Catching the Wave of Equality
Recently, I was contacted by the Entertainment Director of the Charleston Pride Festival, Rob King, who was putting together the Second Annual Charleston Pride Festival. We sat over coffee to discuss ways to shine a spotlight on the festival and get even more attendees this year. Last year, they had more than 4,000 - which is a wonderful number to start off with, especially for a first time event. So when I asked Rob, "Do you have a press release ready to go?" He shook his head no, admitting he didn't know much about that side of things. So I offered my services and contacts to him complimentary to help get the word out about this great event.
Just like Warriors Wear Pink and Louie's Kids, there are certain organizations that you do spend your time and effort on, not for money but because you believe in their mission or what they stand for and that often pays you two fold.
After I wrapped up my meeting with Rob, he sent me all the things I requested via email and was probably one of the most thorough clients I'd ever worked with. Always gracious and thankful. He got me logos in a timely manner and never over-wanted as some do when they receive help from others as a gift. I received an email from him saying the Charleston Pride committee wanted to thank me for helping them by putting an ad in their newsletter...and to be honest, I was so happy. Not because I felt indebted someway, not at all, I know what they stand for is amazing, but that they actually took a moment to think about my time and recognized it. They realized. Just like everyone around us should realize how important it is to treat everyone as an equal. I won't get on my soapbox here because we all know I already talk too much...ha! But please if you can make it to the event, enjoy & if you can't, please spread the news - it's a 3 day festival of fun. And to those in the committee planning this and to Rob, thanks for letting me be a small part of your wave.
Here's all the details....
The Charleston Pride Festival is pleased to announce the 2011 Pride Festival and Rally on May 12 - May 14, 2011 and is inviting the public to “Catch the Wave of Equality” at their second annual event.
This three day event proudly sponsored by Absolut Vodka will offer something for everyone including an art walk, film festival, music, vendors and more. It will conclude on Saturday, May 14 with the Charleston Pride Parade in the heart of North Charleston beginning on East Montague Avenue, Pride Rally at Riverfront Park and Absolut(ly) Born This Way Charleston Pride After Party at 10 Storehouse Row at the Navy Yard at Noisette. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Charleston Pride Festival is proud to announce that this year’s Grand Marshall will be Brooke Collins. Some of the entertainment includes appearances by the Lowcountry Highrollers, special guest speakers, music by Jamison Alley, Friends of Ridicule, Thunderkings, Heyrocco, Becca & the Push, Blynd Snyper, A Fragile Tomorrow and a very special appearance by Jujubee from RuPaul’s Drag Race. “Last year, more than 4,000 people attended our inaugural event. This year, we’ve added more events, vendors and entertainment.
We want the entire community to embrace this event, come together to celebrate pride and to support one another.” said Rob King, Entertainment Director of Charleston Pride Festival.
Schedule of Events:
Thursday, May 12: 6 - 9 p.m., “Art For Pride” Charleston Pride Art Walk @ Evo, The Mill, Cork, The Chart and Sesame in Park Circle, N. Charleston
Thursday, May 12: 7 - 11 p.m., Charleston Pride Gay Film Festival, Olde Village Picture House, Park Circle, N. Charleston (7pm- “If These Walls Could Talk 2”; 9pm- “A Single Man”)
Friday, May 13: 9 p.m.-12.a.m, Absolut Pride Pageant, American Theatre, Charleston
Saturday, May 14, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Charleston Pride Parade, E. Montague Avenue, N. Charleston (Line-up at 9:15 a.m. at North Charleston Elementary)
Saturday, May 14, Noon - 6:00 p.m.: Catch the Wave of Equality Charleston Pride Rally, Riverfront Park, N. Charleston
Saturday, May 14, 9 p.m.- 2 a.m., Absolut(ly) Born This Way Charleston Pride After Party, 10 Storehouse Row at the Navy Yard at Noisette, N. Charleston
Catch the Wave of Equality Rally Event Schedule for Saturday, May 14:
12:00-12:15 p.m.- Lowcountry Highrollers
12:15-12:20- Presentation of Honor Guard and National Anthem
12:20-12:30- Introduction of Grand Marshall and Charleston Pride Festival Board
12:30-1:00- Jamison Alley
1:00-1:15- Keith Riddle (Stonewall Democrats)
1:15-1:45- Friends of Ridicule
1:45-2:00- Performance by Brooke Collins (Grand Marshall)
2:00-2:30- Thunderkings
2:30-2:45- Elke Kennedy (Sean’s Last Wish)
2:45-3:00- Performance by Absolut Pride Pageant Empress
3:00-3:30- Heyrocco
3:30-3:45- Melissa Moore (We Are Family)
3:45-4:00- Performance by Absolut Pride Pageant Emperor
4:00-4:15- Warren Redman-Gress (Alliance for Full Acceptance)
4:15-4:45- Becca & the Push
4:45-5:00- Closing statements/Sponsor & Vendor recognition
5:00-5:30- Blynd Snyper
For more, visit www.charlestonpridefestival.
