By Jessica Graves
What began as a spontaneous, mostly gay gathering of 20-plus, socially distanced private boats along Fort Lauderdale’s famous Intracoastal Waterway has grown into a movement with a purpose.
“We were just looking for a way to get out of the house and get together with our friends during the lockdown,” explains Scott Schramm, FLoatarama’s Founder and President. “We didn’t expect it to grow so quickly.”
Schramm, a yacht broker and Captain, along with his partner, Roderick MacKenzie, the non-profit’s Vice President and Treasurer, saw an opportunity to transform their growing seafaring squad into a party with a purpose.
“By our second year, the flotilla grew to 34-boats with Mayor Dean Trantalis as the Grand Marshall,” shares MacKenzie. “That year, we partnered with Pride Fort Lauderdale and were able to donate $17,134 to their GED/Scholarship program.”
As FLoatarama’s popularity soared, so did its purpose. FLoatarama-2022 was a landmark year, marking the first event held under its own 501(c)3 status. The event showcased a remarkable display of solidarity and pride, featuring the signature flotilla with private and commercial vessels. The festivities continued with the Sailor’s Dance & Pool Party, hosted by the renowned San Francisco DJ Matt Consola. This event alone managed to raise an astounding $50,000 for the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund, managed by Philanthropy Partner, The Our Fund Foundation.
By June 2023, over 400-celebrants proudly cruised the New River and Intracoastal Waterway lead by Grand Marshal Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz aboard the 130-foot Sun Dream Yachts M/Y Catalina.
Now a staple in South Florida’s Pride Week, FLoatarama has swiftly evolved into a philanthropic leader in the heart of Fort Lauderdale both on water and on land with supporting parties and gatherings throughout Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors including a Welcome Party, Captains Party, and Garden Party.
This transformation was highlighted during the recent check presentation this past October at Hunter’s Nightclub, where FLoatarama made a resounding impact on local organizations, raising an impressive $75,000 for the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund.
Schramm, along with the effervescent hostess, FayWhat?!, proudly presented grants to six deserving organizations including The Humanity Project which received $5,000 to fuel its anti-bullying initiatives, while Thinking Cap Theater was granted $10,000 to nurture LGBTQ+ youth arts. SunServe, received a substantial $20,000, emphasizing the importance of their vital work. The South Florida Pride Youth Band, a musical haven for young talents, was awarded $15,000, supporting their artistic endeavors. Stonewall National Archives, Museum & Library received $10,000, and National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment was granted $15,000. These generous contributions marked a remarkable 50% increase from the previous year, a testament to the biggest LGBTQ+ Pride-on-Water celebration in America’s growing impact and dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
With the resounding success of the recent event, FLoatarama’s founders eagerly anticipate another upcoming grand affair: the Sights & Lights Cruise scheduled for December 28, 2023.
