By Denise Ortuno-Neil
Alfie Pettit (a.k.a. Arial Trampway) will be competing in the 4th Annual Queen of the Desert charity event benefitting the Desert Aids Project on Wednesday, May 31st, 2017 at the Renaissance Hotel in Palm Springs.
Driving into Palm Springs on Hwy 111, it is hard to miss the brightly colored billboard with a stunning blonde in pink garb. The blonde, if you’re not familiar, is Alfie Pettit’s creation, Arial Trampway. The huge promotional sign is there to give attention to the upcoming 4th Annual Queen of the Desert charity event, and for the DRG Brunch held at the Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs every Sunday, both of which benefit the Desert Aids Project.
The Desert Aids Project is one of the foremost and effective HIV charities in the U.S. They provide and promote HIV testing, offer inclusive care (primary, HIV/Hepatitis, Dentistry, Behavioral Health), and work closely with the community to advocate an AIDS-free future through testing and education.
For Pettit, giving is a part of his nature. The talented entertainer and humanitarian has been raising money for local charities for many years, including the Desert Aids Project, Angel View and Animal Samaritans. Pettit has been in the Palm Springs area since 2006, shining as a performer, and becoming and intricate part of the community. His contributions even earned him a star last year on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars (star located in front of 849 Restaurant).
In his latest venture, Pettit has teamed up with the Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs for the DRG Brunch. The specialty brunch incorporates a lively drag show featuring Arial Trampway, and a fabulous brunch at their Kitchen restaurant. The DRG Brunch also serves as a fund raiser for the Desert Aids Project. All of the tips that Pettit receives, as well as the donations from the Pass the Purse portion of the show, go directly to the charity. Guests can enjoy all you can drink Mimosas, Bellinis and Bloody Mary’s, as well as delicious menu items.
The menu selection includes: Smoked Tomato Bisque & Grilled Cheese (Mesquite Smoked Roma Tomatoes, Aged Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese, Cilantro Crème Fraiche), Chunky Avocado Toast with a Poached Egg (Heirloom Tomatoes, Toast Points), Rock Star Burger with a Fried Egg & Onion Rings (Fixings, American Cheese, Sweet Potato Fries), Crazy Chicken & Buttery Waffles with Fireball Whiskey Syrup (Sausage Gravy, Powdered Sugar), Fix Your Hangover Breakfast (Ribeye & Scrambled Eggs, Swiss cheese, Smoked Tomato Aioli, Sautéed Spinach, Brioche Bun, Sweet Potato Fries) and Trampway’s Trifecta (2 Eggs, 2 Bacon, 2 English Muffins, American Cheese and Tater Tots). As an added plus, the $35 per person price for the brunch also includes a day pass for the Hard Rock’s pool area. The fun filled DRG Brunch seating starts at 11am.
In Pettit’s participation in the Queen of the Desert event, he will go up against 5 other performers in a lively lip-synching competition. The event is a unique fundraiser for the Desert Aids Project, as fans can vote ahead of time, with each vote costing $1. The contestant with the most votes, will win the Fan Favorite Award. The winner of the Queen of the Desert is determined by contest judges. Other awards include, Miss Congeniality, Best Performer, Best Bathing Suit, and others. The event will be hosted by Drag Queen performer, Ethylina Canne. The Queen of the Desert event runs from 6pm until 10pm. A no host bar will be available, with light nibbles.
Tickets start at $20 for general admission, and go up to $100 for VIP entrance, which includes a Queen of the Desert calendar and a Taste of Rancho Mirage wristband (a Rancho Mirage restaurant event taking place in July, August and September). Event goers can also purchase VIP or Preferred tables of 10.
Alfie Pettit has become one of the most beloved performers in Palm Springs, and continues to donate his time and energy towards vital desert charities. Coming out to support the Desert Aids Project charity at the Queen of the Desert event will help make his, and others efforts shine!
For Queen of the Desert tickets and to vote for your Fan Favorite, visit, www.desertaidsproject.org. For reservations for the DRG Brunch call, 760-325-9676.
