NOVEMBER 7 @ 7PM

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HOLLYWOOD BALLROOM

HARD ROCK CASINO

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About the Event

AC Pride, in partnership with Arlin’s Dance Spot and Prudential Presents the North 2 Shore Festival, proudly brings back Dancing Under the Rainbow on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 7 PM in the Hollywood Ballroom at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

This unforgettable evening pairs local community stars with professional dancers as they compete for the coveted Rainbow Crown and Judges’ Choice Award.

Last year, this event raised more than $40,000—funds that empowered AC Pride to provide programs, advocacy, and education for the LGBTQIA+ community across Atlantic City and beyond. Proceeds also supported the AC Pride Khoi Bui Scholarship Fund, awarding three scholarships to local LGBTQIA+ students pursuing their dreams.

This year promises to be even bigger—with electrifying performances, spirited competition, and more than 200 guests coming together to celebrate unity, pride, and inclusion.

Most importantly, the dollars raised through Dancing Under the Rainbow make it possible for AC Pride to sustain all of this work—from scholarships, mixers, and community events, to advocacy, outreach, and operating expenses that keep our mission alive. Every contribution ensures AC Pride continues to be a vital resource and voice for our community.

Meet Our Local Stars

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Meet Our Panel of Judges

Anthony Molino

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Nicole Stephens

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Brian K. Jackson

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Giulietta Consalvo

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George  Goldhoff

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Melanie Rice

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Sponsorship Opportunities
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Thank you for your support!

Our Esteemed Sponsors and Partners

Anthony Wilkinson

From his early days as an intern writer at ABC Daytime’s One Life to Live to his acclaimed role as Associate Director, Anthony’s talent has earned him numerous accolades, including three Daytime Emmy Awards and recognition from the Directors Guild of America.

But Anthony’s creative journey doesn’t stop there! His original production, My Big Gay Italian Wedding, took Off-Broadway by storm, captivating audiences with its humor and heart.

With successful sequels like My Big Gay Italian Funeral and My Big Gay Italian Midlife Crisis, Anthony’s storytelling prowess has only grown, earning him praise and licenses in multiple locations.

And let’s not forget his casino debut, where the Big Gay Italian Series became a sensation, delighting audiences across the country, and now has residency at the Hard Rock Casinos. Anthony is currently the Executive & Artistic Director at the Avenel Performing Arts Center!

Patrick McCormick

Patrick McCormick serves as Visit Atlantic City’s dedicated LGBTQ contact, bringing more than 40 years of active involvement in the LGBTQ community and proud membership in the LGBTQ Meeting Professionals Association (MPA). With a deep understanding of the unique needs and perspectives of LGBTQ meeting planners, Patrick is committed to fostering connections built on trust, shared values, and inclusivity. Whether working with planners seeking a like-minded partner or those committed to creating welcoming, all-inclusive events, Patrick ensures that Atlantic City stands out as a destination where everyone feels valued, respected, and celebrated.

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Dr. B.J. Howard

Dr. B.J. Howard has dedicated their life to serving communities often left without a voice. Growing up in Southern California with a strong sense of purpose, they pursued medicine not only to heal but to stand alongside those most in need. Their journey began at Howard University College of Medicine, where they trained to become a physician committed to service and equity. Soon after, they entered military service, rising from Captain to Major and serving as both battalion and brigade surgeon before completing their military service obligation in 2023. During this time, they came to understand firsthand the gaps in access to care for service members, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, which sparked their lifelong commitment to equity in healthcare.

Today, Dr. Howard is a board-certified family physician and serves as the Medical Director of Primary and LGBTQ+ Care with AtlantiCare in Atlantic City. In this role, they care for a wide range of patients while continuing to focus on the unique needs of underserved populations. They have become a leader in gender-affirming care, building programs and partnerships to expand access for LGBTQ+ individuals across the region.

