The Atlanta Braves will host their second annual “Out in the Stands” event for LGBT fans of the summer classic during a Wednesday night showdown with the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 27.
This year's game will benefit Ben Cohen's StandUp foundation, an anti-bullying advocacy group based here in Atlanta. Cohen will attend the game and host a meet-and-greet session with fans, the Braves said.
The event was first organized in 2011 after Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell was accused of using gay slurs toward fans at a game in San Francisco.
Premiere Party began in 2002 as a small gathering and has now grown into a massive white-themed cocktail party and silent auction, but the mission remains the same: raising funds for LGBT and questioning youth who are served by CHRIS Kids, a child welfare nonprofit that provides services ranging from housing to counseling.
Premiere Party has raised $800,000 since its inception. This year’s event is set for June 9 at Mason Murer Fine Art, with tickets starting at $40.
“What I enjoy most is seeing all our friends and supporters coming out to help LGBT children, youth and families,” says CHRIS Kids CEO Kathy Colbenson. “It warms my heart to see people caring enough to do something, to give so that those who have been met with rejection can have acceptance and the support they need to get their lives on track.”
Premiere Party this weekend to benefit CHRIS Kids
What's old is new again, as the folks over at Lost-n-Found Youth come together Wednesday, May 16, for the second round of the Big Gay Game Show. Tickets for the show are $5.
Lost-n-Found Youth is a local nonprofit whose mission is to take homeless LGBT youth off the street and transition them into more permanent housing arrangements. The group operates a 24/7 hotline, as well as a six-bed housing facility.
Every third Wednesday, the organization enlists a bevy of local celebrities (ahem, including your's truly this month) to play a few rounds of America's favorite classic games shows. Match Game, Let's Make a Deal and Family Feud are slated for May's "episode."
Lost-n-Found is real winner of tonight's event at Jungle
The United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta has lifted its hold on donations designated for YouthPride after conducting an investigation into the LGBT youth nonprofit spurred by donor complaints and finding no wrongdoing.
“After looking into the complaints against YouthPride by our generous donors, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta has decided to lift the hold on designated donor funds to the organization. We have alerted YouthPride and our donors of our decision,” United Way spokesperson David Graves said April 30 in a prepared statement.
Graves said April 13 that United Way had opened an investigation into YouthPride after receiving complaints from donors who made donations to YouthPride through United Way.
Some 15 pets are currently vying for the title of 2012 PALS Spokespet at the annual Pet Cotillion, the spring fundraiser for Pets Are Loving Support, this year set for May 6 at Piedmont Bark.
Last year, Pet Cotillion raised about $14,000, according to PALS Executive Director Kevin Bryant. The money, Bryant says, goes to veterinary care, like heartworm medication, spay and neutering services and flea medication.
Pets competing in the Pet Cotillion have profiles listed on the PALS website (palsatlanta.org) and can be voted on ($1 per vote) leading up to the event. The pet that raises the most money will be crowned this year’s winner.
Pet Cotillion returns to Piedmont Bark to benefit PALS
Founded in 1982 as a grass-roots response to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic, AID Atlanta has since become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the southeast.
AID Atlanta plans to commemorate its 30th anniversary this year by hosting the annual AID Atlanta Honors on June 14, the Atlanta Cotillion XI on Sept. 15 and the AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run on Oct. 21.
“We’ve set big goals for our 30th year and beyond,” Executive Director Tracy Elliott said in a statement released today. “We’re looking forward to continuing to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and giving hope to more Atlantans than ever before.”
The organization also announced plans for a candlelight vigil set for Dec. 1 at Piedmont Park.
Former members of YouthPride are moving ahead with plans for a new Atlanta LGBT youth organization as the troubled agency remains silent about where it will move after being forced out of its current home due to unpaid rent.
YouthPride Executive Director Terence McPhaul declined an interview this week. The organization must move next month from its space at 1017 Edgewood Ave. and faces a crisis in leadership after admitting that its board of directors has dwindled to below the minimum required in its bylaws and hasn’t met since December 2010.
McPhaul said in a brief statement last month that new sites were being explored and the formation of a new board of directors is “moving fast.” He stressed that YouthPride remains open and operating.