Funds raised will benefit three nonprofits
What started as a party hosted by a core group of friends 21 years ago, has turned into one of the most anticipated fundraisers each spring in Shreveport-Bossier City. The Pink Party will be held May 3 at the Convention Center, promising a night of fun for a $10 door donation to Easter Seals.
This year’s event will pay tribute to all the activities expected of a 21st birthday celebration, starting with its theme, “Happy 21st Birthday – Finally Legal.”
“It’s a big party for multiple causes.
What I like to say is you can come and have a great time with 1,200 of your closest friends,” Bucky Crouch, president of Pink Party, Inc., said.
The Pink Party, an event created by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, evolves into a more mainstream event each year. But fundraising efforts continue to focus on causes important to the LGBT community.
In 2013, the Pink Party donated more than $15,000 to four nonprofit organizations in the Shreveport- Bossier City area, including Easter Seals, The Philadelphia Center, People Acting for Change and Equality and the Louisiana Suicide Hotline.
“We give to organizations we feel are important to the LGBT community. We think of ourselves as a foundation. Our board considers organizations with causes that are important to the community and our sponsors, such as suicide, substance abuse, gambling and helping those with disabilities, and the Pink Party raises funds for those nonprofits each year,” Crouch said.
One of the Pink Party’s longest standing partnership is with Easter Seals and dates back roughly 15 years. All door proceeds go directly to Easter Seals. According to the Easter Seals 2012 annual report, more than 11,000 families were served through the organization that year.
Bernie Bitting, events and fundraising director for Easter Seals, said fundraising events such as the Pink Party are more important than ever for the livelihood of their organization. Bitting said that changes in Louisiana healthcare, especially Medicaid, have effected their state funding, requiring more fundraising to offset costs and continue serving people.
“The door proceeds we intake help us to be able to help people with disabilities, from purchasing wheelchairs to helping build ramps. We serve those with mental health issues as well as physical disabilities,” Bitting said.
“We have many partnerships in the community that help with our fundraising. As a fundraiser, I travel the entire state to raise funds, but one person can’t do it all.”
While the Pink Party raises money for serious concerns in our community, the event is known for its fun, inviting atmosphere.“We have people who attend the Pink Party from as far away as the Netherlands, Chicago, California. A lot of people are attracted to how fun and open the party is and that it raises money for so many causes,” Crouch said.
“People like knowing they’re getting a bang for their buck, and it’s our goal to keep the price point down. You can come, spend $20, donate to charity, get a few drinks and hor d’oeuvres and have a great time.”
Organizers work several months in advance to make each year’s event a success, and their dedication results in higher attendance numbers year after year. Last year, fundraising efforts for the Pink Party reached a total of $105,000 given to the community since 2006, and their giving continues to expand.
This year, Pink Party, Inc., is adding a second event as part of the Community Foundation of North Louisiana’s Give for Good day May 6. The after-work event, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Marilynn’s Place, will benefit The Philadelphia Center and allow supporters to meet the staff, board and mingle with other supporters of the center. To learn more about this event, visit giveforgoodla.com.
– Stephanie Jordan
