The annual "Communities that Care" Awards are given each year by the OutCenter in Benton Harbor to recognize individuals, groups and/or organizations that have made exceptional efforts in the past year to move the work of the OutCenter, and the overall LGBTQ movement, forward. The 2017 winners will be formally presented during Lake Effect Pride on June 16 at the Pebblewood Country Club in Bridgman.
Charli Herman, Spanish teacher and co-founding advisor and Cindy Swem, guidance counselor and co-founding advisor – Buchanan High School Prism Gay-Straight Alliance
Becky Foster, president, Counseling Association of Southwest Michigan
Tracy Wagner, president elect, Counseling Association of Southwest Michigan
Dr. Dennis Waite, Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling, Andrews University
Dr. Bradley Hinman, Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling, Andrews University
Shane Peters, Superintendent, Bridgman Public Schools
Marilyn Haslett, middle school counselor and founding advisor, and Austin Carter, sophomore and founding member – Brandywine Middle and High School Gay-Straight Alliance
The OutCenter will also award the annual "Ally of the Year" during the event at 9794 Jericho Road. Tickets are available online at http://gaybe.am/sI in advance for $35 or $40 at the door. There will be appetizers, a cash bar, music and dancing, as well as a $10,000 drawing.
