancing in my 6.5" platform boots, but girl, I owned that dance floor!

One great little moment was getting a chance to meet Chelsea Clinton.

Forget for a minute which presidential candidate I might support. Everyone knows the Sisters are suckers for photo ops and celebrities large or small. I had been outside working the line when we got word that Chelsea was at the party and in the VIP section. I followed in the wake of Seattle Sister Stella Standing as she made her way through the crowd, into the VIP section, and right over to Chelsea. I wish I could have had our picture taken, but I didn't have my camera on me. I just shook her hand and said, "I'm Sister Krissy Fiction and I just wanted to thank you for coming tonight." That was it, but still, a tiny thrill.

Later on I was once again working the line outside and saw Portland Novice Sister Alma Children and told her about my encounter. Alma was dissappointed that she had missed the action. As Alma walked a few feet off to say hello to the folks in line, I turned around and who was walking up? Chelsea Clinton and her entourage! So what do I do? I yell, "Alma!!" And then sweetly step in front the entourage, and say to Chelsea, "Thanks again for coming tonight, and have you met Novice Siter Alma Children? She wanted to thank you too." At which point Alma turned around and got to shake hands and greet Miss Clinton also.

I have to say, the Chelsea I saw last night is certainly not the teen I remember from when Bill Clinton was president. The media really was very cruel to her, always describing her as awkward and homely. Well, that Chelsea, if she ever existed, is long gone. In her place is an attractive, self-assured woman. She had great energy, and I am sure she will be accomplishing some great things in her life, apart from whatever her parent's accomplishements might be, and apart from whether or not her mom is the next president.

Thanks to all the Sisters from afar that came to Portland for this event. And thanks to all those in attendance who paid for tickets and helped raise even more money for local charities. I love it when we can support great organizations and have a blast at the same time!