Gay circuit party founder Jeffrey Sanker dies after long battle with liver cancer

Jeffrey Sanker, the founder of White Party Entertainment Inc, died on Friday (28 May) after a long battle with liver cancer.

The Los Angeles Blade reported Sanker, 65, passed away at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California. The news outlet reported that members of Sanker’s family were in attendance.

Sanker organised some of the largest gay circuit parties in the US as part of his work with White Party Entertainment. According to the biography on his website, these events included the White Party Palm Springs; New Year’s Eve celebrations in Los Angeles, Miami and Rio de Janeiro; and the Only Might Party at Orlando’s Gay Days.

Sanker’s publicist Jack Ketsoyan confirmed the news of his passing in an emotional tribute on Instagram. Ketsoyan described Sanker as a man who “would do anything just to put a smile on everyone’s faces”. He wrote: “You’ll never be forgotten that simply cannot be.

“As long as I am living, I’ll carry you with me. Safely tucked within my heart your light will always shine.”

White Party Palm Springs also remembered Jeffrey Sanker in a post on the festival’s Facebook page. The post read: “Thank you for extraordinary moments, for the inspiration, for your big heart and kindness, thank you for making so many people feel free and happy.

“We love you”.

According to Sanker’s website, his “passion for parties” began when he worked in New York City in the early 1980s. He worked as a promoter and producer for legendary part locations Studio 54, Palladium and Private Eyes.

The Los Angeles Blade reported Sanker moved to Los Angeles in 1987. It added the party organiser had an “innovative technique of using landmark venues for trend-setting themed events”. The outlet credited his work for “breathing new life into the Los Angeles gay entertainment night scene””.

Jeffrey Sanker received a star on the “Palm Springs Walk of Stars” in 2014 for his work in organising LGBT+ events. According to his website, his events have hosted a wide range of talent and influencers including Lady Gaga, Carmen Electra, Kesha and Jennifer Lopez.