Outside of their professional work, Dr. Howard is deeply passionate about community, wellness, and joy. They are committed to uplifting others through education, advocacy, and mentorship, while also finding balance in travel, exercise, and good food. Whether through medicine, leadership, or simple acts of connection, Dr. Howard continues to live out their calling: to ensure that every person, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance, receives the dignity and care they deserve.

Kim Pirrella

Meet Kim Pirrella, a proud grandma who proves it’s never too late to steal the spotlight. She made her Off-Broadway debut in 2012 in Anthony J. Wilkinson’s My Big Gay Italian Wedding at St. Luke’s Theater, later stepping into the role of Lucia in My Big Gay Italian Wedding and My Big Gay Italian Funeral. In 2015, she reprised the role of Lucia in My Big Gay Italian Midlife Crisis at the Snapple Theater in Times Square. In 2017, she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Secaucus and went on to originate the role of Olivia Bucattini in My Big Gay Italian Christmas. Since then, Kim has been a staple in Wilkinson’s productions, touring casinos nationwide from Atlantic City to Tampa and Hollywood.

Offstage, Kim is a mother, wife, and grandmother who embraces life with positivity and adventure. She is honored to continue supporting the LGBTQ+ community, whether it be through the power of theater or Dancing Under the Rainbow. She’s living proof that it’s never too late to chase your passion—or your spotlight.

Heather Fagan
My name is Heather Fagan. I have a wonderful husband and a blended family of seven children and two adorable grandchildren.
If I’m not at work, you will find me rollerblading or biking. I’ve been a speed skater for over 25 years and was on the Philly Land Skaters traveling for several years.
I am on the board for AC Pride with the role of Secretary, and I love to be an advocate, ally, and a member of this wonderful meaningful board.
I currently work for Heartland Hospice and prior to hospice, I worked in the school district within the special education department.  On the side I do animal rescue.  My passion is helping others.  Whether it’s making last wishes come true, or bringing positivity into our patient’s home, I love what I do. 
When the opportunity presented itself for this unique challenge to dance, I thought who do I know that would be able to dance and I would recruit them…. then I thought, wow, how exciting to do something for me.  A challenge and an opportunity to dance in front of more than just my husband!  Of course he will say what a great job i did, but this special night will be what I make it out to be and for a very good cause. I’d love for AC Pride to continue the generous scholarships that are given to several individuals in the LGBTQ community. The impact the scholarships offer are more than monetary reward.  It is the support and generosity that is made possible by events like Dancing Under the Rainbow! I’m not looking to find my pot of gold, just a positive challenge to benefit others and have a wonderful time! So, enjoy the show!
Diane Brown

A true Jersey girl, Diane Brown was born and raised in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, and is the proud mother of four wonderful children. She has built an impressive 31-year career in the casino industry, beginning with 18 years at Bally’s Park Place, and later bringing her talents to several properties before happily landing at Hard Rock Atlantic City in 2018 where she helped open the property and has been ever since.

When she’s not working, Diane loves to dance and embrace new adventures. Though she had never done theatre before, she’s been having the time of her life performing in Anthony Wilkinson’s Big Gay Italian productions. Diane is thrilled to be volunteering with such an amazing organization and can’t wait to see everyone on November 7th!

Sima Basher

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to immigrant parents, Sima has always embraced and supported the inclusion and well-being of diverse communities. A city girl through and through — from the streets of New York City to the heart of Philadelphia and most recently landing on the shores of Atlantic City, Sima has thrived and relished in the unique energy, culture and diversity of these melting pots.

A proud CPA with a B.S. in Accounting from the Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix, Sima has built a fulfilling 20+ year career in accounting, and most recently, risk management within the pharmaceutical industry. Her experience in the pharmaceutical industry fueled her passion to support others in need, whether through her work’s purpose in ultimately serving patients with unmet medical needs or through volunteering her time and energy with various non-profit organizations. Through her professional and volunteer efforts, she continues to recognize and champion the powerful impact of kindness and inclusion.

