The Infamous White Party Week is coming of age. This year marks the 21st birthday of the White Party Week in Miami ­ Miami Beach - Fort Lauderdale. Most of "think" you may know what the White Party Week consists of but, don't let this one fool you. Care Resource, the largest HIV and AIDS community based, not-for-profit, health organization in Florida is a full service agency to help not only gay men but women and families in South Florida and Broward County from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.

For the first time in the 21-year history of The White Party Week, the "White Party Village" has been created to accommodate the many diverse ages, cultures of international and national guests into one 500-yard square block area on spectacular Ocean Drive, home to the filming of countless Hollywood films, celebrity sightings and the best beach in all of South Florida. "The Village" will give all guests a greater opportunity to have fun together, meet new friends, and eliminates travel time between many of the famous events, the best shopping and dining experiences, late night fun, the warm and exotic gay beach and the soothing sounds and clear waters of the aqua blue Atlantic Ocean.

I had the opportunity to chat with Chip Arndt, PR V& Marketing Manager at Care Resource, the organizer of The White Party Week, and he was very excited about changing the face of the whole aspect of what has become known as "The Circuit Party" scene. He told me, "What we are first trying to do is put a successful party into play. What do you call an event that is a party but primarily is a major fund raiser to help those living with HIV/AIDS? The word circuit appeared a few years ago to identify a certain type of event which for the most part had its origins not as a circuit party but rather a local party to raise funds for worthy organizations helping people. Over the years, independent producers have turned these charity events into stops on a national circuit of decadent events. The intentions might have been good but by labeling them circuit events few people who attended were aware of the heart and soul of these events, namely to raise much needed funds. The events then were often labeled decadent. We at Care Resource are working to change the reality of the event back to its core ­ a wonderful celebration. The Black and Blue Ball, I believe was the first tof start this change and focused its great event on a celebration of the city of Montreal. With the museums and the city itself, we are not going to get away from the night events, as they are fun and do show a different side to Miami, but we are also going to celebrate Miami, Miami Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. Imagine 29 events in 5 days." The enthusiasm in his voice was inspiring and the ability to share these events with you gives me great joy. There are so many other great events I have to mention, I will try to give them their props, since I am limited on space, I will do my best.

What makes this week long event so special are the six host hotels and the many national sponsors for the White Party Week events. E! will be sponsoring a fashion show, the New York Times is sponsoring three events and the Grand Evening event at Villa Vizcaya will feature Boy George and his partner Craig Daniels spinning in the exquisite main garden.

There is an event that has an appeal to any age group. The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Celebrates the 21st Birthday of The White Party Week with a special screening of a special GLBT film. This wonderful evening will be sponsored by two of Miami's best known organizations. It will kick off a wonderful week where everyone can "find new depth" of their experience of The White Party Week 2005. In keeping with the dedication to provide unique events, that compliment the world-renowned dance events and marquee evening at Villa Vizcaya, everyone is encouraged to enjoy a relaxing night out after work to start your Thanksgiving Week.

Well, I haven't mentioned food yet, but is coming up. First, I have to mention the kick-off party event, The Black and White Leather Party in Ft. Lauderdale. A local's favorite, this year the event will take place at Elements Nightclub featuring the sounds of Chris Wren. This starts at 10:00 pm and goes until late. This event always draws an eclectic mix of VIP's and hard-core party people.

Now, it is time for one of the events I would for sure be attending, the White Turkey Dinner. From 4pm until 10, on Thursday, November 24th, 2005. If you are looking for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner over looking the ocean on a wonderful outside patio, with warm breezes from the Atlantic then this is the perfect venue for you. This prix menu is designed to allow everyone to enjoy the finest dining that South Beach has to offer at affordable prices. All are welcome for this special dinner and encouraged to taste other delectable foods of Olas Restaurant famous kitchen at Host Hotel The Savoy. Later that evening you can carry your festive spirit to The White Journey's Party at one of Miami Beach's marquee nightspots featuring DJs Ivano Bellini and Chris Wren.

