Atlanta Pride expands its Friends of Pride donation program
June 1st, 2009
The buzz surrounding Atlanta Pride’s return to Piedmont Park on Oct. 31-Nov. 1 proves that Pride remains a vital, highly visible part of the LGBT movement. It’s clear that patrons consider Atlanta Pride part of their lives, and feel a sense of ownership in Pride’s success. In that spirit, the expanded Friend of Pride donation program went online today; it recognizes and rewards all contributions from $1 and up, a real push to create grassroots support from all facets of the community.
“This year, we need your help more than ever,” says Deirdre Heffernan, board chair for Atlanta Pride. “The challenges of the last two years and the current state of the economy have left the Atlanta Pride Committee with limited operating expenses to carry us through to Pride 2009. Donations literally means the survival of our service to Atlanta’s LGBT community.”
Tax-deductible individual contributions have helped the Pride festival evolve into a multi- faceted event that celebrates LGBT history while providing a platform for political activism, human rights advocacy, and mass exposure for other LGBT organizations. The festival creates a welcoming space for thousands to gather and be OUT without fear of discrimination. The huge turnout forces businesses and elected officials to recognize the power of our numbers.
Beyond securing the future of the annual festival, Friend of Pride donations also go toward APC’s year-round efforts to actively reinvest in other organizations that support LGBT Georgians throughout the year. Through the Festival Donations Program and other initiatives, Atlanta Pride has helped peer organizations raise more than $72,000 in the last 10 years.
Atlanta Pride also provides in-kind support to worthy causes, including the KSU LGBT Student Summit, the Zami Scholarship program, Georgia Equality, YouthPride, the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative and In The Life Atlanta. Two years ago, the festival debuted the Human Rights Educational Exhibit, which drew the support of U.S. Congressman John Lewis and Emory University’s Human Rights Week.
The committee is proud to be the rare non-profit that is able to support other community groups. The Atlanta Pride Committee hopes everyone who recognizes the importance of Pride agrees, and will share their enthusiasm by helping us face head-on the challenges of 2009.
Friend of Pride donation levels, their benefits, and a registration form are available by clicking the Donations link at http://www.atlantapride.org. Become a Friend of Pride, and as you decide how much you can give, keep in mind this year’s theme: PRIDE BEGINS WITH YOU.
The Atlanta Pride Committee would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support in any amount.
Friends of Pride information on the Atlanta Pride website.
