DETROIT –
Pride month conjures up images of parades, festivals and celebrations of all that is LGBT in the world, but it can also be a reminder that there are LGBTQ people who are vulnerable and depend on the community for support. Homeless and runaway youth turn to the Ruth Ellis Center for housing, counseling, education, peer support and adult mentorship. And the Ruth Ellis Center turns to people in the community to chip in what they can.
"The majority of Ruth Ellis Center's funding comes from small donations and fundraisers," said Ruth Ellis Center Public Relations representative Peter VanDyke. "As a non-profit, fundraising is always a priority. It is the only way the Ruth Ellis Center can continue to provide safe space for the more than 4,000 youth we serve annually."
That's why all through June local businesses will be providing support through a calendar-full of partnerships and opportunities. Check for the applicable days to see when to buy clothes at The Peacock Room in Detroit, take a class at True Body Fitness, enjoy some Buffalo Wild Wings in Ferndale, get your car washed by the Motor City Bears and get your dog watched at Canine to Five. All these and more, done on the right days in June, will send money right into the Ruth Ellis coffers.
"The type of fundraising we are conducting in conjunction with Pride Month is particularly important because the money raised helps fund our general operations, which includes staffing, utilities and facility maintenance. We are fortunate to receive grants that are restricted to funding the center's support services and programs such as counseling, testing and professional development. But, the Ruth Ellis Center needs to maintain funding streams that can support our general operations, so we can continue to deliver critical services," VanDyke said.
Businesses who would like to be added to the list can contact Kenneth Jay Wilson at Ruth Ellis Center at 313-252-1950 or by emailing [email protected]. For more information on Ruth Ellis Center, including the most recent list of supportive events, check out http://www.ruthelliscenter.org/.
A month of support: REC partners with local businesses
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