Things are looking up at the William Way LGBT Community Center, which held its annual meeting last week to discuss new initiatives and funding.
Elections were held for four positions on the board of directors, with all four nominees being awarded positions at the conclusion of the meeting. The new members are Deja Lynn Alvarez, Lauri Kavulich, Maryellen Madden and Meg Rider. Each candidate will hold a two-year term on the board.
William Way Development Director Shana McMahan announced the efforts of the center’s fundraising campaigns during the meeting. A few days after Thanksgiving, William Way participated once again in #GivingTuesday, a national effort for organizations to raise funds through social-media marketing. William Way raised $10,800 from 73 households, which included 26 first-time donors. Additionally, its 2016 end-of-the-year campaign raised $23,395 from 160 households, which included seven first-time donors.
The center also was awarded grants from several organizations last year, including DVLF, Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth, National Parks Service, the Public Health Management Corporation and the Independence Community Foundation. Several special events and fundraisers raised thousands of dollars for the center as well.
Fundraising efforts will continue for William Way in 2017 with dates pending for a Valentine’s Day pop-up shop, the Philadelphia Gay Comedy Festival and a Gay Pride Fun Run. Confirmed events are: the Philadelphia Burlesque Festival April 6-9; the Homecoming Brunch June 10; and the Indigo Ball Oct. 14.
Additionally, William Way will be a beneficiary of Whole Foods Market’s Nickels for Nonprofits. With this program, individuals utilizing a reusable bag while shopping at Whole Foods Market will have five cents deducted from their bill, which can be donated to the nonprofit of the shopper’s choice.
“This week, bring your bags and if you don’t have bags, we are making William Way bags so there’s no exception,” McMahan joked.
William Way Treasurer Anh Dang also shared the highlights of the first quarter in fiscal year 2017. Grant income is currently up by $83,877 and individual giving is up by $71,426. Meanwhile, events and fundraisers are up by $14,244 with the 2016 Indigo Ball netting almost $40,000 more than last year.
In addition to accomplishments by the center as a whole, Executive Director Chris Bartlett also celebrated the accomplishments of Laurie Ward, who held several leadership positions within the organization, including as interim executive director before Bartlett took over in 2010. After, she took positions on the board of directors and became a board co-chair in 2012. Bartlett presented Ward, who will be vacating her position on the board of directors, with a plaque.
“I can’t express my gratitude with the huge difference you made in your six years of tenure here,” Bartlett said to Ward. “Thank you so much.”
Overall, Bartlett said he is looking forward to continued development at the center.
“I think we’re at a very exciting point where we’re seeing an increase of income, an increase of programs and increase in participation from the community,” he said. “I anticipate that we’re going to have continued growth, new innovation and a lot of work on the building.”