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  • LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland announces search for Executive Director

    2012 - 01.25

    LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland

    source: email eNewsletter Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 9:16 PM

    The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland is seeking a fundraising-oriented, highly motivated individual to serve as Executive Director.

    The successful candidate will be responsible for generating and developing new sources of revenue through a myriad of community channels and representing the organization to the community with an end goal of advancing the mission of the Center.

    A master’s degree or equivalent is required and the applicant shall have held a senior level position in a similar non-profit or related field. A doctorate or J.D. is strongly preferred.

    The search for this position will be handled by an independent agent. To express interest in the position, all interested parties should submit a cover letter that describes your specific skills, knowledge and abilities that qualify you along with your resume and salary requirements to edsearchlgbtcle@gmail.com

    No phone calls or faxes will be accepted.  All information, inquiries and questions must be directed to the recruiter via the email address noted above. The Center would ask applicants to refrain from making any inquires to the staff or board of the Center regarding this search.

    Please visit the website at http://lgbtcleveland.org/executive-director-position.html for full position details or see information below.


    INFORMATION

    Job Title:        Executive Director
    Reports to:     Board of Directors
    FLSA Type:    Salary; Exempt; Full-Time

    Position Information
    The Executive Director (ED) is primarily responsible for fundraising through grants, donations, sponsorships and special events sufficient to support the programs and staff of the Center.  The ED is also responsible for fiscal management, public representation of the Center, developing and nurturing strong positive relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, articulation of a long-term vision for the Center and with the Board developing appropriate strategies for the Center in view of its funding.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

    1.    Fundraising

    1. Develop revenue generating and fundraising activities to support programs and staff while simultaneously retiring existing debt through grants, donations, sponsorships, and special events as well as other appropriate methods.
    2. Generate and develop new sources of revenue as appropriate and necessary to support programs, staff and strategic plans.
    3. Identify sources of funding; write grant proposals; develop positive and productive relationships with funding officers.
    4. Solicit donations in person and by telephone; maintain positive relationships with individual donors and groups of donors.
    5. Develop corporate and individual sponsors and solicit funding from them.
    6. Plan and implement special events to raise funds for the Center.
    7. Nurture and maintain positive relationships with hosts, board members and volunteers who provide resources, including financial resources, for special events.
    8. Develop and implement alternative strategies for the Center in collaboration with the Board if funding sources are not forthcoming in an amount to support the services, programs and staff of the Center.

    2.    Fiscal Management

    1. With the Associate Director, oversee, monitor and make recommendations regarding the Center’s finances and budget.
    2. Work closely with the Treasurer and the Associate Director to apprise the Board of variances from the operating budget.
    3. Predict with some level of accuracy projected income from sources such as grant proposals, donations, sponsorships and special events.
    4. Keep apprised of changes in federal or state policy that could open funding opportunities for the Center.

    3.    Community/Public Relations

    1. Cultivate and manage positive relationships with key Center stakeholders, current and potential, including other LGBT-related organizations, for the benefit of the Center’s success.
    2. Maintain the credibility, reputation, and good standing of the Center.
    3. Articulate a vision for the Center that reflects its current mission and strategic plan as well as its long-term opportunities.
    4. Ensure that the Center and LGBT community have a voice in initiatives proposed by governmental agencies, business leaders and other appropriate community organizations.
    5. Establish and grow strong partnerships with board members, clients, donors, politicians, corporations, foundations and community organizations.
    6. Represent the Center in public appearances and build strong relationships with individuals from the media.

    4.    Strategic Planning and Collaboration

    • Articulate a vision for the Center that reflects its current mission and strategic plan.
    • Provide leadership and work with the Board on achieving the short and long-term goals for the Center as reflected in its strategic plan.
    • Participate with the Board in the development of further strategic and organizational goals.
    • Cultivate key relationships on behalf of the Center through outreach and collaboration throughout the community and the Northeast Ohio area.

    Job Qualifications
    Required

    1. Master’s Degree or the equivalent.
    2. Successful nonprofit experience in raising money, grant-writing, direct fundraising (asking for donations), special events and developing sponsorships.
    3. Demonstrated ability to understand, manage and balance budgets.
    4. Successful experience in oral and written skills including communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and building harmony with a board, staff, volunteers, donors and related constituencies.
    5. Successful senior level nonprofit management experience (or the equivalent) including familiarity with the role of a nonprofit board.
    6. History with and commitment to the LGBT community; sensitivity to the diverse constituents in the LGBT community; and thorough knowledge of and commitment to LGBT issues.
    7. Strong project planning, management and technology skills.
    8. Successful experience in policy advocacy, capacity building, and community organizing.
    9. Familiarity with local, state, regional, and national LGBT entities and leaders.
    10. Personal characteristics: Enthusiastic, dedicated, collaborative, inspirational, reliable, resilient, and strong.

    Preferred

    1. Doctorate or J.D.
    2. Successful experience as the Executive Director of a small- to medium-sized non-profit.
    3. Successful experience with foundation, corporate, government, individual, and special events fundraising.
    4. Facility management experience.
    5. Capital improvement and project management experience.

    AIDS Resource Center Ohio is calling on community support “Your Input Needed on Changes to Ohio HIV/AIDS services.”

    2012 - 01.21
    AIDS Resource Center Ohio

    AIDS Resource Center Ohio

    source: www.archohio.org

    Your Input Needed on Changes to Ohio HIV/AIDS services.

    Public Input Sought on New Ohio Department of Health Guidelines.

    We are seeking your input regarding an administrative change that would impact accessibility to medications for HIV-positive Ohioans.

    Through January 23, 2012 the HIV Care Services Program at the Ohio Department of Health is seeking comment regarding proposed Rule 3701-44-03 http://www.odh.ohio.gov/rules/drafts/d3701-44.aspx that allows for greater flexibility in managing the Ryan White Part B Ohio HIV/AIDS Drug Assistance Program (OHDAP).

