Three weeks before the Oct. 31 deadline, Affirmations has met a $25,000 challenge from the HOPE Fund. A $1,000 gift early in the month brought their total to $25,853, along with 149 new donors to Affirmations.
The HOPE Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan exists to strengthen and empower organizations that serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities by supporting important charitable activities in southeast Michigan and by encouraging individuals to consider what they can do with their personal philanthropy. Since its inception in 1994, the HOPE Fund has issued more than $1.2 million in grants. The HOPE Fund also helps people carry out their personal charitable wishes to benefit the LGBT communities.
Affirmations is the community center for LGBT people and their allies. Open since 1989 and located in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale, Affirmations provides a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions and cultures can find support and unconditional acceptance, and where they can learn, grow and socialize. They provide programs for youth, adults, families and many more sub-communities.
"We're excited to have met this challenge, as the $25,000 match from the HOPE Fund came at a much needed time," said Affirmations CEO Leslie Thompson.
"Affirmations has faced several difficult financial situations throughout the course of the year. We are certainly appreciative to the HOPE Fund for offering us the leverage to meet this goal, especially as we approach the end of the year."
Throughout the months of June, July, August and September, Affirmations held a series of cocktail hour events hosted by BlackFinn Saloon in Royal Oak as well as an online and direct mail fundraising campaign.
"We worked really hard to communicate the center's financial needs to as many people as possible," said Michael Coleman, director of development and communications. "We also decided to try to raise the entire $25,000 from individual donors and we're grateful to the community for showing their support in such a resounding way, especially given the current economic climate."
Affirmations completes the HOPE fund challenge just in time to begin its largest annual giving campaign. According to the center, community support at year-end is essential for the organization to continue providing the programs, services and support to the LGBT community. Affirmations encourages everyone to make a gift and show their support as the end of 2009 approaches.
Visit Affirmations online at http://www.goaffirmations.org to learn more, or call 248-398-7105.
Affirmations meets HOPE Fund challenge
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