PHOTOS: Center vs. Savoy Turnabout brings fierce drag competition and big fundraising

(Photo by Alan Bracamonte)

ORLANDO | The fifth annual Center vs. Savoy Turnabout Fundraiser brought high energy and fierce competition back to a nearly sold-out house on Sept. 8.

The beloved event pits The LGBT+ Center Orlando’s board and staff against the team from Savoy in a drag battle for a great cause, raising funds both in-person and through virtual tips.

Co-hosted by The Center’s CEO, George Wallace (performing as “Betty Trouble”), and Savoy owner Brandon Llewellyn (“Lulu Llewellyn”), the night featured performances by both hosts alongside a stacked lineup of brave amateurs. For many participants, drag is far from their day job, requiring hours of hair, makeup, and transformation to put on a stellar show.

The evening also marked a bittersweet farewell to last year’s champion, Corey Mahon (“Velocity”), who stepped down to pass on the reign before moving out of state.

Top Fundraisers of the Night

Winner: Jimmy Jaymes Fontaine as Miss Gerry Atric (Savoy, marking his third Turnabout crown in five years)
1st Runner-Up: John Wohlfert as Anita Peroni (The Center)
2nd Runner-Up: Danny Garcia as Addie HD (The Center)

Wallace promises the community staple will return next year for round six.

Photos by Alan Bracamonte.