    Of course, we are always advocating for sufficient funding to meet the needs of HIV-positive persons so that a waiting list will never be needed in Ohio again. The change would allow the use of medical criteria to triage the sickest and most medically vulnerable (based on CD4 counts and AIDS-defining illnesses) on a waiting list, should such a list become necessary again (no one is currently on a waiting list). These individuals would be prioritized to receive life-saving medications.

    As part of this process, ODH is asking for your input!

    AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) and the Ohio AIDS Coalition (OAC) support the proposed change for these reasons:

    Those already in the OHDAP program WILL NOT be removed from the program.
    It is medically-sound. A recent study by the National Institutes of Health shows that lives can truly be saved by utilizing medical criteria to prioritize patients.
    The proposed medical criteria were developed by the Ohio Ryan White Part B Advisory Board, including leading HIV clinicians, specialists and service providers from across the state. The criteria are also based on the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Treatment Guidelines for HIV.

    The period of public comment through January 23, 2012 provides you with a unique and limited opportunity to make a difference by letting your voice be heard.

    ARC Ohio and OAC believe strongly in supporting the doctors and clinicians who are experts on HIV/AIDS, and we are therefore in support of Rule 3701-44-03, which gives greater freedom to prioritize incoming program participants according to medical criteria.

    In order to comply with the Ohio Department of Health submission criteria you’ll need to email them directly at hcs@odh.ohio.gov (Put “RULE CHANGE” in the subject line). Because this concerns the way your tax dollars are spent inside the State of Ohio when contacting them please make sure to include your name and the city in Ohio in which you reside. Emails do not need to be lengthy, consider simply stating “I agree with the proposed new rule that will give ODH greater freedom in administering Ohio’s Ryan White Part B funding” or, alternately, “I have the following concerns…” will be sufficient for this part of the public comment process, along with any personal comments you may have.

    If you have questions, please contact the Ohio AIDS Coalition (A program of ARC Ohio) for more information at 1-800-226-5554 or via their Web site at www.ohioaidscoalition.org.

    Spread the word for the Ohio Street Protest For Gay Marriage/ Full Equality, on 3/24/2012, Cleveland Ohio

    2012 - 01.21

    source: http://www.facebook.com/events/297446103621236/

    With two successful protest behind us here comes the NEXT!
    Our 1st protest was on 11/5 having 417 protesters in Cincinnati,OH , and or next was on 12/3 having 341 protesters in Columbus,OH! We are trying to keep the pressuring OHIO to hear our voice for EQUAL MARRIAGE/FULL EQUALITY! We have to keep the movement going.

    Massive Marriage Ceremony also taking place after the protest at the free stamp in Cleveland, OH! Starts at 1:30 right after our protest! So far over 81 couples registered. For more information go to our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/282409811807382/

    Organizations:
    NKU Equality Now!: http://www.facebook.com/NKYEqualityNow
    GetEQUAL OH: https://www.facebook.com/GetEQUALOH
    Equality Ohio: https://www.facebook.com/equalityohio
    Reformed Catholic Church: http://tinyurl.com/ReformedCC
    Equality Beyond Gender: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equality-Beyond-Gender/200224506684544
    St.Patrick Church: www.stpatrick4u.com
    dontsayh8.com: http://dontsayh8.com/
    Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders:http://www.glad.org/

    Businesses
    KalliCakes: http://kallicakesandconfections.com/
    Fluff Confections: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fluff-Confections/278298362221891
    NELimo: www.NEolimo.com

    Speakers:
    Tom Morgan from GetEQUAL OHio
    Ed Mullen from Equality Ohio
    Bishop M. Heckman from Reformed Catholic Church
    Autumn Leaf from GetEQUAL OHio
    Captain Steve Snyder-Hill plaintiff in a DOMA case and the soldier who was booed at the Republican debate in September.
    Max Blachman from United States Senator Browns office
    George Baum from St.Patrick

    Ministers:
    Father Gregory (Greg Lambert)/ Reverend Ashley (Ashley Lambert)/ Father Fox (David Fox)/ Father Kai (Kai Bennett – pronounced Ki)/ Father Amato
    (Mike Amato)/ Rev. Bill Finnegan/ Minister Rhiannon Pasley/ Minister Pam Hoover/ Minister Alexa Gordy/ Minister Michelle Freeman/ Minister Micheal Lendzay/ Minister Atuman Heonessey/ Minister Anna Mcintire

    Photographers:
    Courtney Earls
    Rene Micheo
    Shelly Smith Cordel
    Rob Manco
    Jessie Steimle
    Courtney Fredrick: www.cmaries-photograph.com

    Video Crew:
    Andrew Stone: http://www.Somethingmisleading.com/

    Mass Wedding get you and your loved one registered online:
    http://www.occindy.org/wedding.html

    ADD US AS A FRIEND IF YOUR PLANNING ON COMING!!!
    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003003648734

    CLEVELAND PRIDE 2012 – CALLING ALL SPONSORS, VENDORS, MARCHERS AND VOLUNTEERS!

    2012 - 01.14

    Cleveland Pride is gearing up for its 24th Annual Cleveland Pride parade, rally and festival held on Saturday, June 23rd, 2012; at Voinovich Park, Cleveland, OH…

    Cleveland Pride’s annual parade, rally and festival is the single largest and fastest growing LGBT and straight-allied event each year!!!  No other one-time or annual LGBT gathering, benefit, festival, conference or celebration attracts large scale numbers in the Northeast Ohio area. Make sure you are a part of our 24th Anniversary of Cleveland Pride in June, 2012.

