Center adds funding goal wish list
RALEIGH, N.C. — The LGBT Center of Raleigh has surpassed its $10,000 Fall Fundraising Campaign goal by $75.
In addition to the $10,000 one-time donation goal, the center hopes to meet a $2,500 challenge in pledges for monthly recurring donations. At press time, the group has raised $1,275.
Board Treasurer Les Geller said that they want to meet the objective by year’s end. The funds will be used to cover basic operational costs and overhead. Salaries comes from other resources. They had hoped to reach the pledge challenge by Nov. 30, but that did not happen.
For more information or to make a contribution, visit lgbtcenterofraleigh.com and click the “donate” button.
— Matt Comer & Lainey Millen
OutRaleigh event announced
RALEIGH, N.C. — Volunteers and staffers with the LGBT Center of Raleigh announced on Dec. 1 that their annual OutRaleigh festival will be held on May 5, 2012.
Organizers say the event’s date is significant, coming just three days before the scheduled vote on an anti-LGBT state constitutional amendment that would ban marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.
“At a time when North Carolina is in the national spotlight, let’s make America’s LGBTQ and ally communities proud, and quash bigoted legislation with pride, fortitude, and solidarity,” the group said in a release.
The group says they will be expanding the festival’s footprint in 2012 and include more entertainment, children’s activities and vendors.
For more information, visit outraleigh.org or lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
— M.C.
CMF seeks donations
RALEIGH, N.C. — Crape Myrtle Festival has announced its CMF32 Holiday Drive for 25 campaign. It hopes to raise $25,000 to provide support for those who are living with HIV/AIDS.
Contributions can be made either online or by mail. One time or reoccurring payment methods are available.
Visit crapemyrtlefest.org and click over to the donations page to pledge support or download the sponsorship form and mail to Crape Myrtle Fest, Inc., P.O. Box 12201, Raleigh, NC 27605-2201.
— L.M.
Wolfson says legislation will tie hands
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Executive director of the national Freedom to Marry, Evan Wolfson (pictured), had an opportunity to share his views on “Why Marriage Matters” and the impending anti-LGBT constitutional amendment with students at the University of North Carolina School of Law’s Center on Law and Government. on Nov. 28.
This referendum, which will be on the ballot in May 2012, bans marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships and would “tie the hands of future generations,” he said.
The current measure will be an electoral, not a legislative, decision. A troubling prospect, Wolfson said.
“Can you get the majority to vote with the minority” Wolfson asked, adding that it was a “tall order” and that the responsibility has to be to get the voters out that are persuaded to vote against the measure.
Wolfson also spoke with NC Policy Watch and Equality North Carolina on Nov. 29. The subject was “Crucial Conversation: ‘What would the marriage discrimination amendment really mean for North Carolina?’” Other speakers included University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Law Professors Maxine Eichner and Holning Lau, as well as Stuart Campbell, executive director of Equality North Carolina.
Recent polls suggest that even though the referendum has significant support, there is growth among North Carolinians who express that they are okay with legal recognition of same-sex couples.
For more information or to view the videos, visit qnotescarolinas.com/13505/.
— M.C. & L.M.