Blue Ridge Pride Center Inc

Programs: Blue ridge pride inc. Began in 2009 through the collaboration of several individuals most notably amy huntsman and ashley arrington who saw the need for a community-driven organization that would appeal to the diverse lgbtq communities of the blue ridge mountains of north carolina. They invested in forming partnerships, not just sponsorships, in our community and in october of 2009, we held our first festival at martin luther king jr. Park in asheville. Approximately 2,000 people came out to the event on a rainy day to learn more about our community and the resources available while also celebrating the first blue ridge pride festival. Because of the desire to be community focused, blue ridge pride decided to incorporate community charitable giving through the festival and partnered with loving food resources to raise funds and food for those in need. The purpose and original intent of the group was solidified and it was decided to continue adding to our portfolio of events. In 2014 the organization expanded the blue ridge pride festival and over 10,000 people from throughout the southeast joined as we expressed our continued commitment to growing educational and cultural events for the lgbtq communities and their allies in western north carolina. Several times during the year the organization held community forums for discussions of the unmet needs of lgbtq people in the area. We were excited to share the proceeds of our fourth annual white party with loving food resources. In addition, through our gay 5k we showcased the importance of physical fitness and striving for a healthy lifestyle. We were pleased to provide financial support for the transgender day of remembrance.