The William Way LGBT Community Center | 1315 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | www.waygay.org | (215) 732-2220 | info@waygay.

org

DEC

2014

GLORIA CASAREZ 1971-2014

THIS ISSUE
1 Gloria Casarez

1971-2014

2 Greetings from the

Executive Director

3 Decemeber Calendar
4 December At A Glance
6 John J. Wilcox Archives
Welcomes New Staff

6 Around the Center

6 This Month in
LGBT History

7 Please Support
the Center as 2014
Comes to a Close

7 Indigo Ball 2014

Packs PAFA

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By Chris Bartlett

Ive had a really tough month since the loss of my

dear friend and colleague Gloria Casarez, who
died after a five year fight against breast cancer
on October 19 th. I miss her in so many ways. I
miss seeing her heart-warming smile at an event,
noticing her inspiring comments on Facebook,
or seeing her in action by the Mayors side or at
a committee meeting. Her loss is visible to me
every day.
Gloria was a unique and irreplaceable leader
who, over decades, used her wisdom and great
strength not only to impact the LGBT community
but also our city and region as a whole. She had
the ear of the Mayor not only for LGBT issues, but
also for the many other issues she was concerned
about: homelessness, senior care, economic
justice, police accountability, and transgender
equality, among many others.
She was an incredible advocate for our community
center and our community. Her dedication to
her fellow leaders was truly legendary: she
would show up in so many ways to support her
colleagues, whether at a vogue ball, a press
conference, or a hospital bed. She also knew
how to give visibility to the issues or leaders who
needed visibility the mostand she advocated
to make sure that youth, women, people of color,
trans people and seniors shared the podium at the
events she coordinated.
Gloria was one of those rare LGBT leaders who
knew that we could only meet the needs of our
LGBT communities if we tended to the broader
issues facing Philadelphians: the need for jobs,
the need for improved schools, the need for
expanded HIV and other health care services,
and the need to address the poverty that faces so

many of our citizens. Gloria knew so many people

in city government that she could address these
issues department by department by developing
a coalition of city workers, community advocates,
and LGBT leaders to address the most pressing
needs of the City.
Gloria also was directly supportive of the
leadership and vision of the Board of the William
Way. She recommended William Way Directors
Amber Hikes in 2011 and her own wonderful
wife Tricia Dressel in 2012. Both have continued
to serve energetically on the board and I am so
grateful that Gloria made those recommendations.
Gloria also recently had a conversation with me
to say that she was interested in building the
collections of the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives to
include more archival information from women,
people of color, and transpeople. We have begun
a conversation at the Center to fulfill upon her
vision for the archives.
Its part of the job of a community center and a
community to rally round when we lose one of our
own. We at William Way pledge to Tricia Dressel
and Glorias dear friends that we will be here to
support you as we all continue to mourn and
grieve.
At Glorias viewing, I spoke with her mother. She
asked me to make sure that Glorias name and
achievements were never forgotten. I said to her
Mom that I felt it would be impossible for Gloria or
her work to be forgottenshe invested so much in
so many individuals and institutions who will carry
forth her broad vision. But I made the promise
to her Mom.and Ill keep it that we will never
forget Gloria or forget her vision.

GREETINGS FROM THE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Normally, I get a slight breather before
we head into end-of-year fundraising,
but this year I am taking on a unique
challenge. Im writing a novel during
November as a part of National Novel
Writing Month. The goal is to finish a
50,000 word novel by November 30th.
So far Im on track to finish on time.
The story addresses six generations of
a familys historyand includes tales
of the expulsion of the Acadians from
Nova Scotia, a dangerous fire in Maine
in 1935, and the impact of the AIDS
epidemic on a young gay man in the
1980s. Its been a wonderful chance to
get my writing chops back into action.
Stay tuned next month to hear about the
finished product!
This week, I met with key organizers
of the planning group for the major
LGBT history exhibit to take place at
the National Constitution Center
(NCC) and all over Independence Mall
in Summer, 2015. Were thrilled to have
Mary Catherine Roper of the ACLU
of Pennsylvania and Tobias Wolff
of the University of Pennsylvania
Law School join the team to help us
think through the constitutional themes
involved in 20th Century LGBT history.
Since the NCC has a focus on the US
Constitution, well be looking at two key
themes in the exhibit: 1) the way that
LGBT issues play out constitutionally in
Supreme Court cases and 2) the impact
of the peoples voice and activism on
those decisions. This will be the first
LGBT history exhibit to take place at the
NCC.
2

