Now in its fifth year, William Way LGBT Community Center’s Homecoming celebration has become a staple of Pride weekend.
The center’s second-largest annual fundraiser takes place 6-10 p.m. June 13 at the John C. Anderson Apartments, 251 S. 13th St. General admission tickets are $50, student/senior/sober tickets are $35 and homecoming-host tickets are $500. Cocktail hour begins at 6, with dinner and awards at 7, followed by a dance party.
This year’s event will focus on commemorating William Way’s 40-year anniversary.
“It’s all about celebrating our incredible history and all the great things the center has done over the years,” said William Way development director Ben Jones. “This Homecoming will launch a series of events we have planned for the summer.”
The highlight of the night is always the crowning of the Homecoming court. This year, William Way is honoring Joseph DeMarco, one of the organization’s original founders; former executive director Claire Baker, who oversaw the center’s move to its current location; and GALAEI founder and longtime center supporter David Acosta.
“We have a smaller court than usual this year,” said Jones, “but we wanted to recognize a few very-instrumental people in the community.”
Last year, 150 people attended the event, and Jones said the center is expecting 200 this year.
“This is our second-largest fundraiser after the Indigo Ball,” he explained. “And this year we already have a huge lead on our fundraising goal thanks to PECO, who has been a great partner.”
Jones added that, while the event has featured entertainment in the past, organizers have streamlined the schedule this year.
“As soon as the awards are over, it’s going to turn into a great dance party,” he said. “Of course, we will still have our silent auction too.”
To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.waygay.org.