FSC Executive Director Diane Duke kicked off the Bada-Bing Bailout Bash with encouraging words for the audience stressing the importance of supporting the organization and its members’ fight for free speech noting that the industry’s future prosperity is at stake.
“In these difficult financial times, it is important that the industry come together to recognize and celebrate our history, our strengths and our successes,” Duke told XBIZ.
Mistress of Ceremonies Nina Hartley entertained while she guided the audience with introductions of award presenters and videos honoring four of the five FSC Award recipients.
Prior to handing out the awards, attorney Aaron Bloom spoke of his support of same-sex marriage and encouraged attendees to join the fight to repeal Proposition 8 with the organization Love Honor Cherish.
Bloom’s father, CalExotics director of marketing Al Bloom, is among the FSC’s founders and discussed having to juggle managing adult businesses throughout the years and dealing with federal, state and local prosecution.
FSC Board Chair and 1st Amendment attorney Jeffrey Douglas introduced a video tribute to FSC Legacy Award recipient Larry Flynt and a standing ovation followed as attendees honored the one of the most influential leaders in the adult industry.
The FSC awarded Peggy Oettinger, CEO of Sinclair Institute, as Woman of the Year. In her adult career, she successfully fought obscenity charges alongside Adam & Eve in North Carolina.
Evil Angel founder John Stagliano addressed his determination to fight for freedom of speech as he accepted the FSC Man of Year Award and the video tribute that preceded his speech gave attendees a look at his ongoing obscenity trial.
Adult performer Sunny Lane introduced Positive Image Award recipient Ron Jeremy. His video tribute provided proof of the legendary performer’s status as a pop culture icon with clips taken from mainstream T.V. shows with him as the focus.
Adult performer Stormy Daniels was not in attendance to accept her Positive Image Award.
XBIZ President Alec Helmy presented Video Secrets co-founder Greg Clayman with the Internet Company of the Year Award.
Titan Media founder Bruce Cam accepted the Production Company of the Year Award, presented by Chi Chi LaRue, who mentioned the company’s fight against piracy.
FSC membership director Joanne Cachapero and Cousin Stevie gave the Novelty Company of the Year to The Screaming O with partners Keith Caggiano and Justin Ross accepting.
“As we walked through the presentation of the evening’s awards to Larry Flynt, John Stagliano, Peggy Oettinger, Ron Jeremy, Video Secrets, Titan and Screaming O, it is clear that our industry not only boasts a proud heritage, but also a bright future,” Duke said.
Director Roy Karch told XBIZ he credits the FSC team for its successful planning of the event. "The place was packed with familiar faces who schmoozed, drank and feasted while bidding for cool items during the auction," Karch said. "The best [auction] item was the baseball thrown out as first pitch signed by President Obama. People I haven't seen in years, as well as the luminaries that were being honored, all showed up in force. The elite of our industry always turn out for the right cause."
The mobster-themed event also included a raffle, silent auction and gambling and was attended by several adult celebrities including Kayden Kross, Joanna Angel, Ira Levine, Jules Jordan, Sharon Kane, Tom Byron, Bobbi Star, Jeff Mullen and Tanner Mayes, among several others.
“Thank you to all who joined us in the celebration and special thanks to our Gold Sponsor XBIZ and our Silver Sponsors Wicked Pictures, Topco Sales and AEBN,” Duke said.