Thanks to all of you who joined us for

Indigo Ball 2014 which was a lovely
night of music, conversation, community
celebration , and our awards to many
deserving leaders. We started the night
with a short film and moment of silence
to honor Gloria Casarez, whose recent
death weighed heavily on all of us. We
also showed a short film by videographer
Peter Lien about the new William
Penn Foundation grant to the Center
for the Wilcox Archives, and how this
grant will allow us to expand the archival
space and grow its staff. By the time we
reached the end of the evening there was
a large crowd on the dance floor and
I was reminded that dancing together
is one of the greatest expressions of
community. The event was sold-out and
raised crucial funds for supporting our
mission. Thanks again to all of you who
joined us for a magical night!
The day after Indigo Ball, Out
Philadelphia Athletic League
(OPAL), the Centers new program
addressing LGBT sports, held a picnic
and awards ceremony at FDR Park in
South Philadelphia, Over 100 members
of LGBT Philadelphia sports leagues
showed up to enjoy the beautiful day.
OPAL also honored Bob Szwajkos for
his dedication to sports organizing over
many years.
On October 23rd, I was honored to
participate on a panel at the Rise
Conference, a citywide conference
addressing entrepreneurship and
innovation in the business and non-profit
worlds at the American Museum of

Jewish History. I talked about how the

William Way is using technology and
new strategies to build community and
encourage neighborhood development.
The talk built upon themes that I
explored in my March, 2014 TEDxPhilly
talk entitled How to Make the
Neighborhood You Want. You can
check out that talk on-line at
http://tinyurl.com/koh6o2t.
November is always a time I turn my
thoughts to Thanksgiving, and I want to
express my appreciation to Tom Wilson
Weinberg and John Whyte, for their
dedicated support and leadership;
to Tricia Dressel for her dedication
to community even during her time
of grief; to my fellow LGBT and HIV
organizational Executive Directors
for being wonderful and generous
colleagues; and to all of you readers
for the numerous ways you support the
William Way and me in pursuing our
mission. Thank you!
Finally, please mark your calendars
for the Centers Annual Meeting and
Cornerstone Brunch on Saturday,
January 10th at 11:00AM in the
Ballroom. I hope to see you there!
With appreciation,

Chris Bartlett
Executive Director

DECEMBER CALENDAR

STA FF

Avis Albaladejo
Facilities Coordinator
Chris Bartlett
Executive Director
Eric Bunting
Facilities Assistant
Jim Crouch
Maintenance Technician
Ed Miller
Senior Programs Coordinator
Jerry Troy
Bookkeeper
Ezra Nepon
Interim Development
Coordinator
Michael Pomante
Development Director
Steve Serafin
Peer Counseling Coordinator
Marshall Siegel
Front Desk Coordinator
Candice Thompson
Director of Center Services

BOA R D OF
DIR ECTORS
OFFICERS
Jeff Sotland, Esq.
Co-Chair
Laurie Ward
Co-Chair
Steve Brando
Secretary
Kim Keegan
Treasurer

BOA R D
MEMB ERS
Jocelyn Block
Anh Dang
Tricia Dressel
Chris Durr
Rudy Flesher
Amber Hikes
Adam Hymans
Mandeep Jangi
Robert Lenahan
Paul Steinke
Leona Thomas