    During our annual pride celebration, individuals and organizations join our event to demonstrate their mutual respect and appreciation of the similarities and differences that make each individual and organization unique in our community. We enjoy the participation of people in all classes and categories of age, race, culture, educational achievement, ethnicity, life/skill-based work experience, active military or veteran, socioeconomic, disability, and those who choose (or not)  to embrace a broad spectrum of faith-based practices or religions.

    We are proud to proclaim that we have an extremely diversified set of sponsors, vendors, parade marchers and volunteers.  We continue to grow in numbers and diversity.

    So, welcome to all those transgender, asexual, bisexual, trisexual, pansexual, gay, lesbian, queer/questioning, intersex, undecided, alternative, and heterosexual allies to our 24th Annual 2012 Cleveland Pride Parade, Rally and Festival.   Spread the word… find our event on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/events/126024194174393/

    BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY!

    Since Cleveland pride is a non-profit organization, your donations are tax deductible and your business will receive a large amount of media exposure within the community. We anticipate over 20,000 people will attend Cleveland pride every year and each one will see your logo somewhere! Banners, ads, signs, placement in our brochure and lots of new business for you are just a few of the perks of becoming a sponsor this year!

    SUPPORT CLEVELAND PRIDE BY BECOMING A SPONSOR NOW!

    2012 Cleveland Pride Sponsor – Media Package v2011-11-22 (PDF VERSION)

    2012 Cleveland Pride Sponsor – Media Package v2011-11-22 (WORD VERSION)

    VENDOR BOOTHS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THIS YEAR!

    Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have a captive audience of over 20,000 people to which you can sell your product? Cleveland Pride gives you this opportunity! Increase awareness for your brand and your company! Get an amazing connection with the LGBT community! You can’t get these opportunities anywhere else!

    SIGN UP NOW TO GET THE BEST SPOT IN THE PARK FOR YOUR BOOTH!

    2012 Cleveland Pride Vendor Package WORD FORMAT v2012-01-14

    2012 Cleveland Pride Vendor Package PDF FORMAT v2012-01-14

    SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER TODAY!

    Becoming part of a team that has a deep commitment to the community has more benefits than you can imagine! Meet the incredible movers and shakers of the LGBT crowd and get a behind the scenes look at how Cleveland Pride is run! Get FREE admission into the festival for just a few hours of your time. Connect with your community and take pride in helping us put together this once a year event.

    MEET-GREET-CONNECT-VOLUNTEER TODAY!

    http://www.clevelandpride.org/home/get-involved-at-pride/volunteer/volunteer-application/

    PARADE MARCHERS WANTED!

    Ever want to strut your stuff in front of thousands of adoring eyes? Do you have a great costume that you have been working on all year to show us how divalicious you are? Do you have an eye catching idea for a float?  Do you just want the unique experience of being able to say you marched in a parade? Then come and march with us this year in the Cleveland Pride parade! We are accepting floats and marchers…you don’t have to be part of a group, just be PROUD and march with us!

    SIGN UP TO STRUT YOUR STUFF TODAY!

    2012 Cleveland Pride Parade Registration Package v2011-11-25 (WORD FORMAT)

    2012 Cleveland Pride Parade Registration Package v2011-11-25 (PDF FORMAT)

    CLAW 11 (2012) Launches advanced ticket sales for hotels, airlines, RECON REFLEX Warehouse (dungeon) Parties, and FLEX Cleveland Hotel, Bath, Spa & Gym ammenities

    2011 - 12.18
    CLAW Date Logo 2012

    CLAW Date Logo 2012

    RECON REFLEX Warehouse (dungeon) Parties will now be exclusively managed and operated by FLEX® Cleveland Hotel, Bath, Spa & Gym, a subsidiary of and the FLEX® Baths chain.

    CLAW Corp. will continue to receive the same portion of your ticket price as a contribution benefiting CLAW Charities. There will be no change in the proceeds that benefit CLAW Corp. CLAW will participate in the planning and programming of the event.

    CLAW expects over 2,000 attendees in April 2012 and FLEX Cleveland is limited to 550 guests in our Bath per night. A little over 10% of the CLAW 11 (2012) patrons will be accommodated at the FLEX® Cleveland Hotel, Bath, Spa & Gym, which separate from the the RECON REFLEX Warehouse (dungeon) Parties hosted on Level II of the Mean Bull Nightclub. Level I of the Mean Bull Nightclub will continue to host bar crawl themed parties on Thursday, April 26th; Friday, April 27th; and Saturday, April 28th.

    GENERAL INFORMATION & SCHEDULING: http://clawinfo.org/
    RECON REFLEX Warehouse (dungeon) Parties, and FLEX Cleveland Hotel, Bath, Spa & Gym amenities: https://secureagent.net/rsvp/

    THREE VENUES UNDER ONE COMPLEX:
    –Mean Bull Nightclub LEVEL I : Themed parties: Thursday, April 26th (Dick Off: Volunteer Party), Friday, April 27th (Sports & Jocks), Saturday, April 28th (Military)
    –Mean Bull Nightclub LEVEL II: RECON REFLEX Warehouse (dungeon) Parties (exhibition, participation, control, live demonstration, patron direct interaction)
    –FLEX® Cleveland Hotel, Bath, Spa & Gym (lockers, rooms, hotels, kitchen, bar/lounge, jacuzzi, indoor/outdoor pools, steam rooms, saunas, gym)

    SEE MORE OF OUR FLEX® Cleveland Complex at: http://www.flexbaths.com/content/view/121/205/

    RECON REFLEX Warehouse (dungeon) Party – Level II Mean Bull Nightclub

    9PM-6AM Thursday, April 26th ~ Falcon & Mustang Exclusive Tom Wolfe
    9PM-6AM Friday, April 27th ~ Raging Stallion Studios Exclusive RICKY SINZ
    9PM-6AM Friday, April 28th ~ Raging Stallion Studios Exclusive RICKY SINZ

