Hunks on the horizon

Suzie Harrison

If a model fashion show featuring muscular men in bathing suits

sounds good, you’re in luck.

It’s time for the second annual “Hunks in Trunks” fashion show and

it’s all in the name of charity. Laguna Shanti will benefit from the

event co-chaired by its Executive Director Bob Barnes and Woody’s

Public Relations Director Alford Harrison.

“Hunks in Trunks is going to be great,” Harrison said. “There’s a

group of six businesses underwriting the event, which means 100% of

the money through ticket sales and the silent and live auction will

go directly to Laguna Shanti.”

The mistress of ceremonies is actress, singer and comedian Judy

Tenuta.

“She’s hilarious, absolutely wonderful,” Barnes said. “She called

the other day to tell us how excited she is to do this. Besides her

act, she’ll narrate the fashion show.”

Last year, the theme was a national modeling contest for a

calendar. This year will be a little different Barnes said.

“Because of the theme, we thought it would be appropriate if we

had a swim team do it,” Barnes said. “The West Hollywood swim and

water polo team competed in the Gay Olympics in Australia last year

-- it ties in with the theme, and they graciously volunteered to

drive down and be our models.”

Skip Jennings, a personal trainer who lives in Laguna Beach, will

also be in the fashion show. Early this week, while he was being

outfitted at Satisfy My Soul, the boutique putting together the

fashion show and donating their clothes for the models, Jennings said

how excited he was about being one of the models.

“I was talking to Alford about making sure there were black models

and he asked me to do it,” Jennings said. “So I put up and shut up

and got involved ... because it’s for a good cause. Laguna Shanti is

a very good cause.”

Jennings has done some fitness modeling in the U.S. and in Europe.

“I think it’s going to raise a lot of money. I’m looking forward

to it,” Jennings said. “It will be a fun event, and I am looking

forward to doing my part.”

Other highlights for the evening will be the dinner buffet donated

by Sundried Tomato Cafe and Catering, with the musical sound being

delivered by DJ Steven Oliveri.

Harrison said that it’s an event of fashion, fabulous food, art

auction items and entertainment.

Major donor admission is $500 and includes a private hosted

reception, mingling with models and celebrity guests, the dinner

buffet and reserved seating in front of the stage. General admission

is $100 per person and includes the buffet and entertainment,

including of course, the main attraction viewing the “Hunks in

Trunks.”

Harrison said that the event will bring the community together,

giving everyone something to do for Memorial Day weekend while

raising money for Laguna Shanti.

“The initial intent was to try to lure back gay tourists that

they’ve lost over the years. the AIDS scourge has kept a lot of us

home,” Barnes said.

The popularity of circuit parties, which are elaborate rave

parties offering the best light shows and DJs from around the world,

are a huge draw to the gay community and often take place in large

cities -- taking away some business in Laguna.

“So we decided to have a combined event while raising money for a

good cause, Laguna Shanti,” Barnes said, “and at the same time bring

national attention to Laguna Beach.”

Last year, [seven-degrees] was the venue while this year it’s move

to the museum.

“We considered some of the places, venues that would be

appropriate, and we can’t afford [seven-degrees], even though they

gave us a great rate,” Barnes said. “The museum is a very Laguna

place, such an established organization, with such a wonderful

environment. The year before last, the museum did an AIDS benefit

that was very successful and accommodated a large crowd.”

The organizers expect between 200 to 250 people. Last year, they

raised over $21,000, and they hope to achieve a goal of more than

$50,000 this year.

Harrison said the event will kick off the summer season he

continued.

“If it wasn’t for the local businesses helping out, we couldn’t do

the event,” Harrison said. “Stepping up to the plate and helping

ensures we’re doing the right thing.”

The event will begin at 6 p.m. for major donors and 7 p.m. for the

public on May 24 at the Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive. For more

information, call Laguna Shanti at 494-1446.