http://www.jobsandjustice.org/
on behalf of http://www.bellevillepride.com/ http://www.hopeandhelpcenter.org/
Dear Friends of Metro East Pride:
With your support, Metro East Pride Festival for 2009 was a resounding success for all involved from beginning to end. Large crowds from both sides of the river included strawberry-clad toddlers, senior citizens, students, gay and straight couples, and humans of almost every ethnic group.
Sixty-five booths included corporations, civic organizations, churches, arts and crafts, and of course—food and beer vendors. Most businesses within the Pride area benefited from the event. An eclectic variety of performers kept people entertained.
Lea DeLaria returned to a hometown crowd who embraced her with open arms. Her father, godmother, elementary and high school teachers and old friends were among those who brought lawn chairs and enthusiastically applauded her reminiscences, comments, and jazz vocalizations. She graciously posed for pictures and signed CDs in front of Escapade after the performance.
Once again, Pride Festival was accomplished without any major incidents involved. We thank you for your contribution to our success.
Now, we are transitioning to a new leadership team for Pride Festival for 2010.
The officers are:
Kay Campbell, 2010 President
Colby Kluthe, 2010 Vice-President
Sherry Haskins and Amy Wiser.
Advisors include: Chuck Adams, Jerry Angevine, Janet Brannon, Rick Hembree, Vicki Niederhofer, Harold Schwartz, Carol Williams, Terry Williams, and Janet Wright.
Our goals for 2010 are outlined as follows:
1. Embrace diversity in all its forms. Be inclusive of all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race or ethnic group, or age. (The just-concluded festival was a panorama of this.)
A vision that includes greater community interaction between the LBGT community and Belleville. This involves Pride’s participation in local events and cooperation to make this an even better place to live.
It involves dialogue and support of local businesses. It involves advance planning with businesses located within the Pride Festival perimeters to ensure that any problems are solved and that the Festival is advantageous to all parties.
Increased participation as a group in environmental issues, and in helping to alleviate poverty in our community. We are all cognizant that festivals are fun. We desire to be recognized as a responsible part of our greater community as well.
Thank you for your continued involvement in the success of Pride Festival 2010.
Jessie Arms
Coordinator for Pride ‘08 and ‘09
MEGS is sponsored by the Coalition for Economic & Social Justice (CESJ), a 501C3 Organization