The William Way LGBT Community Center is a not-for-progit, 501(c)3 organization

serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communites of Greater Philadelphia.
* Indicates a new program

DECEMBER AT A GLANCE
ONGOING
AIDS Memorial Quilt Display
Monday, December 1 - Sunday, December 7
(times vary, see below)
The Center will partner with AIDS Fund
Philadelphia to display five panels from the
AIDS Memorial Quilt in the Centers Mark Segal
Ballroom, included Bill Ways panel. About the
quilt: In June of 1987, a small group of strangers
gathered in a San Francisco storefront to
document the lives they feared history would
neglect. Their goal was to create a memorial
for those who had died of AIDS, and to thereby
help people understand the devastating impact
of the disease. This meeting of devoted friends
and lovers served as the foundation of the
NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. Today the
Quilt is a powerful visual reminder of the AIDS
pandemic. More than 48,000 individual 3-by-6foot memorial panels most commemorating
the life of someone who has died of AIDS have
been sewn together by friends, lovers and family
members. (M: 11am-9pm, T: 12-5pm, W-F: 11am9pm, Sat-Sun, 12-5pm)
Art Gallery: Trans|Post with special solo
exhibitions by Annie Mok and Ketch Wehr
On view in the gallery: November 14 December 26, 2014
Join the Art Gallery Committee for a dynamic
show exhibiting works from the Trans*/Gender
Non-Conforming/Gender Queer community.
Through Trans|Post individuals were invited to
put their hearts, minds, and visions to paper for
display in the Centers annual postcard exhibition.
This wonderful collection will be displayed
alongside two phenomenal artists, Annie Mok and
Ketch Wehr who will display a small collection
of their current works. Mok studied at the
Minneapolis College of Art and Design and lives
in West Philadelphia. The Leeway Foundation
awarded her a 2013 Art and Change Grant. She
makes comics both solo, and collaboratively with
artists such as Emily Carroll and Dawson Walker.
Her client list includes Seven Stories Press,
DC/Vertigo, and the Red Umbrella Project, and
American Illustration selected her work for its

Archive in 2012 and 2013.

Wehr will exhibit works from his series Split +
Growing which is a new, highly personal exhibit of
work from this transfeminist painter and illustrator.
Primarily illustrative gouache paintings, Wehrs
show explores his personal understanding of
his gender and queerness from an early age
through the lens of synesthesia. Synesthesia is
a condition which, in his case, lends colors and
flavors to all letters and words that he perceives.
John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archive presents
Private Lives in Public Spaces: Bringing
Philadelphias LGBT History Out in the Open
December 1, 2014 February 28, 2015
The Wilcox exhibition gallery at the Center is
pleased to welcome home an exhibition created
in partnership with the Philadelphia History
Museum through their community voices
program. For those who were not able to see
it while it was installed at the museum, this is
another chance to view the history panels and
original materials included in the show including
items from the Caulfield and Suarez special
collection detailing two mens journey across
the world together, a community photo wall with
snapshots of community activists from the 60s,
70s, and 80s, and many other items rarely seen
by the public from the Centers archival stacks!
The Wilcox gallery is free and open to the public
during the Centers operating hours.

01 DECEMBER
HIV and Hepatitis C Testing (free and
confidential)
Monday, December 1, 15, 3-6 pm
The William Way Community Center is partnering
with BEBASHI, founded in 1985 in response
to the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS in the
African American communities in Philadelphia,
to provide free and confidential rapid HIV testing
and Hepatitis C testing. Trained counselors will
be on-site to provide testing and education. Dropins only.

02 DECEMBER
SAGEWorks Introduction
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6:30 pm and Thursday, Dec.
18, 12 pm (separate individual sessions)
SageWorks is an employment assistance
program for LGBT adults (40+) that provides
access to online worksearch sites, job coaching,
resume building, career workshops and free
computer training courses. This introduction will
provide you with information about the program
and how you can become involved. Registration
required. Take the first step and Register at http://
sage.business-access.com/sage. Once you
register online please call the Center to attend
one of our introduction sessions. For more
information or to RSVP please contact Ed Miller at
215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay.org

03 DECEMBER
Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, December 3, 7:30 pm
Volunteer Orientation is a monthly information
session for new volunteers to learn about the
Center and the various ways to get involved. Call
(215) 732-2220 to register.

