The William Way LGBT Community Center will launch a new Pride tradition this weekend to bring the local LGBT community “home” to its center.
The center, 1315 Spruce St., will host “Homecoming 2011” from 8 p.m.-midnight June 11.
In previous years, the center hosted a fundraising “Building Bash” in June that focused on generating revenue for physical renovations of the center.
William Way development coordinator Paul Blore said the fundraiser had become somewhat “stale” over the years, and the board, led by member Eric Ashton, decide to rejuvenate it with a community-oriented event.
“This is part-fundraiser and part friend-raiser,” Blore said. “This is a way for us to celebrate William Way as the center of our community.”
The celebration will be modeled after a summertime barbeque, with burgers and hot dogs as well as vegetarian offerings, salads, beer, wine and cocktails.
Live entertainment includes gospel choir A Voice 4 All People, the Liberty City Kings and the ladies of Tabu’s Sinful Sundays, along with Rudy Flesher as emcee Notorious OMG.
A new archive exhibit of the center’s history will be on display and guests will be encouraged to explore the expansive building.
In keeping with the homecoming theme, the center will crown a king and queen.
Blore explained that the planning committee compiled a list of community leaders and individuals who have been active at the center to comprise the homecoming court and vie for the titles.
Blore said organizers elected to nominate the court itself this year, since it is the inaugural event, but in future years, organizers will likely accept nominations from the public.
Tickets range from $20-$75, the latter of which includes entrance to a VIP reception starting at 7 p.m.
For more information or tickets, visit www.waygay.org.
Jen Colletta can be reached at [email protected].