    Tom Wolfe: www.tomwolfexxx.com
    Ricky Sinz: http://www.rickysinzxxx.com/

    SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE MEAN BULL NIGHTCLUB:

    8PM-4AM Thursday, April 26th~ Dick Off: The CLAW Volunteer Party
    8PM-4AM Friday, April 27th~ Sports & Jocks Fetish
    8PM-4AM Friday, April 28th~ Military Commandos

    DEMONSTRATIONS & TRAINING:

    10AM-5PM Friday, April 27th ~ Education & Skills Workshops
    10AM-5PM Friday, April 28th ~ Education & Skills Workshops

    ADVANCED SALES PROGRAM – CLAW 11 EXCLUSIVE:
    This advanced purchase program is a CLAW Exclusive – you can only purchase your RECON REFLEX Warehouse Party Tickets and optional add-on Room or Locker through this site. (No reservations taken by calling FLEX® Cleveland directly).

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR 2012!

    • The RECON REFLEX Warehouse Parties will now be exclusively managed and operated by FLEX® Cleveland and the FLEX® Baths chain.
    • By popular demand, FLEX® Cleveland and the FLEX® Baths chain has expanded the event to add Thursday, April 26th as an additional night of The RECON REFLEX Warehouse Parties.
    • RECON REFLEX Warehouse party ticket(s) provide access only to the warehouse party area above Mean Bull Nightclub, connected to the FLEX® Cleveland Hotel, Spa & Gym. Warehouse ticket holders will not have access to the entire FLEX® Cleveland Hotel, Spa & Gym. RECON REFLEX Warehouse ONLY party ticket holders will have limited coat check storage capacity and access during the event offered at the Mean Bull Nightclub.
    • ADVANCE BATHS PURCHASE PROGRAM for RECON REFLEX Warehouse Party participants: FLEX® Cleveland is offering advanced purchase for FLEX® Baths lockers and rooms. This advance program will guarantee your ability to enjoy both the warehouse party and have all full access to the FLEX® Baths Cleveland facility.
    • FLEX® is offering 150 SHORT Lockers (3 cubic ft) • 65 TALL Lockers (6 cubic ft) • 70 STANDARD CABANA Rooms (2nd Floor) and • 14 QUIET CABANA Rooms (1st Floor) at an average 22% discount per hour for advanced purchase through this site. If you purchase a FLEX® Room / Locker (at an additional cost), you will have full access to the entire complex from 9 PM until 7 AM. All Rooms / Lockers must be vacated by 7 AM each morning for them to clean the complex.
    • Advanced Reservations are based on availability, and end at Midnight, Friday, April 20th, 2011 EST.
    • All Sales Are Final – No Refunds, Cancellations, or Exchanges. Tickets, Lockers & Rooms are Not-Transferable.

    Calling all filmmakers! Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) will be held March 22 – April 1, 2012 in Cleveland, OH

    2011 - 12.06

    SOURCE: http://www.clevelandfilm.org/festival/call-for-entries

    The 36th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) will be held March 22 – April 1, 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio.

    Films made after June 1, 2010 are now being accepted for consideration. All films must be submitted on DVD (Region 0 or 1) for consideration by the Selection Committee. DVD’s that are not Region 0 or 1 WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. All films submitted must be available in only 35mm, Beta SP (NTSC), Digibeta (NTSC), Blu-ray, or DVD (region 0 or 1) for presentation.

    Films selected for the 36th CIFF will be announced no later than Friday, February 24, 2012. Prints or videos for presentation at the 36th CIFF must arrive in Cleveland no later than Friday, March 9, 2012. Filmmakers are responsible for the shipment of the film to the Festival. The Festival will cover outbound shipping only. Entries previously screened in Cleveland or aired on television in Cleveland prior to the Festival will not be eligible. The CIFF reserves the right to use images from films selected in Festival marketing purposes (web, print media, and television).

    Enter online or download one of the entry forms below for complete details.

    AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland organizes “Northeast Ohio Worlds AIDS Day” on Thursday, December 1, 2011 beginning at 5:30 pm

    2011 - 11.30

    Northeast Ohio World AIDS Day

    December 1, 2011

    World AIDS day is observed each year on December 1st. It is an opportunity to unite the HIV/AIDS community, to raise awareness, to honor those we have lost, and to

    resolve to keep up the fight.

    Schedule of events:

    5:30pm Gather at City Hall for candlelight march to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.

    6:00pm Candlelight march to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.

    6:30pm City lights go dark in honor of World AIDS Day. If you are unable to attend we ask that you turn off your lights at your home or business for 3 minutes @ 6:30pm in honor of those who have passed on.

    6:35pm Program and reception at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.

    Performances by:

    • Benita Ewing
    • Urban Dance Collaborative of Cleveland School of the Arts under the direction of Terrence Greene
    • Cleveland Kings and Girls
    • Karamu House presents excerpts from Black Nativity
    • Windsong

    For more information contact:

    Judith Pindell

    jpindell@atfgc.org

    www.aidstaskforce.org 216.621.0766 ext. 231

    AIDS Taskforce Cleveland - World AIDS Day 2011

    AIDS Taskforce Cleveland - World AIDS Day 2011


    Colors Feeding People of All Colors 3rd Annual event on Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 from NOON to 4:00 PM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Cleveland

    2011 - 11.23

    source: http://www.colorsofclevelandpride.org/events.html

    “3rd Annual Colors Feeding People of All Colors – JOIN US”

    Saturday, December 3, 2011 (DATE CHANGE)
    Location: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 6928 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102
    Cooking Time: 6:00am – 11:30am
    Serving Time: 12pm – 4pm
    Cleanup: 2pm – 5pm

    Join us in preparing and serving a Holiday Dinner to those that have fallen upon hard times this holiday season. It is important to us to serve our community whenever possible.