05 DECEMBER
Loft 23 presents The Exchange Loft
Friday, December 5, 19, 6-8 pm (1st and 3rd
Fridays)
This month, join us for casual conversation and
mingling at the Center. Loft23 is an inclusive
social/support group where LGBTQ individuals
between the ages of 21 and 29 can have
engaging and constructive experiences that lead
to self-improvement and the development of
positive connections within the community. FREE.

12 DECEMBER
Loft23 presents The Game Loft
Friday, December 12, 6-8 pm
(2nd and 4th Fridays) (no game group on
Dec. 26 due to the holiday weekend)
The game loft is a space geared towards gamers

R ECUR RING PROG R A MS

Bridge Club
Mondays, 2 pm
Party bridge for the experienced player.
Reservations required. Please call the Center
at 215-732-2220.
Chess Club (Free)
Sundays, 2 - 4 pm
This is an inclusive group seeking players
of all skill levels interested in socializing and
working on their game.Absolutely free, and
youre guaranteed to hone up on those skills
you havent used in awhile or to learn new
ones!

Mah-Jongg
Thursdays, 12 pm & 7:30 pm
For experienced and new players. Mah-jongg
is a game of skill, strategy, calculation, and
luck for four players. Reservations required
call 215-732-2220.
LGBT Age 50+ Rap Session
Thursdays, 1 - 2 pm
This is a unique forum where people can
discuss their feelings and experiences related
to being LGBT and age 50 + in a casual,
open and non-judgmental environment. This
new outlet has been created by and for older
adults. Stop in to share whats on your mind
and to just listen to what others have to say.

Library(Free)
Mon - Fri 12 - 9 pm
Sat 3 - 5 pm,
Sun 12 - 5 pm.

David Bohnett Cyber Center

Free WiFi in our lobby!
$1 per 15 minutes for WWCC computer use.

Mornings OUT Senior Social (Free)

Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
A social/educational group for older men with
occasional outings, speakers and events.
Light refreshments served.

(21-29 years old) within the community and is an

opportunity to meet new people, play games, and
socialize outside of the bar/club scene. There will
be board games, a Wii console and PS3 provided
within the group space. So come out, join the
group and have fun!!!!!! FREE.

16 DECEMBER
PhilaVentures:South Philly Holiday Lights
Walk
Tuesday, December 16, 6:30 pm
What a spectacle arises every year in December
in South Philly that many of us never see.
Although people in many places decorate their
homes for the holidays, there arent many places
where these decorations are as concentrated as
in certain areas of South Philly. Join us for the
third annual walking tour of an area with some of
the most extraordinary decorations that together
create a veritable winter wonderland. The tour will
take a winding route of a little bit over a mile. Well
meet in front of Potitos traditional Italian bakery,
1614 W. Ritner Street, where participants can grab
a treat before the walk. For further information
or to RSVP, contact Hal at tarrhal@yahoo.
com before 5 on Dec. 16 or at 215-772-0455 or
Pearlette at pearlettetoussant@gmail.com Event
will be canceled in the case of severe weather.
Volunteer Velada & Dinner
Tuesday, December 16, 7 pm
(Every 3rd Tuesday of the month)
Help us fold and assemble our monthly mailing.
Its a big job and we need your help!

17 DECEMBER
Womens Wednesdays: Holiday Gift
Exchange and Party
Wednesday, December 17, 5:30 pm
Join us for our traditional holiday party & gift
exchange. Well listen to holiday music, share
a meal and have fun exchanging gifts. Bring a
Wrapped Gift under $5.00 or even something new
from around the house. We pick numbers from a
hat #1 gets to pick first, # 2 gets to pick second
and so on. Then we let the unwrapping fun begin.
Wrapping can be deceiving so choose wisely.
Womens Wednesdays is a social and cultural
program for women 50 and over.

