The Gulfport Florida Pride festival surpassed all expectations this year, successfully raising $10,000 for two local nonprofits. The funds will be equally divided between the Sonia Plotnick Women’s Health Fund and the Gulfport Kiwanis Club.
The 4th annual festival, which drew a vibrant crowd to downtown Gulfport on June 1, celebrated diversity and promoted equality in a lively and inclusive atmosphere. The event featured live music, food trucks, a vendor marketplace, a marching band, and a parade.
This Year’s Beneficiaries:
Sonia Plotnick Women’s Health Fund (SPHF): Founded in 1996 and entirely volunteer-run, SPHF provides financial assistance for healthcare costs to women in Gulfport and surrounding communities. SPHF awards an average of nearly $700 to about 45 applicants annually, covering services including dental, mental health, reproductive healthcare, surgeries, vision care, mammograms, and more. “We couldn’t do it without the generosity of individuals, local businesses, and community events like Gulfport Pride,” said Carol Vitelli, the organization’s chairwoman.
Gulfport Kiwanis Club: Part of Kiwanis International, this global volunteer organization is dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. “We are humbled to be a beneficiary of the 2024 Gulfport Pride Festival donations,” said Diana Schwarz, club president. “The funds will support our Duffel Bags for Foster Children program. LGBTQ+ youth are over-represented in the foster care system, with studies showing that 30 percent of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+ compared to 11 percent outside the system.”
“We are thrilled to have raised significant funds for these two incredible nonprofits,” said Gulfport Councilman Paul Ray, one of the event partners. “Their dedication to improving lives in our community aligns perfectly with the spirit of Gulfport Pride, and we are honored to support their work.”
Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for next year’s Pride grants may fill out this form online: https://tinyurl.com/gulfportpridegrants The deadline to apply is Dec 1, 2024.
Pride festivals are vital because they provide a powerful platform for visibility, celebration, and advocacy. They unite us in our diversity, educate the broader community, and remind us that equality and acceptance are rights worth celebrating and fighting for.
Since its inception in 2021, Gulfport Florida Pride has proudly donated more than $25,000 to charitable organizations. The festival is organized by SIK Promotions, in collaboration with LocalShops1, Gulfport Councilman Paul Ray, and board member Wesley Ray.
Photo credit : Samantha Ponzillo Media.