Arts & Entertainment
Ellen DeGeneres surprises local gay dads with generous gift
the couple have launched Comfort Cases to aid foster kids
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Ellen DeGeneres shocked two gay dads with a generous gift on Monday’s episode of “The Ellen DeGenres Show.”
Rob and Reece Scheer from Darnestown, Md. shared their story of how they went from a family of two to welcoming four kids into their home.
The couple explained they had only wanted to adopt one child from the foster system but received a call for a brother and sister. Not wanting to separate the kids, they decided to adopt both.
Three months later, the Scheers received a call for a six-month-old and a two-year-old and the youngest kids became the new additions to the family.
The Scheers were honest that it wasn’t always easy raising kids from foster care.
“When the kids arrived, we knew that they came with baggage, from homes that just lacked love in general,” the couple told DeGeneres. “We had a child who was hoarding food in her bedroom because she was scared she wasn’t going to eat, a son who couldn’t talk or walk, another child that didn’t know what it was to hug.”
Despite the challenges, Rob says their children are their greatest joy.
“That’s what family’s about, you just make it work,” Rob says. “They don’t care that we’re white and we’re gay, they care that we love them. People say all the time that our kids won the lottery but we won the lottery.”
Rob says he was also a foster child and remembered having to put his belongings into a trash bag. Years later when his kids arrived at his home, Rob noticed they also carried trash bags filled with their belongings.
The Scheers decided to launch Comfort Cases, an initiative to provide luggage for foster kids. Inside, there would be a brand new pair of pajamas, a book, a blanket and a toothbrush. A GoFundMe has been launched to raise funds.
DeGeneres gifted the couple $10,000 and $40,000 worth of Samsonite luggage to aid their venture.
Comfort Cases is available in D.C., Maryland and Virginia but the Scheers aspire to reach the entire United States.
Watch below.
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).
McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.
Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host of “Watch What Happens Live,” will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Daddy Diaries,” talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.
Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings.
Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
Brittney Griner considered suicide in Russian prison
HHS reverses Trump-era anti-LGBTQ rule
4th Circuit rules gender identity is a protected characteristic
Pride season has begun
PHOTOS: Capital Pride Pageant
