Since I started working for Pride Foundation 18 months ago, I’ve come to realize there is never a dull moment! August is no exception: we had a record number of letters of inquiry for the upcoming grant cycle and continue to sponsor events like the Billings Roller Derby Tournament (July 14), the ‘Tapas at T. Hee’ benefit for Carbon County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services in Red Lodge (August 17), the Rockin’ Race for Missoula’s Open AID Alliance (August 18).
Our Director of Operations and Leadership, Amy White, comes to visit Missoula and Helena August 7 – 11, and we hope to see many of you at our events in Helena and at Flathead Lake later this month!
On Thursday, August 9, from 6 – 8 PM, the Turman Larison Contemporary Art Gallery in downtown Helena will host a fundraiser for Pride Foundation’s grants and scholarships. The event is free to attend, but donations are encouraged. A big thank you to our co-hosts including: Clark & Toni Broadbent (Allegra Print and Imaging), Attorney General Candidate Pam Bucy, Linda Carlson and David Hunter, Tom and Lisa Cordingley, Pam Dale, Clayton Elliott, Laura Fix, Ginny Furshong, Jamee Greer, Cindy Lewis, Pat Kemp and Senator Christine Kaufmann, Terry Kendrick, Wendy and Sarah Nicolai, Linda Reed, Mike Wessler and Bobbie Zenker.
On Saturday, August 11, Amy and I will present an “LGBTQ Advocacy 101” workshop at the Lewis and Clark Health Department’s Capitol City Gay/Bi Men Summer Camp. To register, contact Michael Hand (michael@michaelhand.net).
Last but not least, Pride Foundation aims to “make waves” with the first-ever Flathead Lake Equality Cruise on Sunday, Aug. 12, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The boat will depart KwaTaqNuk Best Western Resort at 4 PM sharp, so guests are encouraged to arrive by 3:45 PM. Tickets are still available at $45 for individuals and $80 per couple. They can be purchased online at www.pridefoundation.eventbrite.com or by emailing me (Caitlin@pridefoundation.org). Thank you so much to our co-hosts Rep. Ellie Hill (D-Missoula) and Tyler Smith, Paul Vestal (a 2012 scholar), Beth Burman Frazee, Bryony Schwan, and Mary Stranahan, as well as our many business sponsors!
Caitlin is Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Montana. Email Caitlin.