The following day, for the first time ever, a VIP Fundraising Brunch Reception will be held at Casa Casuarina ­ The Versace Mansion, from 11:30 am ­ 3:30 pm, Friday, November 25, 2005. This will be the official VIP/Sponsor event where they hold their major press conference and honor their sponsors and volunteers. The event is open to 180 guests only, including sponsors, press and public officials. The VIP press conference is attended by all local media, national and international alternative press, and many GMCVB-FAM groups and has been featured by: W, Vanity Fair, Glamour Magazine, Details Magazine, E! Network Entertainment, as well as documentaries by Bravo, BBC, Deco Drive, and local TV news programs. Speakers have included U.S. AIDS Czar, Daniel Montoya, Miami Beach Mayors and major sponsor representatives.

I had mentioned earlier that the New York Times was sponsoring three events at the White Party Week this year. These events are truly must see events. The first event is a Photographic Exhibition 4:00pm-6:00pm, Friday, November 25, 2005 at The Lincoln Theatre on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. It is an elegant evening of champagne and caviar to view the exquisite pictures of Philip Ross Munro, official White Party Week photographer and artiste. Mr. Munro's underwater photography, featured in The White Party campaign ads, will be available for viewing in amazing sizes and clarity and many shots from the official White Party Week ad campaign never before seen. Peruse the artwork, have complimentary glasses of bubbly and a taste of caviar. The second event is a GLBT Book Signing, 6pm -7pm, Friday, November 25, 2005 .

Also at The Lincoln Theater White Party Week, with The New York Times, is introducing 5 GLBT authors, who will be present to meet and greet all guests and talk about their books. This event will highlight the best of some of those GLBT artistes who have influenced so many of us through art and inspirational messages. And last but certainly not least, a GLBT Celebrity Panel Discussion and Roast, 7:00pm-8:30pm, Friday, November 25, 2005 at The Lincoln Theatre's main theatre. Yes, it's crazy, insanity, and down right fun. Get inside of the minds of GLBT celebrities who have impacted our life in so many wonderful and kooky ways. This new event for White Party will feature to date Carson Kressley, of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" fame, Chip Arndt, winner of "Amazing Race 4" and four special New York Times invited guests whose names will be released closer to the date of The White Party Week.

It's worth going just for the fun, and for "the gossip," or just to find out just what each person is up to, and to meet and greet some of those wonderful people who are making a difference everyday for the GLBT community. This is an hour you will never forget. Actually this is a week you will never forget.

Big Band & Film & Barbeque Under The Stars, Raleigh Hotel, 8:00pm-Midnight, Friday, November 25, 2005. This is an event where you can listen to the person next to you in the most refined and elegant hotel in all of South Beach this year, for the first time ever, come in your casual white duds and listen to the tunes of a 1920's Big Band. The White Party offers an event bringing each guest back in time as you enter the Raleigh Hotel and continue your journey with friends, staff dressed to the nines and cocktails and hors d'oeuvres served by Raleigh's marquis pool side, as you listen to an orchestra of 20 and gaze upon the stars above. Gatsby never had it so good and for those wanting an alternative to a DJ, this event if for you.

This one is for women only, Cirque Blanc ­ Miami Beach 9:00 pm ­ 3:00 am, Friday, November 25, 2005. The seventh annual Cirque Blanc at Nikki Beach is first event of The White Party Week's elegant evenings for women who love women. The event features an art exhibit, fabulous silent auction under the stars, and surprise celebrity appearances. White attire is highly suggested. Gay male friends always are welcome at this event, which attracts over 600 people. Produced by Yesi Leon, Allison Burgos & Carmen Benard we are proud to be apart of wonderful evenings for women who love women.