In addition to her passion for world music and dance, Sima loves to travel, relax on the beach, watch football and basketball and spend quality time with friends and family. Though she’s never sought the spotlight, Sima is now ready to let her light shine and is thrilled for the opportunity to bring her love for dance and her support for the LGBTQ+ community to Dancing Under the Rainbow!

Dona Martin

Born in Cape May, NJ, and raised in a small town near Cherry Hill, Dona relocated to Atlantic City in the 1980s. She earned her BA in Psychology and Theater Communications from Cabrini University and Villanova, and has built an impressive 30+ year career in the casino industry. For the past seven years, she has served as a PD Executive at Hard Rock Atlantic City.

Dona is the proud mother of three amazing children and two wonderful grandchildren, who are the true loves of her life. Family time is her greatest joy.

She has a special fondness for animals, particularly those in need of rescue, and enjoys expressing her creativity through arts and crafts. Known among her coworkers for her “extreme” holiday decorating, Dona brings warmth and festive energy wherever she goes.

She is delighted to be part of this exceptional event.

James McMackin

Born in Waukegan, Illinois, and raised in South Jersey, James brings both heart and energy to Dancing Under the Rainbow! A proud dad of two teenagers (18 and 16) and two pups, Bane and Tinkerbell, James loves spending time at the beach, traveling, and staying active interests that trace back to his childhood filled with sports.

With more than 30 years in the casino industry, James began his career at Trump’s Castle in 1993 and is now celebrating 7 years with Hard Rock Atlantic City. Beyond the casino floor, James has also graced the stage in several of Anthony Wilkinson’s productions, proving he’s no stranger to the spotlight.

Now, James is ready to bring that same passion and enthusiasm to the dance floor!

Ferlie Almonte

Ferlie was Ms.New Jersey Senior America 2023  who made history as the first Asian to win in the pageant’s 40-year history, and placed Top 5 out of 49, at the Nationals. She has also recently won multiple top awards at IMTA-NY 2024 and IPOP Winter 2025. 

Ferlie is an inspirational speaker and entertainer, author, and confidence coach.  She hosts a local TV Show on New Beginnings. 

Ferlie is a true Queen of Positivity. She survived and thrived over cancer and morphed into a new career in international films and modeling in her 60s!

Ferlie lives in Manchester, NJ, with her wife of 13 years, Christine Cipriano, who their 32-year-old married daughter calls as her Bonus Mom. 

Anthony Molino

Is the Vice President of Sales for Visit Atlantic City, Atlantic City’s official tourism organization promoting leisure tourism, conventions, sporting events, film production, and group tourism. Molino oversees three major departments: Convention Sales, Destination Services, and the Atlantic City Sports Commission, ensuring the teams have the resources they need to meet their goals.

Most recently, Anthony served as Director of Convention Sales at McCormick Place Convention Center, where he spearheaded initiatives to optimize client experiences, strengthen hotel partnerships, and drive major convention business. His successful tenure at Choose Chicago demonstrated his ability to consistently cultivate strong, trust-based relationships with industry associations across the nation.

Molino’s initiatives will focus on community engagement and corporate social responsibility. Molino is all about teamwork and collaboration, and looks forward to continuing to drive new business to Atlantic City.  He is a past board member of the LGBT Meetings Professional Association, top fundraiser for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, and active in International Pride (NAGAAA) Softball tournaments. 

Anthony is married to his husband, Anthony (yes, there are two) and together they are Dad’s to son Joseph and beagle mix rescue, Phoebe. 

Nicole Stephens

Is a dynamic force in the performing arts with over 25 years of experience spanning ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acro-gymnastics, and more. A proud South Jersey native, Nicole’s foundation was built at the Southern New Jersey Academy of Performing Arts, and she went on to earn degrees from Morgan State University and Stockton University, ultimately completing her Master’s in School Counseling at Wilmington University in 2022.

