STONEWALL NEEDS YOU!
Thank you all for making this 34th Columbus Pride a truly inspirational event!
Thousands and thousands of the LGBTQ families and allies marched in horrible conditions to show our unity as we demand equality and justice and celebrate our community. Unfortunately, the terrible weather forced the cancellation of Saturday’s festival at the direction of our Festival Organizer and Executive Director in communication with the Columbus Police and Fire Departments. Some of our vendors were experiencing 5” of rain in their booth areas and their products were being ruined. Goodale Park itself was also suffering considerable damage at the time of closure. Our security plan enabled the evacuation of the park with no injuries. Consequently, it also has financially impacted what is always our largest fundraiser. About 25% of Stonewall’s yearly budget is provided by the profits from beer and merchandise sales at Pride and we were expecting income of about $150,000 in sales over the weekend. These funds allow us to serve the LGBTQ community with important programs and services. A rain cancellation policy will help limit the loss but will not nearly cover the shortfall in revenue.
We need your support and help to get us through this unusual situation. Please consider making a special “Rainy Day” donation to Stonewall Columbus so that services can continue uninterrupted.
Our community has been challenged before, and it always responds. We have confidence that you will hear us now, and that the planning can go forward to make Pride 2016 the best ever!
Karla Rothan
Executive Director
Stonewall Columbus
Stonewall Columbus, Inc., Federal Tax ID 31-1189481, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS and all donations to Stonewall Columbus, Inc. are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
