It was about 6:45pm as we wheeled into our legal parking spot in front of the fabulous Pére Marquette Hotel in Peoria, IL. It was obvious where we were headed; we just followed the throngs of glamorously dressed queer folk to the Grand Ballroom. As we entered, there was a buzz in the air as the room, filled with elegantly dressed men and women, set the tone for a fun filled evening.

After a few cocktails we sat at a table that was dressed as elegantly as the people at it. Each table had a centerpiece which had a black and white mask for each person at the table and a gorgeous table setting.

We started our dinner with the first course of a yummy Caesar salad and then on to the main course, Apple almond chicken sliced over baked chicken topped with boursin cheese and diced tomato. Canadian green beans, Anna potatoes, and choice of either Raspberry swirl cheesecake or black forest cake for dessert. There was even a choice for the vegetarians in the group that sounded equally as delicious it was Ravioli Gorgonzola, fresh ratatouille grilled scallions and a roasted tomato baked au gratin style with a black bean salsa. Served with chefs choice of mixed vegetables. It looked so good I wanted to reach over and nibble off their plate, but I was so full, I just couldn't.

It wasn't long after that the hosts, from Differently Normal Association pulled names from a hat to give away the prizes for the give-away which included a night's stay at the Hotel and a gift basket from a local Florist. Then DJ Cabanaboy from Milwaukee started the music pumping in to what became a memorable evening and a great fundraiser for Peoria area AIDS Charities.