Nicole’s performance career is as diverse as it is dazzling. She’s danced with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Philadelphia KiXX, the Atlantic City Card Sharks, and graced the stages of iconic Atlantic City venues including the Borgata, Resorts, Ballys, and the Tropicana. She’s performed in high-energy productions like Voices in my Head, Maxine Nightengale’s Disco Lady, Motor City Live, and The Burlesque Show, where she’s been a cast member since 2012. Internationally, she’s also a recurring dancer in Elvis – The King in Concert at Casino Rama in Canada.

Beyond the stage, Nicole is an accomplished choreographer and mentor, having coached the Atlantic City Blackjacks’ Diamonds Dance Team and choreographed local productions including the Miss Atlantic City Pageant. She continues to teach, perform, choreograph, and inspire across the tri-state area.

Passionate about representation and creativity, Nicole brings energy, artistry, and a deep love for performance to every space she enters, making her a perfect fit as a judge for this year’s AC Pride second annual Dancing Under the Rainbow.

Brian K. Jackson

Serves as Vice President for Community Engagement at Stockton University, where he is responsible for developing strategies to more deeply connect Stockton with a wider range of community collaborators.  He also leads the administration and operations of the Stockton Atlantic City Campus.  

Brian serves on several community boards including MOSAIC Foundation, Atlantic City Community Fund, Chelsea Economic Development Corporation, and the Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust.  

He has received numerous awards for his professional and community engagement, including United Way’s Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2007 Stockton Council of Black Faculty and Staff Merit Award. Brian also received the NJ Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s District Director’s Capital Achievement Award and Stockton’s 2019 Community Engagement Award.  Additionally, Brian was included in Front Runner New Jersey’s 2020 Power List of the most influential African Americans in South Jersey.  

Brian holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Finance and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University.  He is also a graduate of the Atlantic City Tomorrow Leadership Program and is a 2007 Leadership New Jersey Fellow.

Giulietta Consalvo

An Atlantic City native with deep family roots, Giulietta is a proud community leader and No stranger to pageants- she is a former Miss Ventnor City and Miss Atlantic County, and spent over a decade as Co–Executive Director of the Miss Atlantic County and Miss Columbus Day Scholarship Pageants- under The Miss America Organization. 

 As a member of Actors’ Equity the Broadway union, her stage credits span musicals, national tours, casino revues, and co-writing the original       musical Voices. Giulietta serves on the boards of the MBCA, Columbus Day Committee, and Atlantic City Arts Foundation. She is a successful Realtor with Marketplace Realty in Margate City and is the co- operator of Byrdcage AC—a vibrant LGBTQ+ venue—alongside partners Richie Helfant and Jason Tell.

She calls Margate City her home with partner Rachel, and is grateful for the opportunity to sit on this year’s Judges panel for Dancing Under the Rainbow

George Goldhoff

President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

George Goldhoff brings more than 30 years of gaming and hospitality experience to his role as President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. In his position he oversees all aspects of the property’s operations, including finance, marketing, human resources, IT, security, and entertainment. Goldhoff reports directly to Jim Allen, Chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming.

Goldhoff was appointed to his role at Hard Rock Atlantic City in 2023 after a successful tenure at Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati. During his time in Ohio, Goldhoff successfully rebranded and transformed an existing casino into a Hard Rock property, led his team to earn the highest casino revenue increase in the state, and organized donations of more than $1.4 million to local charitable organizations.

Before his work in Cincinnati, Goldhoff oversaw four properties as President and CEO of PURE Canadian Gaming in Western Canada.  He also assisted in opening Bellagio Las Vegas and was General Manager of Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi.

Goldhoff is a member and leadership fellow for the of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), further demonstrating his commitment to excellence in corporate governance and ethical leadership. Goldhoff is also on the Board of Directors of the Casino Association of New Jersey and the Board Chair of the Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism at Stockton University. An advocate for serving the Atlantic City community, Goldhoff regularly volunteers with several community organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.  

