The Big Give is back, only a few days away, and bigger than ever! As I’m sure you know, The Big Give is a 24-hour, online, giving rally, and Columbus’s biggest charity event. It starts on Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. and ends on Wednesday, May 13 at 10 a.m.

When you give to Stonewall Columbus during The Big Give, your donation will be increased by their $1.3 million bonus pool.  (For example, and keeping the math easy, if a bonus pool of $1,000,000 is available and the total amount raised during The Big Give is $4,000,000, then 25 cents will be added to every dollar donated.) On top of that, The Columbus Foundation is waiving all processing fees, so all of your donation will go directly to Stonewall Columbus!

All you have to do on May 12th to donate to Stonewall Columbus and invest in Central Ohio’s LGBT Community, is follow this link: The Big Give – Stonewall Columbus.

Or take the scenic route and visit The Columbus Foundation, click on The Big Give banner, and then select Stonewall Columbus, Inc.

You can learn more about the amazing work Stonewall Columbus does for the LGBTQ Community in Central Ohio by going here.

If you have any questions about how to give through The Big Give or to Stonewall Columbus in general, contact Shane McClelland at gro.submulocllawenots@dnallelccms or 614-930-2263.

Stonewall Columbus is pleased to announce that Columbus city council has extended a grant in the amount of $50,000 for capital improvements at the LGBT community center. For 32 years, Stonewall Columbus has been meeting the needs of the LGBT community through education and advocacy programs. Ordinance 1102-2013, sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee chair Priscilla R. Tyson, will provide $50,000 in Emergency Human Services funding to help Stonewall make needed repairs to their 1160 North High Street facility and the adjacent 4^th Street Annex. Repairs include, but are not limited to, restroom upgrades, electric and lighting, emergency exits, gutters and downspouts.

“First, I want to take this opportunity to thank council for this tremendous support. Our partnership with the city has helped to make Stonewall Columbus a leading organization in the region,” said Karla Rothan, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus.  “Each year 30,000 visitors arrive at the center looking for a safe place to get help. The Center on High is just that place and we could not have touched the lives of so many without the long-term support of our city,” she added.

Stonewall Columbus plans to raise additional dollars to expand the facility, connect the buildings and create second floor accessibility. This will enable Stonewall Columbus to more fully and effectively provide additional programs for the LGBT community, especially older adults, families and youth. “Having the confidence and investment of our city helps us to achieve that goal,” explained Rothan.

Stonewall Columbus serves the Central Ohio LGBT community by providing a community center and offering programming and services that enhance the well-being and visibility of our diverse community through discovery, affirmation and celebration. For more information about Stonewall Columbus visit our website at www.stonewallcolumbus.org.

by Robby Stephens

Central Ohio’s largest LGBT Bowling League is in full swing and heading into their third week of bowling. “The Sunday Brunch” league bowls every Sunday at H.P. Lanes at 2012 Innis Rd in Columbus @ 3:00pm. The league is at a 34 team count and is always welcoming new teams at the start of the season. This is my 7th year bowling with the league. It has allowed me the opportunity to make great friends.

The Sunday Brunch league not only offers bowling for members of the LGBT community in a safe environment, but it also gives back. Members pay dues throughout the year which cover the cost of the use of the bowling alley, but a portion of these dues are used to create a Prize Fund and a Charitable Giving fund. Each year players compete to be ranked in the top spots. At the end of the season the top teams compete for ranking and to receive a portion of the prize fund for their achievement. Teams also vote on a  number of charities to receive funds from the charitable giving fund.

Sunday Brunch not only welcomes members of the LGBT Community, but also has numerous Allies as returning bowlers each year.

Spectators and fans are welcome to join us every Sunday at H.P. Lanes @ 3:00pm.

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