Director's Column: Ways to have fun and support the Center

With the start of September, it is once again time to settle in and gear up for a fabulous fall. GALAXY, Drop In Group, and all other Center programs are meeting regularly throughout the each month. If you are looking to meet people, make connections, or simply just want something to do, stop in the Center and check out our Drop In Group on Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm. This group is for 18 and up. For those 13-20, we have GALAXY which meets Tuesdays 4-6 pm and Saturdays from 2-4 at the Center. Just as there is beautiful, vibrant, rich diversity within those that identify as LGBT, the Center also strives to reach each end everyone and provide a group to meet the needs of many not a select few. We have Glenda for LGBT folk living with alcohol or drug issues/dependency; GNO-Guy’s Night Out which meets once a month on the 4th Friday 6-8 pm at the Center.

La Crosse Pride 2009 was amazing! It was a sunny day full of rainbows and “family”. GALAXY hosted its first Talent Show which albeit small rocked the stage for a bit in the afternoon. Congratulations to Jordan, Chia, and Halie. They were our first ever winners. A big thank you to Mike, Dan, Bonnie, Phillip, and Skylar for performing as well. Everyone did a stellar job and brought their A-Game. We had a spoof on “I kissed a girl”, clarinet solo, dance, karaoke, and drag, everything you would hope to see at Pride! A big hug to Ballzer of Z93, Kate, and Katlyn for being our judges-if they are feeling warm fuzzies it is because GALAXY and I are sending lots of love to all of you for helping make our first ever show-Fantabulous!!!

We had Diverse & Resilient here to assist our Health Promoters working with the Center on our collaborative grant and healthy initiative, rm2breathe, during Pride. Thanks to everyone who completed a survey and talked about this initiative with Mikel, Dee, and Mike, our La Crosse Health Promoters! The goal is to change the attitude about smoking within the LGBT community as well as decrease the number of LGBT smokers. Stop in the Center for more info or visit the webpage www.rm2breathe.org If you have been concerned about your smoking and not sure what to do, stop in and let’s talk about rm2breathe. Look for more information about our Quit Group that will starting this fall.

As for everyone on the Pride Committee, please stand up and listen as the echoes from my clapping and love should be ringing in your ears. Excellent Pride and the entertainment was top notch. Thank you for devoting your time, love, and talents to make Pride 2009 such a wonderful celebratory event. Your commitment of monthly meetings, work, fundraising, and hard work was truly reflected in the end. Pride 2009 was a magnificent celebration. Thank you for creating such a great festive day for all of us in the community LGBT, allies, and more to come together and swell in our hearts, spirits, and soul with Pride!

There are so many great opportunities for you to enjoy an evening out and support your Center at the same time. As you know with all non profits fundraising is key to our existence, the Center is no different. The Center needs your love, support, and appreciation so we can keep on keeping on to fulfill our mission and continue to realize the vision of our founding sisters and brothers. Please mark the following dates on your calendar and come out to show your support for the Center and its vital work.

Upcoming events:

Saturday, September 19, 2009
LGBT Resource Center for the Seven Rivers Region Progressive Dinner
Minimum donation $25
Tickets are available at the Center. Limited tickets available get yours now to ensure you can attend this wonderful evening.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Silent Rally for Equality in Recognition of National coming Out Day
Please join us on Saturday, October 10, at 11:30 am, in Cameron Park. We will then walk together in step to span the blue bridge from noon-12:30. We will stand in silence for equality. All LGBTQQI folk and allies are invited to attend. My goal is for 200 people to participate. Sign up and join us. For more information please call 784-0452. Tell your friends, family, coworkers-together lets create awareness, incite interest in our desire for equality, and stand out and proud to help others who can’t live out.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
2nd Annual Coming Out For Equality Gala Event
Tickets are $35.00 and include a catered dinner, music performances from Tri-M -local high school honor musicians, an Award for Volunteer of the year, a program including Tim Ewing from Fair Wisconsin and more, as well as a Silent Auction. The event is being held at the Radisson Center, 200 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse. The evening will start at 5:30-6:30 Social Hour and dinner will be at 6:30 followed by the program.

Currently, we are seeking donations from businesses, artists, and others for our Silent Auction-feel free to contact me if you are interested in donating an item, basket, or gift certificate for the Silent Auction. In addition to seeking donations to the auction we are also seeking sponsors for the Gala event to ensure we have a fabulous evening. If you would like to sponsor our 2nd Annual Coming Out for Equality please contact me at 608-784-0452 or send your contribution to 303 Pearl Street, La Crosse, WI 54601. Please indicate on your donation 2nd Annual Gala Event.

Another option for purchasing tickets is to purchase a table of 8 for $240. All parties, businesses, and individuals that purchase a table will have their name posted at their table to show their support for equality. If you are unable to attend this event please consider sponsoring a ticket for a GALAXY youth or others who live on a limited income. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Saturday, October 17, 2009
Macy’s celebrates a national day of support for local non-profit organizations in our community.
Make a $5 donation and save 20% or 10%* all day with the shopping pass. ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN a $500 GIFT CARD. Purchase your ticket now! Stop in the Center and get yours today. Even if you can’t shop, you can still donate to the Center and have a chance to win $500!

As you can see there are many ways you can help support the Center and have a good time. I hope to see you at these events. Together we can ensure that scared, questioning, isolated youth or adults have a safe space with affirming resources that is committed to their well being. It is in our collective efforts we will do the most good.

Thank you for being a friend to the Center. Life is easier with friends for all of us including small non profits. It is because of each and every one of you and your belief in equality, the Center, and justice-that I continue to replenish my energy to do this work. Appreciation is such an under shared love for another and I truly do appreciate each and every one of you for simply being your wonderful selves.

Peace & belief,
Rosanne