June 29, 2022

Hello Beth,

I am happy to share some exciting news!

With your support, Venice Pride, Inc. continues to make progress. 

• Just a few weeks ago, we awarded three scholarships to High School seniors.
• For Pride month, we hosted our 3rd Car Parade and, for the 2nd year, was awarded a Proclamation for Venice Pride Day and the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month from the mayor's office.
• We have and will continue to advocate on important issues, including the "Say Gay" movement and "We Dissent" the recent Supreme Court ruling. 
• Equally as important, we continue to build meaningful partnerships in the community.

So what's next? I have more news on what we're doing and our plans for the future. I have assumed the role of President of Venice Pride, Inc. George Ward (Vice-President) and Beth Ryan (Treasurer) continue in their current roles. Nancy Wilson assumes the role of member-at-large involved in our advocacy activities.

We also have some new members.

• Join me in extending a warm welcome to Tracy Silver. She has joined our Board of Directors in the role of member-at-large. As many of you know, Tracy owns and operates the Venice Wine and Coffee Company in Downtown Venice and is also the President of Venice MainStreet.
• We also extend a warm welcome to Daniel Werner. Daniel is a Venice High School student who will be working very closely with the Board of Directors and team. 

We are excited as our team continues to evolve. I have come to think of Venice Pride, Inc. as being part of a larger network and movement that is making a difference.

We are proud to officially announce that our annual Festival will be held in Centennial Park in Downtown Venice, on Sat., Nov. 12. This is a historic moment for our community and allies. More details coming soon!

I am excited and committed to leveraging my history, connections, relationships, experience and passion to lead Venice Pride, Inc. into the future.

I am thankful for your support. Because of it, we have achieved so much together. Our Board and team is committed to giving back to our community, to fostering meaningful community partnerships, and to advocating on behalf of our community and allies. 

Don't miss our Pride Concert in the Park this Fri., Jul. 1 to close-out Pride month together and let's start spreading the word about moving the Festival to Downtown Venice. We are stronger together!

With Pride!

Kathy Hanas

(she/her/hers)

kathy.hanas@veniceflpride.com