OutFront Kalamazoo Reimagines Winter Fundraising Event Due to COVID-19

Organization replaces annual Winter Gala and
unveils plan for raising essential funds and
recognizing LGBTQ+ advocates and allies in 2021.

OutFront Kalamazoo, one of Michigan’s largest LGBTQ+ community centers, today announced plans to replace its annual Winter Gala in January with a robust fall fundraising campaign that will launch in mid-November. The decision to set aside this major charity event acknowledges the persistence of the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of continued social distancing and the uncertainty of holding in-person gatherings as the new year begins.

“Like every organization, OutFront Kalamazoo has had to adjust to the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19. Thanks to faithful supporters and volunteers, our programs have adapted, and our events have been reimagined so that our community could stay safe and our work could continue” said OutFront Kalamazoo Executive Director, Amy Hunter. “But rather than adjust the established winter event to a virtual format, we are taking the opportunity to reimagine our approach and expand our outreach in order to give everyone a new way to support our programs and services in 2021.”

Typically, the Winter Gala would raise a considerable portion of the not-for-profit organization’s annual budget. The newly designed fundraising initiative, set to launch three weeks from today, will give people throughout the region an easy way to make a gift and express their support for one or more of OutFront’s various programs and services.

The annual awards portion of the Winter Gala has also been reinvented as a stand-alone event to be scheduled for late Spring 2021. The new awards event will honor individuals who are nominated by the community for their efforts to advance social justice and accelerate acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. Details will be announced in January.

“The year ahead will obviously look very different than prior years. It is likely to present new challenges and opportunities – and we must be prepared. One thing is certain, our path forward must be created together” said Hunter. “Our community can only stay safe, strong and proud with everyone’s input, their action and their support.”