    Due to our current economic climate and shortage of affordable housing, more residents of our community are experiencing homelessness, reduced health care, and lower salary structures. Many of our residents are being released to homeless shelters from psychiatric institutions, drug treatment facilities and hospitals. People that are severely mentally ill and homeless has increased by 19% since 2003 and people addicted to drugs in homeless shelters has significantly decreased since this time. There also continues to be an ongoing struggle to collect accurate data on the number of youth that are homeless due to many of them not being included in our point in time counts. In 2010 there was a 10% increase in youth who aged out of foster care in Ohio, who many times depart our foster care system with no employment and and family resources. In our current economy a person must earn a minimum of $11.08 per hour to afford housing at market value, which doesn’t include utilities, food, or transportation.

    FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

    Homelessness in the United States on any given night, approximately 750,000 men, women, and children are homeless in the US.

    * 56% are living in shelters and transitional housing, while 44% are unsheltered.
    * 59% are single adults and 41% are persons living in families.
    * 98,452 are homeless families
    * 23% are chronically homeless according to HUD’s definition.
    (Cunningham, Mary and Meghan Henry. 2007. Homelessness Counts. Washington, DC: National Alliance to End Homelessness.)

    Over the course of a year, between 2.5 and 3.5 million people will live either on the streets or in an emergency shelter.
    (Homelessness in the United States of America. Prepared by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.)

    With these alarming numbers, Colors of Cleveland Pride, Inc. continues to find it of great importance to support those in need, in whatever capacity possible. “Colors Feeding People of All Colors” will provide a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, distribute coats, hats, gloves, scarves, personal care items (toiletries), and referral resources. Please find it in your heart to donate cash or items on our GROCERY LIST.

    We thank everyone that has signed up to volunteer and those who have donated cash and food items. Because of your generosity, we can look forward to success!

    “3rd Annual Colors Feeding People of All Colors – Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner”
    Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
    Donate Cash, Goods from our Grocery List, Coats (Preferably Men’s), Gloves, Scarves, Hats, Blankets, Toiletries, Children’s Books (all ages including coloring books with crayons)
    Drop Off Your Donation on Friday, November 25, 2011 from Noon – 3pm at ATGC 3210 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115!

    Worlds AIDS Day will be celebrated on Thursday, December 1st, 2011

    2011 - 11.23

    SOURCE: WWW.WORLDAIDSDAY.ORG

    What’s it about

    Every year World AIDS Day events take place across the country to raise awareness and show support for people living with HIV. Why not pop along to a local event, or better still, why not host your own? You can search for events or add your own event at: WWW.WORLDAIDSDAY.ORG

    What is World AIDS Day?

    World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

    Why is World AIDS Day important?

    More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

    Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

    The 24th Annual Cleveland Pride Parade, Rally & Festival will be held on Saturday, June 23rd, 2012 at Voinovich Park from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.

    2011 - 11.15
    Cleveland Pride’s annual parade, rally and festival is a tradition attended by LGBT and non-LGBT community members throughout Northeast Ohio. This year’s festival focuses on bringing all different segments and diverse groups of the LGBT community together to celebrate the milestones we have made in Cleveland and worldwide. Cleveland Pride Board President/CEO Todd Saporito stated, “In our 2012 celebration, we will continue to celebrate our unified accomplishments for equality in the LGBTQI civil rights movement and our accomplishments within the community.”
    .
    Additional information will be posted on a later date describing details on entertainment line-ups, fundraisers, and events being held this year during and around the parade, rally and festival.
    .

    The Cleveland Pride Planning Committee is underway in planning this year’s event at our new offices located at 3210 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114; co-located at the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland. Our phone number is (216) 226-0004.

    .
    WE NEED YOU!!!!
    Cleveland Pride is an all volunteer organization that needs your support and representation. Please contact us to learn about more opportunities to participate in planning, sponsorship, entertainment, fund-raising, and outreach at executiveboard@clevelandpride.org.
    .
    BECOME A GENERAL MEMBER!!!!
    Cleveland Pride is a members-based organization. We encourage all community members to join our organization. You may join at QUICK LINK: Cleveland Pride Become A Member.
    .
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR ENEWSLETTER!!!!
    We have more exciting announcements planned throughout 2011 and 2012. Please take a moment to subscribe to our eNewletter at QUICK LINK: Cleveland Pride eNewsletter.
    .
    BECOME A VOLUNTEER!!!! GET INVOLVED!!!
    This year, the annual Cleveland Pride Parade and Festival will be even bigger and better than ever, with more sponsors, more performers and a larger outcome expected than in previous years.
    .
    We want you to come out and demonstrate your support of our community and celebrate our communities accomplishments on Saturday, June 26th.
    Fill out our online volunteer application at QUICK LINK: 2011 Cleveland Pride Online Volunteer Mini-Application.
    .
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    Founded in 1989, Cleveland Pride has been an integral part of the Northeastern Ohio region for the past 23 years. Cleveland’s Pride celebration is among the first half-dozen such events launched in the U.S., making our Parade and Festival among the longest continuing Pride events in the country.
    On an ongoing basis, Cleveland Pride brings awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the general public to discourage/eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Cleveland Pride openly recognizes and embraces all individuals of the queer community who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning, intersex and straight allies, while understanding that each group identified exists in all ages, races, national origins and physical abilities.

    The CKG’s 7th Annual HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR… IN BOUNCE NIGHTCLUB on Wednesday, October 26th at 10:30pm – 2:00am

    2011 - 10.23

    Time: Wednesday at 10:30pm – October 27 at 2:00am
    Location: Bounce Night Club
    Created By: Donnie Waste

    Our biggest show of the year is NEXT WEDNESDAY @ BOUNCE NIGHTCLUB!

