Liza, Other Stars Shine On Pottstown Fund-Raiser

Under any other circumstance, Scott Grebe probably wouldn't have attended a drag queen show.

But because the event was hosted by a group that helped Grebe and his family, he went to the show to "give back," he said.

Pottstown resident Gwendolyn Swinehart, president and owner of , founded the group in 2010. The non-profit, based in the Pottstown-Boyertown area, raises money and awareness for several local charities. 

Last week, the group hosted a drag queen show at The Inn At Reading. The event, Glitz & Glamour The Benefit Show, raised over $300 for Albree's Angels - a local supporter of Autism Speaks that raises awareness for autism.

Grebe, 43, of Pottstown, who was recently diagnosed with cancer and cannot work, was the recipient of a December fund-raiser that Boobie Nation helped promote. 

"I'd normally not come out to something like this," he said, laughing, of the drag queen show he attended with his wife Tina. "But (Boobie Nation) came out for me ... in my time of need and I'm happy to return the favor."

Grebe said he had a great time at the show.

"I wouldn't change a thing," he said.

The night's entertainers also said they enjoy helping raise money for charity.

As Amie Vanité Kincade, Christopher Paolini of Mohnton underwent several costume changes and performed numbers that included a portrayal of Liza Minnelli.

"It's giving back to the community, raising money for a good cause," Paolini said.

"I do this because I was born to entertain people," Paolini said. "To bring music to people, that means something to me. I always look at my audience and I see love ... I'm making them happy by performing." 

Jordan Brown, also known as Fauxie Dé-Glamouré, said the performers are serious about their work, but also have fun with it.

"We're not your everyday drag queens," Brown said. "We're ladies and entertainers." 

Ron and Kelli Staehle of Souderton, whose granddaughter Albree, 3, has autism, said they are grateful for the show, which was hosted by Boobie Nation and Glitz & Glamour - a Boyertown-based entertainment venue founded by Jon "Karina Paige" Bartman. 

Money raised at the show will help pay for Albree's special needs pre-school education.

"Boobie Nation is awesome," Kelli Staehle said. 

"It was fun," Ron Staehle said of the drag queen fund-raiser. "This was a new experience." 

Boobie Nation's monthly charities:

January - Boobie Nation event

February - Childhood Illness & Cancer Awareness

March - Albree's Angels

April - Autism Awareness

May - Diabetes Awareness

June - Alex's Lemonade Stand

July - Camelot House

August - Boobie Nation Event

September - Leukemia Awareness

October - Breast Cancer Awareness

November and December - Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia

Learn more on the Boobie Nation Facebook page.