For more than 10 years, Pinellas Youth Pride has quietly assisted LGBT students in the county with fundraisers and events. But to accomplish those goals, the group needs the help of the older, local LGBT community. That’s why the group was founded in 1998, as a way to provide administrative support to LGBT youth throughout Pinellas County.
On Friday, Aug. 10, Pinellas Youth Pride will host a cocktail party at the Florida Craftsmen Gallery from 5:30-8 p.m. to continue the tradition.
“We’re just asking people to come have a snack, some wine and enjoy a Friday happy hour of sorts and maybe drop a few dollars in the bucket to support LGBT kids in Pinellas County,” said organizer Lynn Mattiace, who is on the volunteer board of the organization. “There’s no fee to get in.”
Every high school within the Pinellas County School District has a Gay-Straight Alliance, Mattiace said, and when those clubs want to put on different events or activities, they look to Pinellas Youth Pride for financial help. Mattiace said the group wants to help as many of those local GSAs as possible.
“Each year we put on a picnic for the kids and that brings out about 350 kids,” Mattiace said. “At the end of the year we do a big dance and that brings out about the same number. We’ve been doing this for 10 years and more events and more kids are getting involved every year.”
Local entertainer Dawn Willey will be on hand throughout the cocktail party and Mattiace said the singer volunteered her time to the cause.
“There are really no sponsors,” Mattiace explained. “Our volunteers provide the wine, food and of course Craftsman Gallery is letting us use the space. But we are completely made up of volunteers and we know that the money will come.”
Mattiace added that it has been nearly two years since the group held a cocktail hour, and she’s looking forward to bringing the community at large back into the fold to support local LGBT youth.
“This is a great opportunity to get involved by doing something you’d want to do on a Friday evening anyway,” Mattiace said. “Plus it goes to a good cause, helping our local youth right here in the county.
For more information on the Pinellas Youth Pride, search for them on Facebook or contact Mattiace at 727-709-6270.