    Check out our 7th Annual HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR to benefit The AIDS TASKFORCE OF GREATER CLEVELAND! Yes…. IT’S INSIDE BOUNCE and sponsored by BACARDI!

    Join Show Hosts : DONNIE WASTE & BRYCE CHAMBERS
    for a FULL CAST show with all of your CKG favorites along with special guest KAGE KRAVEN! Check out all of the Group Performances that we have been traveling with this past month!

    Purchase your $5 table this Wednesday @ Union or from any CKG member.
    $2 individual cover at the door to benefit the The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland!

    Costume Contest / Prizes / Raffles / Group Performances and MORE!!!
    Plus, we are raffling off a pair of tickets to see GYM CLASS HEROES!

    The First Annual JD (Jacqueline Dobransky) Breast Cancer Foundation presents – Pink Carpet Gala! on Saturday, October 22, 2011, from 7:00 pm until 11:00 pm

    2011 - 10.08

    JD Breast Cancer PCG

    SOURCE: http://www.jdbcfoundation.org/2011/08/20/pink-carpet-gala-october-22-2011/

    The mission of JD Breast Cancer Foundation is to provide essential services to young women with breast cancer by offering financial assistance, emotional support and education to enhance survivorship.

    To further our mission, the JD Breast Cancer Foundation is hosting the first annual Pink Carpet Gala, to recognize and honor 10 women who have battled or who are currently fighting the brave fight against breast cancer – our Pink Carpet Ladies. Our hope is to raise awareness of our foundation while raising additional funds to help more women benefit from the services of JDBCF.

    Please join the 2011 Pink Carpet Gala Honoree, Ambiance’s pioneering President Jennifer Downey for what promises to be night filled fun, food, dancing and music by the Flashback, Rock n’ Soul band. Hundreds of guests will come together to celebrate life and the courageous determination of the human
    spirit – don’t miss it!

    Where:
    The Club at Key Center located at 127 Public Square in
    downtown Cleveland, Ohio. There will be food, beer and wine, music and
    dance and the presentation of the Pink Carpet Ladies, Class of 2011.

    When:
    Saturday, October 22, 2011, from 7:00 pm until 11:00 pm,
    during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.


    Each guest will enjoy, food, music, dancing and a two-hour
    (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm) open bar – beer and wine only

    For a Pink Carpet Lady Nomination Form
    go to www.jdbcfoundation.org

    For tickets or to join other community minded businesses and organizations supporting this important community event like Boaters For A Cure, Pat Catan’s, TJ Maxx, Miracle Resources, Nordstrom, The Cleveland Women’s Journal, The Graphic Edge, The Calvetta Brothers, The Balloon Crew and Ambiance.

    GO TO:
    WWW.JDBCFOUNDATION.ORG

    LGBT HERITAGE DAY 2011 Celebration and Recognition to be held at Cleveland City Hall on Tuesday, October 11th at 5:30 PM.

    2011 - 10.04

    LGBT HERITAGE DAY 2011
    source: http://thecenter.hostcentric.com/

    Picture Tuesday, October 11
    5:30pm-8:00pm
    Rotunda, City Hall

    Please mark your calendars for the 2011 Cleveland LGBT Heritage Day Celebrations to take place at Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Avenue.

    Beginning at 5:30pm on October 11, a cross-section of the city’s civic leaders will gather to honor the vibrancy and diversity of Cleveland’s LGBT community.  Several “shining star” awards will be presented in categories that include Advocacy, Education, Social Services and Neighborhood Leadership.

    Invited speakers include Mayor Jackson and Steve Dettelbach, US Attorney Northeast Ohio Department of Justice.

    The Biggest Load 2011 Food Challenge for the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland

    2011 - 09.03

    TO BENEFIT AIDS TASK FORCE FOOD BANK *

    Application and information:
    2011foodchallenge@gmail.com

    or another recognized food bank

    Thank you again to the teams that produced poundage last year. We generated approx 6000 lbs in food, and paid cash 1 week in advance for 4500. Lbs of frozen turkeys. This goal we would expect to exceed this challenge year.

    The purpose of this contest is to help increase the poundage of food in the banks and ease the burden of providing food and services to those in need. The President states that 1 out of 10 people have a problem with hunger. With all the State and Federal cuts, the need is even greater in our community.

    This contest will be applied to the Task Force Turkey Tuesday Food Basket drive. Any remainder will be rolled over into the Jon Brittain Food drive Cleveland. Other areas to their local recognized food pantry.

    Teams can be made up of any five members of a leather club, social club, sports team, civic org, or any five employees of a bar. Enter as many
    five member teams as you want. Example: Cocktails Cleveland, Cocktails Akron. Man’s World, The Shed.

    Each team will select a team captain. The captain will be the contact person and also be responsible for entering the team. Each team will enter their combined team weight. Simply adding all the weights of the team together. This will be the standard to meet or beat for each team.

    The criteria is POUNDS. Non-perishable food items. Most needed are canned goods, dry goods, peanut butter ECT. No frozen, refrigerated or fresh items. No cash will be accepted in this drive. Each team will be responsible if needed to convert all cash to poundage.

    We will engage other fund raisers for frozen turkeys.

    Winning criteria: The team collecting the highest percentage of, or exceeding their team’s weight.

    Each team or captain will be responsible for the delivery of the poundage received. A panel will be selected to receive, weigh, and log all teams’ entries. Weights the week of 10-29-2011; Cleveland weights at the Task force. Delivery date TBA at the Aids Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.

    Awards and announcements November 5th CLAW Nation Leather Dance. Awards presented by a very special guest.

