FEATURE: FANTASY AWAITS AT THIS YEAR’S WHITE PARTY WITH A RETURN TO ELEGANCE
By Rafa Carvajal
The White Party, hosted by Care Resource, will return to its legendary location at the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and Gardens on Saturday, November 24, 7-11 p.m., with a “Return to Elegance” theme that will celebrate Life, Diversity, Family and Community. Guests at this year’s White Party should dress to impress and be very creative and fashion forward with their attire because everyone will be eligible to enter the gala’s fashion competition. The winner will receive the White Wear Fashion Award presented by performer and Ultimate Miami Drag Queen winner, Athena Dion.
The 2018 White Party will be an over-the-top extravaganza with live acts, performance art, an online auction, and fabulous entertainment. Grammy Award winner Kimberly Davis, lead vocalist for the legendary disco band Chic, will perform live – before starting her world tour as the opening act for Cher with Nile Rodgers. Lady Gaga backup dancer Michael Silas will wow guests with a distinctive dance performance, Chris Deejay Smeejay Hodgson will be spinning on the turntables, and renowned saxophonist Johan Khiski from Moscow and New York will perform live. Guests will also enjoy an open bar provided by Bacardi and delicious hors d'oeuvres by Roho Kitchen. VIP ticket holders will savor delightful creations by chef Robyn Almodovar, winner of Food Network television shows Chopped and Cutthroat Kitchen.
Gala attendees will enjoy all this in the magical and historic setting that is Villa Vizcaya and Gardens – a modern, subtropical, and elegant eighteenth-century Italian villa, reminiscent of the country estates of northern Italy’s Veneto region.
Jake Resnicow, the super-producer from the Life Ball in Vienna, is providing the entertainment and production for this year’s White Party gala and donating his services to Care Resource, a not-for-profit community-based healthcare organization serving South Florida’s diverse community for over 30 years. Jake has brought innovative, provocative, and socially conscious events to the international stage for years, while seamlessly integrating the worlds of fundraising, celebrity, fashion, music, and art into one-of-a-kind guest experiences. Whether for a concert, a tastemaker party, a political happening, a corporate event or a magical gala like The White Party, Jake is known for consistently delivering outstanding events that leave clients and guests with unforgettable memories. I sat down with Jake to preview this year’s White Party and learn more about his event production skills and experience.
Rafa Carvajal: Tell our readers about yourself.
Jake Resnicow: I love giving back and I’m especially psyched to take this year’s White Party gala to the next level. This event directly benefits Care Resource, which has been at the forefront of the fight against AIDS for 35 years. They provide incredible care and treatment for our communities.
RC: What do you do for a living?
JR: Event-producing is my full-time gig. I’m so grateful to be doing what I love. To think that I graduated from school with a degree in government. I don’t think I could ever imagine working in politics now.
RC: What are the largest events you have produced?
JR: In Las Vegas, I take over the Cowabunga Bay Water Park from day into night with 20 waterslides and fireworks. It’s over-the-top! I’ve also have produced events at Universal Studios Orlando and Governors Island, New York, but what I am planning for WorldPride next year will definitely be my biggest event ever. I’m so excited!
RC: What differentiates you from other top event producers in the industry?
JR: My commitment to raising the bar and creating memorable experiences, giving every event a wow factor. From theatrical elements to live installations, I challenge myself at every event by asking how we can do more. I have a fierce attention to detail that often keeps me up at all hours of the night. It just isn’t the greatest for my love life.
RC: What are the most important events you are producing or working on over the next 12 months?
JR: After White Party, I am working on several special events in Miami Beach for New Year’s and Pride. I hope you can join us! In June, I head to Vienna for Life Ball, and then it’s WorldPride in New York. I am preparing a series of mega-events, benefiting the Stonewall Gives Back Initiative. I’m very excited to have brought on all-star technical director Steve Lieberman. For over 20 years, he has been the genius behind the incredible stage and light shows you see at Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Ultra Music Festival. Together, we’re going to raise the bar and give guests an experience never before seen at New York Pride.
RC: Describe yourself in 3 words.
JR: Passionate, loyal and ambitious.
RC: What motivated you to move from New York to Miami?
JR: The quality of life. The sunsets, the beach, the weather – it’s amazing. I still commute to New York every month for my events and to see friends. I feel very fortunate.
RC: Why did you decide to produce this year’s White Party and donate your services?
JR: I first attended the White Party in 2006. I was instantly in awe by the magic of the event at Vizcaya Gardens, the “crown jewel” of AIDS fundraisers. I had been to parties all over the world, but there was nothing like this one. It was a gathering of angels. When I heard White Party decided to consolidate their efforts this year into producing one amazing gala, I leaped at the opportunity to be a part of it. It’s a pleasure collaborating with Jonathan Welsh and Steve Beko at Care Resource. They do phenomenal work for the community and are so committed to the cause.
RC: Tell our readers about this year’s White Party at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
JR: There is no venue in all of Florida as magical as Vizcaya. We’ll be transforming it into the most opulent of galas, with over 300 LEDs, 20 live performers, art installations and a very special live performance by legendary Chic vocalist, Kimberly Davis.
RC: How will this White Party be different from others our readers have attended in the past?
JR: We are bringing back the sensualist delight of this legendary event, celebrating life, diversity, family, and community. From the moment you arrive at the Vizcaya entrance, and as you start the walk up the dimly lit path toward the palazzo, fantasy awaits. Visions of white surround you. Get ready to be amazed!
RC: What will be the biggest wow factor at this year’s White Party?
JR: We’re preparing a couple of surprises, but for sure, Kimberly Davis live will blow you away. I brought her with me to LifeBall in Vienna, and she was the talk of the weekend. In fact, after this gig, she starts her world tour as the opening act for Cher with Nile Rodgers. We’re in for a treat!
RC: How will the proceeds from this year’s White Party be used to help the LGBTQ community?
JR: For over 35 years, every dollar raised from this event directly supports HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention and the medical programs of Care Resource. Under the leadership of Rick Siclari, they have four locations in South Florida, providing comprehensive health and support services to our community. They truly are an amazing organization and I’m honored to be a part of this fundraiser.
RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers about yourself or this year’s White Party?
JR: Dress to impress in your most creative white attire! Think high-fashion. Think elegant. Winners will score two tickets to next year’s gala and present the 2019 award.
This was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue 46.2018
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