Goldhoff is passionate about creating memorable experiences for guests and developing team members. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Restaurant, and Travel Administration from the University of Massachusetts.

Melanie Rice

Vocalist…Producer…Bandleader…Talent Agent…Entrepreneur…Melanie Rice grew up in Hammonton, NJ. A small-town girl with big dreams, Melanie began her musical journey at a young age joining the school band where she became proficient on saxophone and trombone. At fourteen, her musical aspirations evolved into singing with local bands. With an instrumental background, an innate talent for improvisational scatting and an admiration for such legends as Ella Fitzgerald and Barbara Streisand, she grew into the shoes of a contemporary/jazz vocalist with grace and ease. In addition to performing live, she continued her studies, earning a B.A. in music from Rowan College and the University of Delaware.

Poised for success, Melanie soon after conquered the lounges of several Atlantic City casinos including Harrah’s, Tropicana, Caesars, Trump Plaza and Trump Marina. Traveling west, she lit up the stages of Las Vegas’ Golden Nugget, and Bally’s. Over the years she continued to polish her act, garnering accolades and respect from her peers, her fans and the local media.
Graduating to the showrooms, she sang back up for Grover Washington, Jr., Joe Piscapo and James Darren. She also opened for headliners Smokey Robinson, Joan Rivers, David Brenner and Shecky Green.

Atlantic City Magazine dubbed Melanie Rice “…one of the city’s hottest talents…on her way to the top…” Readers agreed, nominating her “Opening Act of The Year” in the magazine’s readers’ poll.
In 1995, Melanie expanded her musical horizons once more, opening her own entertainment agency, Melanie Rice Entertainment. Utilizing musical experience, business savvy and unsurpassed customer service, she provides casino, corporate and social clients with entertainment ranging from string ensembles to high energy dance bands to fully staged production shows & headline entertainers. In addition, she is the conductor and lead singer of “MRO” (The Melanie Rice Orchestra), one of the tri-states most popular dance bands and performs as a cabaret artist as well as with a traditional jazz ensemble. In addition, Melanie and her MRE team produce and direct all types of small- and large-scale production shows, concerts and galas.
When not performing, Melanie can often be found on the golf course. A gifted athlete, she won the touted ‘N.J. State Girls Golf Championship.’ She was also runner up in the ‘South Jersey Women’s Amateur Championship.’ She regularly participates in charity golf tournaments, enjoying the camaraderie of her fellow players and the united gesture of giving. A committed member of the community, Melanie serves on the board of directors for MANNA at the Shore, The South Jersey Jazz Society and the Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance. She is also an active fundraiser for many organizations including The Alzheimer’s Association and The Hansen Foundation. A respected voice in the community, each year Melanie co-produces with Bob Fowler and Nina Soifer, a charity concert at Harrah’s Atlantic City called “Street Life–A Musical Collaboration to benefit Hansen Foundation”. She is also the co-producer of the Annual Miss’d America Pageant at Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and produced & directed the 9/11 Concert for The Miss America Organization.

In 2009, Melanie expanded her business ventures into the area of talent management, a totally natural transition for someone with Melanie’s years of experience & expertise on stage and off. She has mentored and developed some brilliant young talent poised to step up to the “next level” in recording, theatre and film.
A respected recording artist in her own right, Melanie has released 2 CDs – ‘He Loves, She Loves’, a musical collaboration with longtime friend and Grammy nominated pianist George Mesterhazy and “This Love of Mine” with her current collaborators’ pianist/arranger Dean Schneider, bassist Tim Lekan and drummer Bob Shomo. “The beauty of these CDs is not so much in the finished product as it is in the artistic journey we took in creating them,” says Melanie. Described as “sensual elixirs for the heart”, both CDs feature jazz standards, Broadway classics and pop ballads performed with elegant simplicity and heartfelt expression. These inspiring and intimate recordings are available through several major internet sites including iTunes, Amazon.com and CDbaby.com or by visiting www.melanierice.com.