www.MetroEastPride.comOn Behalf of: Metro East Pride
by: Colby Kluthe
November 1, 2010
Halloween Block Party Kicks off Fundraising for 2011 Festival
(BELLEVILLE)
About 150 people gathered this past Saturday night in downtown Belleville for the Metro East Pride Halloween Block Party. The event, hosted by Club Escapade, was the first major fundraiser event of the 2011 season.
Metro East Pride began in 2008, and will hold it's fourth annual pride festival on June 18th, 2011. Between now and then, the MEP Board of Directors will be planning and fund-raising in preparation for the big event.
The Halloween Block Party was the 3rd event since the conclusion of the 2010 season, which officially ends at the end of each June. The city of Belleville once again approved street closure for the block party which was well attended by both locals, and people who made the drive from St. Louis. A delegation from the Gateway Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,
TransHaven, One Saint Louis, MCC of Greater St. Louis, as well as civic leaders from across the Metro East region.Music was provided by The Ragged Blade Band, featuring vocalist Blue Jones, who is also the Executive Director of the LGBT Center of St. Louis. The Ragged Blade band was the first performer at our 2010 Festival, and we were glad to welcome them back for an encore fall performance. Pianist Jerry Rabushka said "we had a great time playin' for y'all!"
Metro East Pride also unveiled its new logo for 2011, and gave away a limited-edition 2011 Tee Shirt to participants of the Halloween Block Party. Attendees also recieved giveaways courtesy of several local merchants including Acropolis, Illinois Lottery, and the Tan Company. MEP also gave away 5 limited edition posters featuring the new logo design to commemorate the evening.
Overall Metro East Pride celebrates the success of our first fundraiser, and are looking forward to our upcoming events, which will be ongoing into the next year. Our next fundraiser event will be on November 28th at REHAB BAR, located on Manchester Ave in St. Louis city.
The Metro East Pride Board of Directors wishes to thank each of you for your ongoing support. And for each of our volunteers that make such wonderful events possible. We look forward to serving the citizens of Southwestern Illinios in the year ahead.
(pictured above: Amy Wiser, 2010 officer)
Metro East Pride 2011 Board of Directors include:
Sarah Baldwin, President
Colin Murphy, Vice President
Colby Kluthe, Vice President
Chance Baker, Treasurer
Courtney Anderson, Secretary
metroeastpride@gmail.com
www.MetroEastPride.com
