Drag queens and fans from across metro Atlanta and the Southeast are expected to crowd three upcoming memorial fundraisers for Ashley Kruiz, the longtime drag queen who died on Sunday.
Two of the shows were already being planned to collect donations for Kruiz as supporters and fellow drag performers rallied for the critically ill performer. Kruiz was hospitalized in intensive care for several days before losing her battle with a lung infection and pneumonia on Sunday about 1 p.m., according to friends. Since her death, organizers have changed the focus of the shows to raise funds and say farewell to Kruiz.
Friends of Kruiz say a memorial service is also being planned, but details have not yet been announced.
Memorial Benefit Show, April 3, Burkhart’s
The list of entertainers scheduled to perform is a who’s who list of Atlanta drag. It includes Mariah Paris Balenciaga, Nicole Paige Brooks, Shawna Brooks, Heather Daniels, Raquell Lord, Lauren LeMasters, Phoenix, Charlie Brown and Lily White. Kruiz took part in a benefit show for White in 2012 after a fire damaged her home and she suffered a heart attack.
From the event’s Facebook invite:
In light of recent events, Burkhart’s Pub will be hosting a show in honor of our own Ashley Kruiz. A legend in the gay and drag community nation wide, Ashley spent decades performing everywhere from the smallest of stages to Pride’s annual Starlight Cabaret in Piedmont Park.
This show will be hosted by a trio of Ashley’s close friends: From their many years working together at Backstreet, Mr. Charlie Brown, as well as Burkhart’s own Shavonna B. Brooks and Angelica D’Paige.
Ashley gave much to the community and this is our chance to come together and give back. All donations will be used to help offset personal and medical expenses. Please keep Ashley in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for your support.
Memorial Benefit, April 10, LeBuzz
From the event’s Facebook invite:
Our dear friend Ashley Kruiz (currently reigning as Miss Gay Cobb County) passed away on Easter Sunday 2013. We will miss her terribly. This was unexpected by her friends and especially her family.
We are organizing a farewell benefit show to help with the family’s final expenses and in her memory. This special show will be held on Wednesday, April 10th at 10pm. There will be no cover and none of the participating entertainers will be paid. All tips and donations will be collected and presented to the family by Johnathon Murphy and Destiny Brooks – representing the Management and Entertainment staff of LeBUZZ.
Donations will be accepted at the front door and during all performances throughout the evening.
We encourage friends and fellow entertainers to participate in this Memorial Event. If you are interested in volunteering your time and energy in any capacity, please contact Johnathon or Destiny on Facebook. RIP – Ashley – We love you.
Memorial Fundraiser Benefit, April 19, Eagle
This event, organized by Al’Meria RichMan, also includes a silent auction. From the Facebook invite:
Atlanta Eagle will be having a special Drag Show on April 19th. Thank you to the owners of Eagle for allowing us to have a special night to help give back!
The show will be from 9PM-11PM. All money raised be donated to a memorial for Ashley Kruiz. Please come out and show your support.
Your generosity will be greatly appreciated! OR JUST being present will show her all the support and love we can give her!
