“Since 2009, Blue Ridge Pride has selected an organization to receive funds through its community grant process in an effort to build and support resources available to the LGBTQ community,” says a recent press release. Continuing with its mission to “Advocate. Celebrate. Educate,” Blue Ridge Pride has posted its Community Grant Application and interested organizations may submit between now at Friday, Sept. 6. Among previous recipients are Loving Food Resources, Youth Outright, Different Strokes Performing Art Collective, Campaign for Southern Equality and the Ali Forney Center.
According to the press release:
We have always been invested in our community as a whole,” says Drew Walls, Board President of Blue Ridge Pride. “This year is no different. It has always been important to our organization to help build a stronger society including permanent, positive changes in attitudes and behaviors towards the LGBT community as a whole. We feel like investing in, partnering with and empowering our community organizations helps accomplish this. Our theme this year is ‘Pride 365: All Year Long’. We’ve already been partnering with organizations throughout the year to help with their needs; this is just the icing on top.”
“Just as we continue some traditions, we also like to build off of them by adding new elements to our events. It seems like every year, we grow a little more and this year we’re adding another street to our festival,” Walls said. “We’ll be adding a portion of North Spruce Street to our footprint this year and within that area will be an Adult Fun Zone that will include activities for the adult-sized kid in all of us. We’ll be offering things like a mechanical bull, silent disco, and other fun things for adults to enjoy.”
As part of this addition and growth, Blue Ridge Pride will be offering a select number of VIP packages that include a Friday evening meet and greet with staff and entertainers of the festival at the Renaissance Hotel, entrance into the kick-off party at Club Hairspray late Friday night, complimentary wine, beer and catered food as well as front row seats at the festival, Adult Fun Zone unlimited activity bracelet, private restroom and hand-washing station at the festival, and entrance into after parties at O’Henry’s/Underground, Scandals, and Club Hairspray following the festival. “I don’t think you’ll find a better deal for VIP passes at a festival anywhere. It’s certainly something people should buy early,” Walls stated.
Blue Ridge Pride will sell only 100 VIP packages at a first come, first serve basis. Packages will be $30 in advance and $40 day of for any remaining available. More information and purchasing of VIP packages can be found on our website at www.blueridgepride.com. Blue Ridge Pride’s annual festival will be held October 5, 2013 in downtown Asheville.
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