On Saturday, February 1st, 2014, The Care Bears International Daddy Bear 2009 Joe Mannetti and Mr. Rawhide NYC 2011/Mr. North American Bear 2012 Jed Ryan presented “Forever Fierce”, a benefit for the New York City-based organization FIERCE. The event was organized with the participation of ONYX Northeast President and Lead Organizer of FIERCE John Blasco. The frisky fundraiser was held at the West Village Bear/Leather hotspot Rockbar and featured live performances by Mr. Eagle 2013 Arsenio Amadis, Justice LaBoy (lead singer of modern rock band Mad for Justice), and “Queen of the Bears” Candy Samples. Also in attendance were The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, celebrity/fashion photographer Mr. Paddles NYC 2013 Rob Ordonez, and the men of ONYX, the national Leather fraternity of Men of Color. Of course, Rockbar’s fun and furry staff and equally hot and hairy loyal regulars were there as well.

With music by iconic DJ Chauncey Dandridge, “Forever Fierce” climaxed with New York City nightlife guru Chris Reed’s infamous “Bear Chest” Contest. The event was the third fundraiser created by The Care Bears, and over $1000 was raised for FIERCE that night.

FIERCE is a membership-based organization building the leadership and power of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth of color in New York City.

For more information, visit http://www.FierceNYC.org.