Peer Counseling
Mon - Fri, 6 pm - 9 pm
One-to-one confidential counseling. We
help with issues such as coming out, sexual
identity and expression, relationships, family
issues, isolation, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS,
legal issues, health and safety concerns. This
is a free and confidential service. 215-732TALK (8255).

18 DECEMBER
SAGEWorks Introduction
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6:30 pm and Thursday, Dec.
18, 12 pm (separate individual sessions)
SageWorks is an employment assistance
program for LGBT adults (40+) that provides
access to online worksearch sites, job coaching,
resume building, career workshops and free
computer training courses. This introduction will
provide you with information about the program
and how you can become involved. Registration
required. Take the first step and Register at http://
sage.business-access.com/sage. Once you
register online please call the Center to attend
one of our introduction sessions. For more
information or to RSVP please contact Ed Miller at
215-732-2220 or emiller@waygay.org

20 DECEMBER
A Penny for Your Thoughts
Saturday, December 20, 2-5 pm
This guided discussion on all issues which impact
lesbian, bisexual and questioning women will
provide an opportunity to address a variety of
topics including but not limited to sexuality, role
playing, politics, relationships, etc No subject
is off limits! Each question will be written on a 3
by 5 index card, folded in half. The cards are then
picked randomly by the facilitator, Yvette Lassiter,
MSW, and read to the group at large. FREE.
RSVP is required to info@waygay.org or 215-7322220 as space is limited.
Queer Writers Collective
Saturday, December 20, 3-5 pm
(Every 4th Saturday of the month, except in
December)
Join this free group for monthly workshops and
discussions to develop your unique queer voice
via the written word at the Center. Contact
Candice for information at (215) 732-2220 or
info@waygay.org. Free.

24 DECEMBER

(151 N. 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106)

Whether you are looking for a spiritual home
or are interested in experiencing spiritual
traditions and rituals other than your own, this
is a great way to tap into the local LGBTQ OUT
and faithful community! Each month we visit a
different congregation, this month we visit Old
First Reformed UCC. We will join them for their
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It will be a
traditional service of lessons and carols, and
prayers. Old Firsts choir will help lead worship,
and there will be brass and string instruments.
The service in the Sanctuary will end when the
lights are dimmed and the Christ candle is lit, the
Prologue from the Gospel of John read, and the
Christ-light spreads as everyone holds a lighted
candles as we sing Silent Night. Old First UCC
is an open and affirming church since 1995.
Please RSVP to Candice at cthompson@waygay.
org if you intend to join us.

25 DECEMBER
Holiday Potluck
Thursday, December 25, 3 - 5 pm
Join us for our annual Holiday Potluck Dinner.
Get to know some new people and enjoy some
great food. The cost of admission is simply
bringing part of the meal to share with everyone.
Something-for-everyone is the flavor choice, be
it a turkey, dessert, vegan, or vegetarian dish.
Please RSVP to 215-732-2220 and indicate what
item you plan to bring to the potluck.
Silver Foxes
Thursday, December 25, 3-5 pm
(Every 4th Sunday of the month, except in
December)
For LGBT 50+ folks. A monthly social
and discussion group at the Center. Light
refreshments will be served and feel welcome to
bring other food. This month the Silver Foxes are
specially invited to the Centers holiday dinner
on December 26th in leu of their regular monthly
meeting.

Out and Faithful Presents Congregation

Crawl: Old First Reformed United Church of
Christ
Wednesday, December 24, 8 pm

PhilaVentures: Wissahickon Hike

Last Sun of the Month, 2 pm
An opportunity for walking at a moderate pace
with a talkative group of LGBT folks who like
fresh air and exercise! Some ups and downs
and uneven paths are found along the way, so
wear proper footwear and be ready to hike!
This groups meets at 2:00 PM at Cosimos
Pizza, 8624 Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem
Pike.

