Moving to downtown's Hart Plaza from downtown Ferndale has proved rewarding for
Motor City Pride, the largest LGBTQ celebration in the region. Pride chair Dave Wait says sponsorship has more than doubled, with over $55,000 raised for 2011's summer festival. What's more, Wait says several other deals are in the process of being finalized. Major sponsorship deals have been inked with a host of local and national businesses -- Comerica Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Merril Lynch/Bank of America, Deloitte & Touche, Raymond James, Three Olives Vodka, 7-11, The Necto, Metro Detroit Softball league, and Toledo digital agency Hansen Incorporated.
"Equality makes economic sense," says Wait. "With these businesses who want to sponsor us, they know that they have to have a vibrant workforce, and a diverse workforce."
For sponsors, aligning with Pride's bigger site and expanded hours of operation may prove lucrative. But Wait says it will also pay off for festival-goers. They're working with minority groups and young dancers to provide expanded entertainment options and more diversity throughout the weekend.
He says increased sponsorship revenues will be funneled into entertainment, though Pride won't reveal any names just yet.
"Last year's entertainment budget was about $12,000, this year's budget will be over $50,000," Wait says. " We're bringing in some names that people know from around the country, and mixing it in with a lot of local talent."
The two-day festival kicks off Saturday, June 4 at Hart Plaza.
"The most important thing is us coming together to make a statement," he says. "Sure, Pride is a fun day, it's a great party, but it's all different groups coming together and working together to have equality in the state of Michigan."
Find out more
here.
Source: Dave Wait, chair, Motor City Pride
Writer: Ashley C. Woods
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