Fundraiser to benefit several nonprofits
Get ready to paint the town pink.
The Pink Party Inc. returns with its 20th anniversary charity event that bene ts several nonpro t organizations’ local chapters in Northwest Louisiana.
The Pink Party takes center stage with midway-style entertainment, stage and aerial performances produced by Brandon Sanford from 8 p.m. until midnight May 4 at the Shreveport Convention Center, 400 Caddo St.
“This year our theme is ‘Big Top Big 20,’ which is a circus theme,” said Bucky Crouch, co-president of Pink Party Inc. “There will be circus entertainment throughout the event, a deejay, food, a cash bar and more. It is a really fun party for a cause.”
Crouch said it is recommended that attendees wear pink; however, attire will range from a casual pink T-shirt and jeans to extravagant pink costumes. Feather boas are optional. Pink Party is a 21-and-older event. A $10 donation is suggested at the door, and raf es will include prizes for an Apple iPad mini, Nike Fuel Band and a Barrel of Booze.
The Pink Party is a gay-friendly party with a diverse crowd with a common mission to support the nonpro t organizations in the area including partners Easter Seals, The Philadelphia Center and People Acting for Change and Equality. Easter Seals provides exceptional services to ensure people living with autism and other disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play. The Philadelphia Center provides services to those living with HIV/AIDS and educates the public with prevention service. PACE is a bipartisan organization that works to advance equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to lead open, honest, responsible and safe lives at home and in the workplace.
“It’s charity event with multiple bene ciaries,” Crouch said. “That’s important for a lot of people. When they donate money, they want to get the most bang out of their buck.”
Donations made at the door of the Pink Party will bene t Easter Seals, and proceeds made at the cash bar and in the raf es will bene t The Philadelphia Center, PACE, Forum for Equality and the Louisiana Suicide Hotline. In 2012, Pink Party collected more than $18,000 that was distributed over the groups.
Pink Party Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-pro t organization. “It began with just a few members putting together a party, and they decided they could make it into a fundraiser,” Crouch said. Since its 1994 beginning, Pink Party’s increasing popularity has caused for it to grow out of its rst location at an Elks Lodge to the Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium into its current home at the Shreveport Convention Center. More than 1,300 people attended Pink Party in 2012, and 1,400 are expected to attend this year.
It has also expanded from a one-night party into a four-day extravaganza.
On May 2, dine with Pink at Bella Fresca. On May 3, a pre-Pink party that will include bowling and a live auction will be from 7 p.m. until midnight at The Korner Lounge. After the of cial Pink Party on May 4, an after-party will resume at Central Station complete with a drag show put on by The
Krewe of Atlas. Proceeds from the show will bene t Pink Party and The Krewe of Atlas. Close out the weekend with the Pink Party Brunch at Bistro Byronz from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. A free shuttle service will run between the Convention Center, Central Station and The Korner Lounge.
– Tiana Kennell
Pink Party
WHEN: 8 p.m. May 4
WHERE: Shreveport Convention Center
