Bears of San Francisco announce the 16th annual International Bear Rendezvous, the grand daddy of bear runs, to be hosted at a new venue during Presidents’ Day Weekend in February- the Parc 55 Hotel. This magnificent hotel just finished a $41 million renovation. It is located a block away from Union Square and just steps from the Powell Street BART Station. Book now while special discounted group rates are still available.
The theme for 2010 is Barbary Coast Bears: Sin, Fire and Gold. Attendees step back in time to the end of California’s Gold Rush… when San Francisco teamed with entrepreneurs, seeking to get rich quick. Gamblers, prospectors, gun slingers and the occasional madam ruled the bustling port of San Francisco. This year the bears will rule.
The Bears of San Francisco is a non-profit organization with the sole purpose to put “fun” into fundraising for other non-profit organizations that promote and assist the GLBTQQI community. To date over half a million dollars have been given to various charities. Bears from around the world are coming to San Francisco for fun and camaraderie while raising funds for three auspicious organizations. Beneficiaries selected to receive all proceeds from IBR 16 are the Asian-Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and Helem via the Rainbow World Fund.
Favorite IBR activities such as Sisters’ Bingo hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be themed to the saloon days of San Francisco. Dances, pup crawls, tours and a dim sum gobble are scheduled during the weekend. The IBR competition will once again name winners in four categories: International Bear Cub, International Daddy Bear, International Grizzly Bear and the overall title of International Mr. Bear. New this year will be an authentic “hankie dance” at the host hotel on Saturday evening, an art exhibit featuring gay artists, a tour of San Francisco’s old mint and a visit to St. George Spirits on Alameda Island for a tour and tasting at this premier distillery.
For more information contact Joch Woodruff at secretary@bosf.org. Visit www.bearrendezvous.com to view all activities scheduled for IBR 16. Online registration ends January 31. Walk-up registration will be available during IBR at the host hotel. This year a special package has been built for locals. Promotional art is included.
By Joch Woodruff
