By Charles Baran

Living in South Florida conjures images of sunshine and palm trees. Certainly not bears. Yet bears there are and bears aplenty. I’m speaking of the Bears of South Florida, an organization that began 20 years ago and continues to grow in membership and purpose. I recently sat down with William Haas, the Board President of the BOSFL, for an informative chat about the history of this benevolent organization.

Charles Baran: Hello William! Tell our readers a little bit about the Bears of South Florida.

William Haas: For many years the Bears of South Florida were known primarily as “The Pool Party” guys. But we’re so much more than that. We are a philanthropic organization that raises money for LGBTQ organizations in South Florida.

Charles Baran: Where does the money come from?

William Haas: From admission fees to our fun and popular social events and from donations.

Charles Baran: What groups benefit?

William Haas: We’ve given money to The Pride Center, SunServe, The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, to name a few. We even partner with some of these groups on other charitable events. Last month we co-sponsored the Teddy Bear Drive at Hunters with The Gay Men’s Chorus and donated over 1,300 Teddy Bears to the Children’s Hospital.

Charles Baran: Are all the beneficiaries local?

William Haas: Actually no. After hurricane Ian in 2022 we gave an emergency grant to The Pride Center of Naples to help them with repairs. Organizations that would like to be considered can submit a grant application. This year we are giving away over $20,000. Giving back to the community is something I believe in.

Charles Baran: The Bears of South Florida is a Not-For-Profit organization, right?

William Haas: That’s right. We’re a registered 501 (c) 3. All donations are tax deductible.

Charles Baran: Tell us about the group’s social activities.

William Haas: One of our main social events is the monthly pool parties which are held at either Solstice at Wilton, Ed Lugo Resort or Agustin Men’s Guesthouse. Other fun events are bowling and Community Sing-a-Longs.

Charles Baran: Can only members attend?

William Haas: Good question. First, there are no dues to join. Anyone can become a member by going to our website www.BOSFL.org and signing up. The admission price to the pool party is a reasonable $35 and includes lunch with donations for the bar. Depending on the location there are between 125 and 280 people attending. They’re so popular that they sell out in an hour or two from when we announce them.

Charles Baran: Tell me two things that you are most proud of as President of the Bears of South Florida.

William Haas: We welcome all types of gay men, big, small, thin, heavyset, furry, hairless. It’s a state-of-mind rather than a body type. One new member recently thanked me for making him feel so comfortable that he was able to take his shirt off at our pool party. It had been years since he had last done that. We promote body positivity.

Charles Baran: What else are you proud of?

William Haas: This past April, I accepted the annual Diversity Honors Award on behalf of the BOSFL. It was a spectacular evening at the Hard Rock Casino and the award was presented to me by Stuart Milk, Harvey Milk’s nephew.

Charles Baran: Thank you for your time, William. Keep up the great work!

William Haas: Thank you, Charles!