Archives for March 2016

Richard Helfant wears quite a few hats. Besides his pivotal leadership role with the Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance – whose monthly mixer will take place at Borgata this Thursday, March 17th – he also is the head honcho behind a major Jersey Shore landmark: Lucy the Elephant. In his tenure with AC GLBTA, Mr. Helfant has played a critical part in continuing the extremely popular Miss’d America Pageant, a yearly celebration of drag for a good cause. However, few folks know all of the history behind the event. We sat down with Richard to talk about why the pageant has such a strong following, and learned about some new things Borgata guests can look forward to at Miss’d America 2016.

Miss’d America has a pretty long history. Can you tell us a little bit about how it started? When Miss America was first here, most of the people who worked behind the scenes were gay, from the make-up artists to the costume designers. There was Studio 6, the big gay nightclub here in town, and lots of people were coming in during the preliminary Miss America nights. It was a strong weekend for gay establishments, but the people who worked the pageant never got to see it because they were backstage. Miss’d America was formed as a fundraiser, a modest, fun thing for the people who missed the pageant. It was to mimic Miss America in every way, and the first winner got a Burger King paper crown and a bouquet of dead roses wrapped in the Atlantic City Press. However, the contest grew exponentially, and it would sell out. It became the focal point of gay life in Atlantic City, even though more than half of the audience was straight. But, when Miss America left Atlantic City, it went into hibernation.

So how did it come back? The Greater AC GLBTA was looking for a signature event to hang our hat on. We brought it back and did it at Boardwalk Hall, the original home of Miss America, but the cost of doing events there was enormous. Over the years we’ve held the event at a few properties across town, until we approached Borgata Senior Vice President Joe Lupo. He said he didn’t want to just write us a check, but wanted to put the hotel behind the check. He did that 1,000 percent. Everything the man said he did and then some. We couldn’t have been more welcomed last year at Borgata. Every single person we encountered made us feel so welcomed.

I know there’s some big news about Miss’d America moving to the larger Event Center at Borgata this year. Can you tell me a little more about why Borgata was a good fit for the contest and what they’ve been able to provide? The Event Center is a much larger capacity. You have much more room to fly things in and out. They are cutting the room in half to seat more than 1,500. It’s a better fit all together. Borgata talked the talk and they walked the walk. This is based on fact! Many places look for reasons to say no. Borgata looks for reasons to say yes.

Can you tell me about some upcoming projects or events that the AC GLBTA is organizing? We have mixers every month on the third Thursday. It’s $25 to join for the entire year, and you get free admission, or for non-members, the entrance fee is $10. Food is included and there is a cash bar and usually a door prize. It’s a great way to network and socialize during a night out. The March mixer will take place this Thursday, March 17th at Borgata inside Society Club from 5:30 to 7:30PM.

On a totally different subject, how is Lucy the Elephant doing these days? This past weekend, we had over a 100% increase in traffic. Now we just have to wait and see! During the winter, it is strictly a function of weather.

When you visit Borgata, what are some of your favorite things to experience? My biggest enjoyment is how I’m treated. From the doorman in, you’re treated like you are the most important person there. They treat me just like they’d treat the mayor or anyone else. For me, if there’s one thing, it’s the way I’m treated and the way other guests are treated from the front desk to the restaurants.

Join the Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance for their monthly mixer this Thursday, March 17th, inside Borgata’s Society Club – located between Fornelletto and Long Bar – from 5:30 to 7:30PM. One lucky raffle winner will receive an overnight stay on Friday, June 10th, and 2 tickets to attend Wanda Sykes’ Music Box performance. On sale announcements for the 2016 Miss’d America Pageant will be shared in the coming weeks. Follow OUT at Borgata on Facebook for more details.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is a proud member of the Greater Atlantic City Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance (AC GLBTA) – a private, nonprofit, membership supported organization dedicated to promoting a better economic, social, and political advocacy of GLBT and GLBT supportive businesses and citizens in the greater Atlantic City region. In addition to his role as one of the organization’s co-founders, Rich Helfant currently serves as President of the AC GLBT Alliance and Executive Producer of the Miss’d America Pageant. 

Bryan Buttler has covered the Philadelphia-area LGBT beat for over two years, and also reviews theater, opera, and classical music. Along with his own writing, Bryan teaches communications at a local college. He lives in Center City Philadelphia. His favorite things at Borgata? The Water Club, the Grapefruit Mojito at Bobby Flay Steak, and the Table Thai Massage. Follow Bryan on Twitter @bryanb82 and Instagram @bryanbuttler.