Sweet Cheeks, Cambridge Common Show Their Pride with Fundraisers

Sweet Cheeks. / Photo provided

In the wake of the largest mass shooting in United States history that targeted a gay night club in Orlando, Massachusetts lawmakers joined an unprecedented House sit-in for action on gun control, President Barack Obama denoted the nation’s first-ever LGBT national monument, and Boston restaurants continue to stand up for the affected community. Fundraisers at South End Buttery and Cambridge Common are ongoing, and this Sunday, June 26, stop by Sweet Cheeks for a summer barbecue and cocktail throwdown for Equality Florida.

Last week, Aeronaut Brewing Company announced its first Allston beer garden would benefit the Center, a Florida LGBT organization. Before this week’s party on Wednesday, CEO Ben Holmes said the company donated $4,794 in beer sales, online donations, and other “random acts of generosity” spurred by Aeronaut’s announcement.

“From all of us at AERONAUT to everyone who made this possible, we are deeply touched by your compassionate spirits and empathy,” he shared on Facebook.

South End Buttery owner Richard Gordon plans to continue selling rainbow-frosted cupcakes through the end of June, with proceeds going to Fenway Health and a Florida-based organization. He hopes to donate $3,000 from the sales of the treat, he says.

On Monday, Cambridge Common debuted Stand Proud, a pomegranate Moscow mule made with rainbow-packaged vodka. The pub has enough pomegranate juice, Gosling’s ginger beer, and Absolut Pride for at least another week of drinks, says general manager Nick Emmons.

“We’ve always been an establishment that has been open to all different types of people, and it just felt like the right thing to do,” he says.

The special is also available at Porter square sister spot Christopher’s. Sales of the $10 drink are earmarked for Equality Florida.

The Sunshine State’s largest civil rights organization will benefit from a summer soiree at Sweet Cheeks this weekend, too. Barbecue necessities like burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and salads are on the menu, which takes over Sweet Cheeks’ dining room and patio on Sunday night. Tiffani Faison has invited attorney general Maura Healy to make some remarks, and the chef and restaurateur will host an auction. There will be live performances by DJ Sit & Spin and the Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and a few guest bartenders are joining the party.

Look for drinks by Will Isaza of the Club Room at Tapestry, Vannaluck Hongthong of the Baldwin Bar, and Tiger Mama mixologists Moe Isaza and Charlie Coykendall, including Equali-T, using Tito’s vodka, Sweet Cheeks’ sweet tea, and fresh lemon juice. Jack’s Abby and Revolution Brewing are sending over a couple special kegs, and there will also be rose on draft from Ruby Wines.

“As a proudly gay-owned business, Sweet Cheeks is committed to keep dancing for equality,” the restaurant announced in a statement. “[We] will donate 100% of the proceeds from the event to Equality Florida’s recent efforts to provide financial support to the victims and their families affected by the mass shooting.”

Way to make us proud, Boston.

Equality Florida Fundraiser, Sunday, June 26, 6-10 p.m., $25 suggested donation + a la carte food and drink, Sweet Cheeks, 1381 Boylston St., Boston, 617-266-1300, Facebook.