    All entries by 09-01-2011 to enter:

    Please send in your team name (club or bar), team captain contact information: name, phone # and email address. The teams combined weight. To: 2011foodchallenge@gmail.com

    Captain’s name:_____________________

    Affiliation__________________________

    Phone #:___________________________

    Email address: ______________________

    Team weight: ______________________

    COLORS OF CLEVELAND PRIDE OFFERS: Entrepreneur Training Series – Non-Profit Start-Up Workshop

    2011 - 08.29

    Entrepreneur Training Series

    NON-PROFIT START-UP WORKSHOP

    Have you always wanted to start your own nonprofit organization, or you’ve started a nonprofit organization and need some direction?  Whatever your reasons, plan on attending our workshop and learning Nonprofit Business 101.  Our workshops will provide you a world of education in the startup phase of your nonprofit organization and it does not matter in which order you complete the sessions.

    PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.  PLEASE SEE BELOW.

    SESSION I:
    *  Board Development
    *  Business Planning

    SESSION II:
    *  Nonprofit Registrations
    *  Bylaws
    *  IRS Compliance
    *  Nonprofit Resources

    SESSION III:
    *  501c3 Application Completion


    SESSION IV
    *  Grantwriting
    *  Grant Proposal Development Resources

    SESSION V
    * Review of Participant Materials

    Sunday, September 11, 2011
    5p – 8p

    Tuesday, August 30, 2011
    7p – 10p

    Wednesday, September 7, 2011
    7p – 10p

    Tuesday, September 20, 2011
    7p – 10p

    Sunday, October 9, 2011
    5p – 8p


    COST
    $20 per person per session

    Free Parking
    ATGC
    3210 Euclid Avenue
    Cleveland, OH  44115

    (East of E. 30th Street on the Southside of Euclid Avenue.  Pull up to gate as close as possible to activate automatic opening.)

    Plexus 2011 Supplier Diversity Summit held on Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

    2011 - 08.21

    I N V I T A T I O N
    Tuesday, September 27, 2011
    The Plexus Supplier Diversity Summit brings together business owners and procurement officers from across the region and nation.

    G O A L S
    Advance your business goals and expand your network at this all-day summit.
    > Learn what procurement officers are looking for when evaluating potential suppliers
    > Engage with your peers on how to position your company to secure more or better vendor contracts
    > Examine best practices in supplier diversity management
    > Make the connections to help your business succeed
    > Share company profile and capabilities with other attendees

    A G E N D A
    8:00 Registration and continental breakfast
    9:00 Welcome
    9:30 Interactive discussion with corporate procurement and diversity officers
    11:00 Breakout sessions for corporate representatives and small business owners
    12:00 Lunch & keynote address with supplier diversity pioneer Irwin Drucker from IBM
    2:00 Connection Forum with facilitated networking between business owners and corporate representatives
    3:30 Wrap up
    3:45 Networking reception sponsored by Time Warner Cable

    R E G I S T R A T I O N
    > $100: corporate or institutional representatives (non members)
    > $ 75: corporate or institutional representatives (members) and business owners (non members)
    > $ 50: business owners (members)

    H O T E L
    For those needing accommodations, take advantage of the Ritz-Carlton’s Out In Cleveland special.

    http://www.thinkplexus.org//pdf/Out-In-Cleveland%20package2.pdf

    Supplier Diversity Summit is 09/27/2011

    Member: $50.00 (Log in for Member price.)
    Non-Member: $100.00
    Plexus Corporate/Institutional Reps: $75.00

    Location Information

    CSU Student Union Ballroom
    CSU Campus
    Cleveland, OH

    Other Event Information

    T H A N K   Y O U   T O   O U R   S P O N S O R S

    American Greetings

    Cleveland State University Diversity Management Program

    The Cleveland Women’s Journal

    Continental/United
    Linear Creative
    Northeast Ohio Sewer District
    Rockwell Automation

    Time Warner Cable

    Plexus Wins National Award from NGLCC

    2011 - 08.21

    SOURCE:EMAIL DISTRIBUTION

    From: Plexus Message Center [mailto:messagecenter@thinkplexus.org];

    Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2011 10:15 AM

    Each year, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) hosts a business and leadership conference, which is highlighted by an awards ceremony to recognize the local affiliate chambers for excellence in programming, economic impact, and community service.

    Plexus was honored with the Rising Star award, which is given to a relatively young chamber that has experienced strong growth. The Rising Star Chamber exhibits vitality and relevance in its community, proves its commitment to being part of the broader national movement, and serves as an inspiration to its fellow chambers.

    Plexus is thrilled to have received this award and the recognition of the work that we are doing in our region.  This award is a great motivator to continue our efforts in working with small businesses and corporations to promote workplace equality, inclusion, and supplier diversity.

    > > Read full story:  Plexus news

    > > Read full story:  NGLCC news

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    > > Upcoming Events

    > > Third Annual Diversity Professionals Conference
    Wednesday, August 17  |  7:30a – 3p  |   Corporate College East |  More Info
    > > Plexus Foundation ERG Series
    Thursday, August 25  |  2p   |   LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland | More Info
    > > 18th Annual HRC Cleveland Gala Dinner & Auction.
    Saturday, August 27 | 5p  – 10p | Wolstein Center | More Info
    > > Plexus 3rd Annual Supplier Diversity Summit
    Tuesday, September 27 |  9a – 5p   | CSU Student Union Ballroom | More Info

    > > Get Connected

    Follow us on Twitter |   Like us on Facebook |   Add yourself to the Directory

    NGLCC Honors Local Affiliate Chambers at National Conference

    2011 - 08.21

    SOURCE: http://www.nglcc.org/2011+Chamber+Awards
    8/11/2011

    Washington, D.C. (08/11/2011) – The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) recently honored excellence in local affiliate chambers at the 2011 Out For Business Conference in Las Vegas, NV. In addition to naming the best NGLCC affiliated LGBT business organizations in the nation, the NGLCC recognized chambers for innovative leadership programming, expansive economic impact, and meaningful community services.

