On December 3, Excelsior MC’s popular Trim-a-Tree fundraiser returned, live and in-person, to the Eagle NYC leather bar, after a season’s hiatus, during which it was a Zoom event. The beneficiary was Trinity Place Shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Members and friends of a number of northeastern leather clubs were in attendance and the centerpiece was a show, hosted by past Mr. Eagle NYC and past Mr. Fire Island Leather CB Kirby and entertainer Candy Samples. The Eagle’s Oscar was the DJ.
Musical numbers were Shelley Winters Black(Excelsior Historian Gabriel Rivas)’ “Everybody’s Fucking but Me;” Candy Samples singing her original songs “A Very Candy Christmas” and “Christmas Gift;” and, on screen, a duet by Shelley and past Excelsior President and past Mr. Fire Island Leather Edd Clark. There was a drawing for three raffle prizes, two run passes for Excelsior’s run in Cherry Grove, Fire Island, in May, and a $200 gift certificate donated by the Leatherman, the shop on Christopher Street.

all photos by Bruce-Michael Gelbert
Candy Samples (center) & sisters
Candy Samples & Excelsior MC President Daniel Sebbag, flanked by sisters
Bruce Michael II & Mike DeSanto
Excelsior VP Mike Jeavons & Candy Samples
Eagle co-owner Derek Danton & past Excelsior President & past Mr. Fire Island Leather Sir Joseph
Excelsior pledges & President Daniel Sebbag
Mr. Eagle NYC Leather 2022 Kenzo
Mr. Eagle Leather NYC Kenzo & Mr. Fire Island Leather Bruce Michael II
show co-hosts CB Kirby & Candy Samples
Onyx members
Shelley Winters Black
Candy Samples, CB Kirby & Shelley Winters Black
Candy Samples, Leatherman manager Silas & CB Kirby
Excelsior MC members
CB Kirby, Candy Samples & sisters
CB Kirby, Candy Samples, raffle prize winners, Silas & sisters
Excelsior MC President Daniel Sebbag & pledges
Leather club members