Rainbow Buddhist Meditation

Sundays, 4-5 pm
This free group is for both practicing
Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism
and includes both a discussion and
meditation.

Tai Chi Classes (Free)

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm
Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese system of
mind-body-spirit health, based on the wisdom
of the Tao and the I Ching. You will learn the
gentle movements and deep breathing of the
Yang Style 37 Postures Form. Tai Chi can
have many health benefits including: lowering
blood pressure; reducing leg, neck and back
pain, etc. All ages and all fitness levels are
welcome!

TransWay (Free)
Thursdays, 7-9 pm
A weekly social group for the transgender and
gender nonconforming community.

JOHN J. WILCOX ARCHIVES

WELCOMES NEW STAFF

THIS MONTH IN LGBT HISTORY

The Centers LGBT archives has dedicated staff managing and

tending to the collections for the first time since its creation. In
November, the Center welcomed longtime volunteer Bob Skiba as
the new curator of the archives and John Anderies as the project
archivist. In their positions, Skiba and Anderies will help to oversee
and implement the plan to stabilize and enhance the collection in
matters covering everything from policy creation, conservation,
collections management, cataloguing, processing, and more!
Skiba has volunteered in the archives for over 5 years and has been
a true leader in stewarding the collection during that time. More
than almost anyone, Skiba knows the collection well and how it
is organized and will be a huge asset as we embark on a three
year grant-funded project to greatly enhance the collections and
their care. Skiba is the president of the Tour Guides Association
of Philadelphia and has lectured widely on various historical
topics including the local LGBT community. His popular blog, The
Gayborhood Guru, documents the communitys rich history through
the places and people that built the neighborhood lovingly referred
to as The Gayborhood. As curator, he will continue to bring visibility
to the collections and be integral in helping to develop its vision for
the future.
Anderies comes to the Center with 10+ years experience in the
archives field. He has worked in both community and academic
settings processing large collections, creating policies and
procedures, developing public exhibitions in institutions as well
as online, and has secured grants for digitization efforts. With his
broad skill set and passion for the American LGBT experience,
Anderies will work with Skiba and the archives team to transform the
collections for years to come and were so thrilled to welcome him to
the Center.
Skiba and Anderies will build upon the years of dedicated
volunteerism given by so many to keep the collection well organized
and publicly accessible. Weve heard time and again from funders,
researchers, and individuals using the space just how fortunate we
are to have community members willing to step up and lend us their
time and talent to maintain the collections and now its time to honor
their work by taking it to the next level. The Center looks forward to
introducing you to its new archives team and plan for the next three
years in the coming months, stay tuned!

AROUND THE CENTER

RUSEL SILKEY: BUILDING AN ARCHIVES

Rusel J. Silkey, pictured here in 1978 at Philadelphias first Gay
Community Center at 326 Kater St., was one of the early leaders
of the LGBT Library and Archives. Silkey trained volunteers,
catalogued books and organized the archival collections from the
founding of the Community Center in 1976 until his death of a stroke
in 1992 at the age of 47. His own extensive collection of LGBT
material forms one of the bases of the current John J. Wilcox Jr.
Archives.
Silkey was an active member of the Citys LGBT community. He
served as an editor of the Philadelphia Gayzette, bowled with
the Gay Bowling League and volunteered on the AIDS donation
committee. He worked for many years in the rare books department
of the Free Library, where he developed a deep appreciation for
archival materials. Colleague Connie King said of him He was
very sensitive to everybody. He treated everyone at every level with
extraordinary respect. He was such a decent guy that people would
come to talk to him about their situations. He gave a lot of personal
timeHe was a strong feminist, and I knew I had an ally in him.
King remarked that Silkey gave terrific tours of the department,
detailing the history of books and printing to thousands of school
children.
Today, Widener University offers the Rusel Silkey Prize to the
outstanding student majoring in the humanities or social sciences
who contributes to an understanding of minority or womens issues.
The LGBT community owes a great debt to Silkey and other early
stewards of its history. They are the unsung heroes who understood
the importance of preserving the past to better understand the
present and to confidently plan for the future.