    Top honors went to the Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities (CABO), which won 2011 Chamber of the Year. Each year, the Chamber of the Year is seen as a role model for other chambers and an example of what an LGBT chamber or business organization should be.

    “CABO has been a stand-out chamber since they were formed four short years ago,” said Justin Nelson, Co-Founder and President. “Executive Director Jenn Tracz Grace has really shown how a certified LGBT-owned business leader can become a strong and powerful chamber director. CABO Founder and President Dena Castricone and their entire board of directors continue to live and work their mission of helping LGBT business owners find economic growth in Connecticut.”

    The Rising Star Award is given to a chamber that exhibited vitality and relevance in its community, brought a unified voice to the LGBT business community it serves, and proven its commitment to being part of the broader national movement. This year, NGLCC selected Plexus, the regional chamber for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

    “The NGLCC is excited to recognize Plexus with the 2011 Rising Star Award,” said Chance Mitchell, Co-Founder and CEO. “We’re especially proud of their innovative Supplier Diversity Summit in Cleveland;it’s a great model for other chambers. The Plexus leadership continues to be a powerful example of LGBT leadership and entrepreneurship in their community.”

    For the first time, NGLCC also named Excellence Awards in important fields such as programming and community impact. Winners included Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce, North Texas GLBT Chamber, and Independence Business Alliance in Philadelphia.

    “NGLCC affiliate chambers are having a powerful impact all around the country because they are leveraging every possible opportunity for businesses to grow and become strong engines that will drive their local economies,” said Sam McClure, NGLCC Director of Affiliate Relations. “These affiliate leaders are the backbone of the LGBT business movement, and we are so proud to work with them and recognize their accomplishments.”

    CONTACT:

    Laura Berry, communications director, at 1-202-234-9181 or lberry@nglcc.org

    ###

    About the NGLCC

    The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the only national not-for-profit advocacy organization dedicated to expanding the economic opportunities and advancements of the LGBT business community. With more than 29,000 members, 130 corporate partners and 62 local, state and international affiliate chambers, NGLCC is the largest LGBT business development and economic advocacy organization in the world.

    Open Letter from Michael Ciccarello, Volunteer Coordinator: The Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival will be held on Saturday, September 17th, is less than a month away and WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

    2011 - 08.19

    The Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival will be held on Saturday, September 17th, is less than a month away and WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
    .
    The festival is free to spectators and for all to enjoy, but we need your help to be successful.
    Active members of the Cleveland Dragon Boat Association are all volunteers (and not wealthy volunteers)!
    We are looking for a few good people to volunteer their time and energy at this year’s festival.

    If you are already paddling on a team, help us spread the word that volunteers are needed.

    Our VOLUNTEER needs are:

    Moving equipment; registration; assisting and marshaling teams; assisting and directing spectators, and; being good will ambassadors for the Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival and Association.

    Festival hours will be from 6:00 am to roughly 4:00 pm.  We are asking for two hour shifts (or more if possible).

    Contact Tammi Hanson (tandjhanson@sbcglobal.net) to get on our volunteer list and receive your volunteer assignment.

    All volunteers working two or more hours receive a festival T-shirt, and a voucher for two free paddling sessions at Rivergate Park, the only park in Cleveland offering public access to the Cuyahoga River’s Navigation Channel in the Flats.

    Please Join us!  We can use your help.

    Not available on Saturday, September 17th?  There are other ways we can use your help!

    Donations, energy, ideas!

    Donate to support the 2011 Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival and Cleveland Dragon Boat Association!  ALL DONATIONS ARE FULLY TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

    > Support the Festival by getting listed in our 2011 Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival Program Guide (Tax deductible). Contact Lori Ashyk (l.ashyk@bpdc.org) or Laurie Daney (laurie732000@yahoo.com) for details;
    > Paddle with us at Rivergate Park!  Your first time out is free (and remember you can paddle twice for free if you volunteer for two or more hours on festival day);
    > Participate by Paddling on a Team; better yet, Form a Team for the festival (yes, there is still time if you are interested);
    > Help us build a Network of Sponsors to sustain our effort to keep dragon boat paddling as a viable active recreational activity at Rivergate Park;
    > Inform your contacts, friends and Family about the Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival, Cleveland Dragon Boat Association and Rivergate Park, all located in Cleveland’s Historic Flats!
    > Spread the word through social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, etc.).
    INFO LINKS:
    www.clevelanddragonboatfestival.com/
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cleveland-Dragon-Boat-Association/193042890714857
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ClevelandDragonBoatAssociation/
    http://www.positivelycleveland.com/guides/riverocity/

    Feel free to contact me if you have any suggestions, concerns or questions.

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP and PADDLE UP!
    Michael Ciccarello, Volunteer Coordinator
    Cleveland Dragon Boat Association
    216-221-1389

    SIR ELTON JOHN AND BILLIE JEAN KING BRINGING WTT SMASH HITS CHARITY TENNIS EVENT TO CLEVELAND ON OCTOBER 27

    2011 - 08.16
    WTT Smash Hits

    WTT Smash Hits

    SIR ELTON JOHN AND BILLIE JEAN KING BRINGING WTT SMASH HITS

    CHARITY TENNIS EVENT TO CLEVELAND ON OCTOBER 27

    Andy Roddick, Martina Navratilova, Amelie Mauresmo first to sign on

    New York, N.Y. (August 16, 2011) — Longtime friends Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King are bringing their annual World TeamTennis Smash Hits charity night of tennis to Cleveland for the first time in the event’s 19-year history.  Tennis greats Andy Roddick, Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo will join other top players for WTT Smash Hits presented by GEICO on Thursday, Oct. 27, at Public Hall in Cleveland.  Tickets for the one-night event go on sale on Tuesday, Aug. 30 , at 10 a.m. