“Marina and Bette host an annual fund-raiser here at the Planet the first week in November to benefit the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Bette is on the planning committee and she’s always recruiting people to help out. She’s got Valerie and I already committed to putting together an amateur art auction. Her sister Kit will be performing and she’s getting a bunch of her musician friends to come also.” Leigh explained.

“Yeah and I help out with my media contacts.” Alice boasted. “We get a good write-up and radio coverage. They also do live broadcast from the event.”

Even Valerie who was the newest member to join this special group of friends elaborated on what she knew. “Lara Perkins told me that she caters the event for free every year and gets all her food industry buddies to chip in.”

Leigh continued. “It’s a really great event Tina. Their goal this year is $350,000 but I’m sure they won’t have any trouble meeting it. Jamie Chen is the Director of the Center. She and Bette usually come up with some great ideas to attract a crowd and to get people to give generously of their time and money.”

Tina was an advocate for any cause that served the community. “It sounds like a great cause. Maybe I can do something to contribute.”

“Talk to Bette. I’m sure she’ll have some ideas. Maybe you could get some celebrities from the movie industry to help out.” Leigh suggested.

“Yeah. Maybe.” Tina contemplated.

***

While the women talked and drank a work crew transitioned the Planet’s entertainment venue from the Susan Alegrato concert stage to a live band and DJ playing dance and house music.

“Come on Al let’s dance.” Dana said as she dragged her girlfriend to the dance floor.

“Valerie would you like dance?” Leigh asked already bouncing to the music and anxious to join her friends.

“Sure.” Val responded wanting to dance too but first checking on Tina. Even though they had their disagreements the two life-long friends always looked out for one another. With everyone dancing and Bette in the other room Tina would be left alone at the table. “Tina will you be OK?”

“Yeah I’m fine Val.” Tina answered in a contemplative tone. “I’m going to stop in the ladies room and then head home.”