AGAPE named as recipient of “Phurfest 2010-Bear Blanket Bingo” fundraiser

Online registration for the Bears of the West “Phurfest 2010– Bear Blanket Bingo” has opened. Set for April 29, 30, May 1-3 in Phoenix, this year’s Phurfest will raise funds for AGAPE. The Phurfest fundraiser attracts participants from across the country and Canada for five days of entertainment, pool parties, local bar events and more. Quality Inn Suites has been designated as the official host hotel for this year’s event. “We are looking forward to a dynamic event this year with an influx of new ideas and events for our Phurfest participants,” said Richard “Ricky” Rivera, President of Bears of the West. “Our committee has been meeting for the last several months and working very hard to make the 2010 Phurfest a complete success.”

This years Phurfest Committee selected AGAPE, a non-profit which provides food for those living with HIV/AIDS in the Valley. According to the AGAPE website, the organization was formed in the spring of 1988, when eight people from two Phoenix-area Metropolitan Community Churches joined together, concerned about the unmet nutritional needs of those living with AIDS. They knew that many people living with AIDS could not afford to eat properly because they had been fired from their jobs or were too ill to work. Too many had incomes below or at poverty levels. The group believed Jesus was calling them to “feed my sheep”. (John 21:15- 17) From that initial group, AGAPE Network was born.

Today, AGAPE, provides approximately 350 food boxes during its twice-monthly food distributions, as well as emergency food boxes to those people with HIV/AIDS in need. The AGAPE Network is sustained by its fundraising, private donations, grants, and the work of its numerous volunteers. AGAPE Network has a continual need for financial and volunteer support. “Not only are we helping a great organization, but we are energized like never before. This should serve as a springboard for Phurfest events for years to come,” noted Jerry “Bubba” Boyce, Co-chair of the event. Participants have already started to register for the event. Organizers are certain that the Quality Inn Suites will fill to capacity for the event. “I’m very exited. Many of our local businesses and bars have been stepping up to the plate to help in our efforts for this year’s fundraiser,” exclaimed longtime Bears of the West member and media committee chair, Shawn B White.

This year’s theme, “Bear Blanket Bingo” is a campy spinoff from the vintage classic film “Beach Blanket Bingo.” An overall beach theme will encompass the weekend including a Hawaiian styled Luau themed dinner and show on the Saturday evening of the event. Registration includes two fun-filled pool parties featuring movies at the host hotel, co-sponsored by the Phoenix Movie Bears. Additional events include a bar crawl, transportation to and from a variety of bar locations via shuttle during the weekend, a silent auction and a special (optional cost item) Bear Brunch at Cherry Bar on the Sunday of the event.

A halfday trip to Luxury Lighting, an interactive design studio where you select your design, light fixture, color and more is also planned. This trip includes lunch, transportation and a lighting gift at a separate cost. A full listing of events is online. “We are also giving away $1000 in Visa Gift Cards through our raffle. One $500 card and two $250 cards will go to some lucky winners. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20,” said White. Raffle tickets are available at Off Chute Too, 4115 N. 7th Ave. in Phoenix.

For over eight years, The Bears of the West has served the greater Phoenix community raising thousands of dollars for local non-profits through Phurfest and other events. Registration and details can be found on the Bears of the West website at: www.bearsofthewest.org