White Party Week 2005 has something for everyone, Cream, is the Ultimate Hip-Hop Party from 10:00 pm until late, Friday, November 25, 2005. Join thousands of party seekers from around the globe, along with some of the finest & tastiest male go-go dancers in the southeast for the 2nd Annual White Party Hip-Hop party. Cream proved to be one of the hottest dance parties of the entire week. This event will feature Atlanta's premiere Hip-Hop, Reggae, R&B and House spin masters in the Main Room, and on the Roof even in the Patio. There will be a first at The White Party Week for their birthday this year, Noche Latina Caliente, held from 10:00 pm ­ 3:00 am, Friday, November 25, 2005 in Ft. Lauderdale. The focus of the evening is on celebrating the Latin influence on South Florida and will feature DJ George Valdez at Elements nightclub. While focused on the Latin culture, this event is open to all who want to enjoy the Latin beat among those stunning people who represent a divergent culture. Of course it would not be The White Party Week without White Heat - Miami 10:00 pm-late, Friday, November 25, 2005 at the famous Club Space, are featuring in the main room the tunes of Rosabel: DJ Abel and DJ Ralphi Rosario with DJ Wendy Hunt and Michael Tank spinning on the outside terrace. As the name of the event entails, this all night bash is known for its hot and steamy club land environment and world-class music. The Main Room will open with his unique energetic sound to delight you until 4am. Then local favorite DJ's will be at the controls to take you into the late morning hours with his distinctive tribal sounds to bring you into the weekend.

Again, it is time to eat! This elegant event is called Picnic by the Pool, 10:00 am - 2:00pm Saturday, November 26, 2005. For those who just want to enjoy the sun and elegant setting of the stunning pool at The Host Hotel Savoy on South Beach, this event is for you. Enjoy a specially prepared picnic basket of fine foods, a bottle of champagne, and an elegant desert all while overlooking the ocean with white linen settings, while listening to the string quartet music of Miami local artists and observing other artists paint their latest creation. You can bring your best friend, bring your loved one and experience the splendor of Miami Beach during the day.

Back to dancing and the main event! Here we have the Heatwave Pool Party ­ Miami Beach Noon -6:00 pm Saturday, November 26, 200. Heating up this year's White Party Week is one of the sexiest events of the entire weekend - Heat Wave Pool Party overlooking the Ocean. Swim and party with some of the hottest men from around the world all day long at this long time favorite while you revel with White Party hotel guests overlooking the pool from room balconies and experience the hot sounds of DJ Oren Nizri.

This year there is another new event! Fort Lauderdale to Miami! Cocktail Tour, starting at 4:30pm - 12:30pm Saturday, November 26, 2005, the Bus Tour begins at Circuit Club! This year the White Party Week provides an exclusive, safe and fun transportation alternative for all those attending Saturday Night's festivities in Miami. Meet at Circuit at 4:30pm for a meet & greet cocktail before boarding your exclusive party bus to Vizcaya returning back at 12:00 midnight to Circuit, Fort Lauderdale to continue the festivities in Broward. Then it is off to the big event, The crown jewel of The White Party, join 3,000 joyful and eclectic people of all ages, all clad in white, and stroll through the manicured gardens, enjoy delicious delicacies from some of South Beach's and Miami's hottest restaurants, and dance under the stars on the shores at Biscayne Bay

Located at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, which boasts ten acres of the best renaissance gardens in the U.S. reminiscent of French, Italian and English gardens, it is a tropical masterpiece that reminds guests who visit of another time in Florida's gilded past. As they have done since the first year at Vizcaya, White Party Week guests come together to celebrate life in the time of HIV/AIDS, remember those they have lost to the pandemic, and help raise much-needed funds for the direct HIV/AIDS services that Care Resource provides.

To wrap up this article, I just want to highlight a few more events to finish up The White Party Week and please check out www.whiteparty.org for weekly updates. These events include White Starz featuring DJ Junior Vasquez and Tracy Young, Slendor and Dolce two other women's events, Noceh Blanca featuring DJ Tony Moran, White Horizon featuring DJ Victor Calderone, a GLBT Celebrity Volleyball Tournament on the Beach, the forever famous 11th annual Muscle Beach Party featuring LA's own DJ Brett Henrichsen on the gay beach.

I just can't say it enough; The White Party Week has certainly "Found New Depth". There is something for every taste and every budget. Care Resource whose employees produce this entire week on their own have changed the face of the "Circuit Party" by opening up the opportunities and creating venues for those who may not be comfortable with the thump of a driving bass line. Either way, the idea of an event to help others is an immeasurable deed that gives not only financially, but from the heart. What a week and we salute all the effort Care Resource is expending to make this a very special 21st birthday.