Recent MorningsOut trips to brunch at Green Eggs, and a Tour

and History of the Reading Terminal Market with Paul Steinke,
General Manager.
6

- Bob Skiba, John J. Wilcox Jr. LGBT Archives

PLEASE SUPPORT THE CENTER AS 2014 COMES TO A CLOSE

Every year, over 60,000 LGBTQ individuals and allies seek out the William Way LGBT Community Center to access vital support services
and programs that meet their most pressing needs. From Connecting Generations, a friendly visitor program for isolated and
homebound seniors to Loft23, a social support group for youth and young adults, the Center provides connections, community,
and compassion.
The Center is open 365 days a yearduring the holidays when so many facilities are closed, and when our friends without families and
those who have been abandoned by their families feel most alonemost isolatedmost at risk for depression and suicide. Were open on
the coldest days of the year when a warm and friendly safe space is so hard to find. The Center is open. The Center is welcoming. The Center
is home.
Now more than ever, the Center, through its partnership with the John C. Anderson Residences, is committed to serving and advocating
for LGBTQ seniors in the region, who include the people who created gay liberation and pioneered the modern gay and lesbian civil rights
movement. We as a community continue to benefit from the courageous actions of the men and women who paved the way for
our liberties and equality so many decades ago. Now, its time for us take care of them.
Please also support us as we enhance and expand our thriving arts and culture programming. In 2008, the Rockefeller Foundation funded
a comprehensive studyArts, Culture, and the Social Health of the Nationthat examined the impact of arts programming on the wellbeing
of participants. The study proved that attending art events helps people think more imaginatively, provides access to new social networks,
and allows people a distraction from their daily stressors. The study also pointed out that cost is the number one barrier to participation.
We believe that everyone should have access to quality arts programming, which is why we host 10 free art and archival
exhibitions each year as well as dozens of free or low cost performances that nourish the minds and spirits of those in our
community.
I think theres one thing everyone in our community and everyone in our beautiful city can agree uponthat the most effective
change and strongest impact occurs when we work together. So, to all of you who love the Center, everyone who needs the Center,
and everyone who believes in our promise to support our citys LGBTQ friends and allies, please be as generous as you can this year.
As we approach the end of 2014, please dig deep into your pockets when you send in your donation in the enclosed reply enveloped.
Ensure the Centers doors always stay open for those who need us most. Thank you!

INDIGO BALL 2014 PACKS PAFA

Sincerest gratitude to everyone who came out for Indigo Ball 2014 on October 25th at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The annual
fundraising gala raised $115,000 to support the Centers more than 70 monthly programs and support services. Congratulations to our
honorees and many, many thanks to our generous sponsors and table captains. Keep your eyes peeled for information about Indigo Ball
2015, a celebration of the 40 th Anniversary of the Center, to take place at the National Constitution Center.

Guests are all smiles at Indigo Ball 2014. Photo Credit: Ashlee
Kulp and Sammy Munsch

Dr. Carrie Jacobs, ED of the Attic Youth Center, Community

Partner of the Year, and Reggie Shuford, Humanitarian of the
Year. Photo Credit: Ashlee Kulp and Sammy Munsch

Attendees get down and boogie at Indigo Ball 2014. Photo

Credit: Ashlee Kulp and Sammy Munsch

Center ED, Chris Bartlett, asks guests to participate in a

moment of silence to honor the late, great Gloria Casarez.
Photo Credit: Ashlee Kulp and Sammy Munsch

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

TAB

TAB

The Gay Community Center of Philadelphia

1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PHILADELPHIA, PA
PERMIT NO. 5411

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