Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 23rd, 11:51am By Eli George

With so many troops from Western New York overseas, it is a wonder that there has been a lack of showing how much the area supports them. That’s what Michelle Plowman thought – and it’s the reason she decided to organize “Queens For A Cause.” Plowman is the wife of Sgt. Major James Plowman of the HHC/327 101st Airborne Division in the United States Army. Plowman says, “For me…it’s not about the impression of the community, it is about giving back to the troops.”

The event is being hosted at Club Marcella. Owners Joseph Guagliardo (better known as Joey Marcella) and Dr. Michael Slyder approached Plowman wanting to do something for the troops at their nightclub. “Club Marcella was willing to host an event to give 100% proceeds to area deployed soldiers and HHC/327 in conjunction with Commerce Bank of Nashville, Tennessee,” says Plowman.

The donations so far have come from Soho, Bottoms Up, Underground, Adonias, Cigars, the Thruway Inn, and The Babcock Community Center as well as a smattering of gift baskets. The donations will be raffled that evening in support of the approximately 800 soldiers deployed locally, 245 of which come out of HHC/327. Sgt. James Hackemer is one troop being specifically honored at the event. Sgt. Hackemer lost all of his limbs in the war and Plowman says, “His family will be presented that evenings with a check to help incur the travesties of war.”

The donations will go towards hygiene products, postage, and gift/phone cards for the soldiers. Plowman explains that when the soldiers return from the war they have nothing but their Kevlar and weapons on them. They have no toothbrush, no deodorant, nothing. The donations will go towards providing them with a care package with a sandwich or snack for after their long flight and some basic necessities of every day life. “Any donations are greatly appreciated. Any type of hygiene gift is appreciated,” says Plowman.

It may seem strange that the event would be hosted at an establishment like Club Marcella, but Plowman says, “Club Marcella was the first venue that was willing to donate and ask me if they could host something to support the troops. It’s one thing to put a ‘support the troops’ slogan on your car or business, but it’s another thing to act on it,” says Plowman.

The club’s general manager, Richard Lindner, says, “It allows the gay community to show that we do support the troops. We are very happy to host it here at Club Marcella and we are hoping that it will become an annual event.”

The fundraiser costs $10 to get in at the door this Wednesday, June 25th. Doors open at 8 PM and the event runs till 4 AM. Appetizers will be served and the night will feature a drag show at 10 PM by drag performers who work at the nightclub. Plowman says that the U.S. Army allows only two fundraisers each year and that a future event is planned for the Town Ballroom.