A Celebration of Friends - a celebration of mature men in the gay world
A Celebration of Friends - a celebration of mature men in the gay world
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Italian poet Cesare Pavese said, “The closing years of life are like the end of a masquerade party, when the masks are dropped.” Many gay men find liberation in their mature years. They can be themselves, enjoy each other’s company and bask in the attentions of those who are attracted to maturity.
For more than a dozen years, A Celebration of Friends has offered events where mature gay men are celebrated.
We asked A Celebration of Friends, Inc. President Tom (Tomcat) Pence to tell us more.
How would you describe A Celebration of Friends in one sentence?
A Celebration of Friends is a celebration of mature men in the gay world. It has evolved into a “family reunions” for many members, as we’ve developed close relationships with each other the years. Though close, our family is always welcoming and inviting.
What is unique about A Celebration of Friends?
The ACOF is a non-profit 501(c) 4 whose main purpose is to better our community. It can be likened to the iconic Statue of Liberty beckoning all who feel out of place in this youth based society.
As we grow older and more inclusive, we share a greater need for human love and companionship.
The ACOF actively seeks out these individuals, offering them an opportunity to fulfill those needs in camaraderie and fellowship with the ability of making life long friends while at the same time, making the planet a better place to be.
During the past 15 years, the ACOF has raised over $184,000 for local gay charities.
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Italian poet Cesare Pavese said, “The closing years of life are like the end of a masquerade party, when the masks are dropped.” Many gay men find liberation in their mature years. They can be themselves, enjoy each other’s company and bask in the attentions of those who are attracted to maturity.
For more than a dozen years, A Celebration of Friends has offered events where mature gay men are celebrated.
We asked A Celebration of Friends, Inc. President Tom (Tomcat) Pence to tell us more.
How would you describe A Celebration of Friends in one sentence?
A Celebration of Friends is a celebration of mature men in the gay world. It has evolved into a “family reunions” for many members, as we’ve developed close relationships with each other the years. Though close, our family is always welcoming and inviting.
What is unique about A Celebration of Friends?
The ACOF is a non-profit 501(c) 4 whose main purpose is to better our community. It can be likened to the iconic Statue of Liberty beckoning all who feel out of place in this youth based society.
As we grow older and more inclusive, we share a greater need for human love and companionship.
The ACOF actively seeks out these individuals, offering them an opportunity to fulfill those needs in camaraderie and fellowship with the ability of making life long friends while at the same time, making the planet a better place to be.
During the past 15 years, the ACOF has raised over $184,000 for local gay charities.
Who attends A Celebration of Friends?
The men who attend our celebrations are the guys who are tired of dealing with kids and are seeking a little maturity in their relationships. They’re realists who no longer seek out the body-beautiful muscle man.
These are the guys who don’t mind others with a little mileage and some meat on their bones. The men are unafraid to get close to other several hundred like-minded friends.
Two years ago, we brought in actor Ed Asner for a Q & A and everyone got a chance to talk to him. Last year, former congressman Barney Frank and husband Jim Ready were our guests.
What Celebration of Friends events are coming up?
This July 20th through the 23rd, we’re bringing the hottest men to the “hottest city in the world.”
Fort Lauderdale will be opening up its doors and we will once again be exploring the city of “Where the Boys Are”.
Last January, we experimented with a January Jamboree which turned out to be a great success.
We’re always looking for new venues and city’s to explore. Past Celebration's has taken place in New Orleans, Miami and Orlando.
The men who attend our celebrations are the guys who are tired of dealing with kids and are seeking a little maturity in their relationships. They’re realists who no longer seek out the body-beautiful muscle man.
These are the guys who don’t mind others with a little mileage and some meat on their bones. The men are unafraid to get close to other several hundred like-minded friends.
Two years ago, we brought in actor Ed Asner for a Q & A and everyone got a chance to talk to him. Last year, former congressman Barney Frank and husband Jim Ready were our guests.
What Celebration of Friends events are coming up?
This July 20th through the 23rd, we’re bringing the hottest men to the “hottest city in the world.”
Fort Lauderdale will be opening up its doors and we will once again be exploring the city of “Where the Boys Are”.
Last January, we experimented with a January Jamboree which turned out to be a great success.
We’re always looking for new venues and city’s to explore. Past Celebration's has taken place in New Orleans, Miami and Orlando.
What plans does A Celebration of Friends have for the future?
Our goal for A Celebration of Friends is to keep the event going on an annual or twice-a-year basis like we are doing in 2017.
We have an ongoing Saturday morning Klasic Coffee Klatch in Palm Aire (Pompano Beach) for the Southeast Florida members which is a way we keep the Celebration spirit alive during the year.
Fort Lauderdale has been home for us for the past 11 years, but we are always open to ideas for other host cities.
Most questions can be answered on our website at http://www.celebrationoffriends.org . Here people can see the history of our Celebrations, check out the galleries of thousands of men who've been part of us and generally get a good idea of who we are.
Conclusion
For more information, visit http://www.celebrationoffriends.org/
Facebook users can also visit https://www.facebook.com/CelebrationOfFriends/
Our goal for A Celebration of Friends is to keep the event going on an annual or twice-a-year basis like we are doing in 2017.
We have an ongoing Saturday morning Klasic Coffee Klatch in Palm Aire (Pompano Beach) for the Southeast Florida members which is a way we keep the Celebration spirit alive during the year.
Fort Lauderdale has been home for us for the past 11 years, but we are always open to ideas for other host cities.
Most questions can be answered on our website at http://www.celebrationoffriends.org . Here people can see the history of our Celebrations, check out the galleries of thousands of men who've been part of us and generally get a good idea of who we are.
Conclusion
For more information, visit http://www.celebrationoffriends.org/
Facebook users can also visit https://www.facebook.com/CelebrationOfFriends/
Article by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Copyright 2017 Sunny Harbor Publishing Sunny Harbor Publishing, PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956 Phone: 321-446-7552 Email: [email protected] Website: www.SunnyHarborPublishing.org (Photos provided by A Celebration of Friends) |
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