District 8 resident supports Wiener
As a resident and businessperson in the Castro for over 40 years, I enthusiastically endorse Scott Wiener for re-election for supervisor in District 8. He has done an excellent job representing District 8.
Robbie Robinson
San Francisco
SF Pride prez says 'thanks'
This week marks one year since I was elected to the board of directors and as president of San Francisco Pride. It was clear last year that the community and membership wanted changes in how SF Pride was managed. I'm proud to say many people worked hard to make those changes happen, and to deliver a successful parade and celebration in June.
Evidence of this includes: the hiring of a very competent executive director in George Ridgely; a fair and transparent grand marshal selection process; diverse honorees who represented the most pressing local, national, and international issues in our LGBT community; correcting election procedures at the annual general meeting; a distinctive theme logo created by Via Media and new merchandise partnership with Hard Rock Cafe that generated $10,000 in net revenue; surpassing income goals for sponsors, exhibitor fees, parade entry fees, and grandstand ticket sales; expanding the board size to address diversity and skill set deficits; improving the annual media event with pro bono support from Wendy Norris Communications; an improved VIP party at City Hall; securing new, pro bono legal counsel from Sheppard Mullin; and launching the Society of Supporters donor club.
We reversed a three-year downward trend in gate donations and exceeded beverage sales projections, which allowed us to distribute $164,608 to 68 community partners in the past year.
We prudently secured a $50,000 bridge loan in March to address expected cash flow challenges. A $14,000 budget surplus was projected by September 30, but we closed our fiscal year with more than $190,000. Our IRS Form 990 and meeting minutes are now posted online in reasonable time, 2013 taxes have been filed, and our 2013 audit is in process.
Our budget exceeded $2 million for the first time in our 44-year history, and we are meeting new challenges of a 29 percent increase in office rent; new email server, phone and alarm systems; computer upgrades; and needed website improvements.
With the member-chosen theme, "Equality Without Exception," our 45th anniversary parade and celebration in 2015 will focus on the flawed use of religious exemptions to anti-discrimination laws and the Affordable Care Act that, in principle, should be applicable to all.
In the coming year, SF Pride stakeholders will embark on long-term strategic planning to address the changing nature of our event, maximizing our social mission, economic stability and diversifying revenue, proper governance, membership engagement, and more.
On behalf of the 2013-2014 board of directors and SF Pride team, I thank everyone who volunteered or partnered with us to deliver a socially relevant, safe and successful event. We invite your fresh ideas and enthusiasm as we prepare for a 45th anniversary that fulfills our mission to educate the world, commemorate our heritage, celebrate our culture, and liberate our people.
Gary Virginia, President
San Francisco Pride