Gay Community Endowment Fund Newsletter Donate Now A fund of Akron Community Foundation
Summer 2 015


Love won!

Fourteen years ago, GCEF was founded with the core mission of promoting the full inclusion of LGBT people in our community. We are thrilled to be one step closer to that goal, thanks to the June 26 landmark Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality. We hope you'll consider a gift to GCEF in honor of your friends and family members who may be getting married this summer. Your gift will help GCEF continue to make strides in LGBT equality ---  a fitting tribute to your loved ones' new chapter.




GCEF names first service award recipient

In April, GCEF presented its first annual Outstanding Service Award to Steve Williams, longtime chair of the Sugar Plum Tour. The award honors a person or organization who has made an outstanding impact on the LGBT community. Steve's dedication to the Sugar Plum Tour has made it Akron's premier holiday event. Last year's tour raised nearly $85,000, and this year's event promises to be even bigger. Congratulations, Steve, on your well-deserved award.




GCEF welcomes new board member

We would like to extend a big welcome to our newest board member, David Wyzynski, who began his term on June 17. David is the co-founder and president of CyGem, an Akron-based technology services firm specializing in private cloud hosting, disaster recovery, and IT support solutions for investment advisors, broker-dealers, and family offices nationwide. David is a graduate of the University of Akron.


Events

Shepard inspires crowd at annual meeting
 

Nearly 120 people attended GCEF's 2015 annual meeting featuring Judy Shepard, whose heartfelt talk about her son's murder and ongoing legacy inspired guests to keep making progress for equal rights. Watch as Judy discusses the importance of fostering a community where LGBT children feel included in this video of her speech.


 


 

Save the date


Aug. 14-15: Flair Fest
Mark your calendar for the second annual Flair Fest at Lock 3 in downtown Akron. This exciting LGBTQ festival was launched last year in coordination with the Gay Games and features art vendors, food and musical entertainment.  Learn more .

Aug. 14: Links and Drinks
 In the spirit of Gay Games 9, Flair Fest will kick off with a nine-hole golf event at Mud Run Golf Course, followed by a cocktail reception. Learn more and register .

Aug. 15: Summit Pride Ride
 This year's Flair Fest will also feature the Summit Pride Ride, a 10K bike ride from Lock 3 to the Akron Zoo and back. Proceeds benefit CANAPI programs. Learn more and register .


Dec. 6: Sugar Plum Tour
Save the date for GCEF's annual Sugar Plum Tour , Akron's premier holiday home tour and GCEF's signature fundraiser.  Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Nov. 9. Sponsorships can be secured now. For sponsorship details, contact Steve Williams at 330-571-5810 or [email protected] .

 


 
TBD: Gay Games commemorative art unveiling

To commemorate Gay Games 9, GCEF is working with the City of Akron to commission a piece of art that will be displayed in front of the visitors bureau on Mill Street. The artwork will stand as a reminder to future generations of the important role Akron played in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Stay tuned for more details about the unveiling.



Help GCEF reach $1 million milestone

The Gay Community Endowment Fund is on the brink of celebrating one of the most significant milestones in our 14-year history:
$1 million in assets. At the end of the fiscal year on March 31, the fund's balance had reached an all-time high of $990,379.89. We need your help to reach that $1 million mark! With an endowment of $1 million, GCEF could grant $50,000 each year to LGBT programs in our community. You can help us reach that goal today.


Building a Better Future. That's Our Mission.

The Gay Community Endowment Fund is a permanent philanthropic endowment of Akron Community Foundation. To date, it has granted nearly $360,000 to nonprofits in the Greater Akron area that support or positively impact the LGBT community. The fund serves as a catalyst for the full participation of LGBT people in our society and promotes philanthropy within the LGBT and allied communities. Since 2001, the fund has grown to nearly $1 million. The earned income from this balance is distributed through annual grantmaking.

345 W. Cedar St - Akron, OH 44307 - 330.376.8522 - www.akroncf.org TRIAD Design 4 Good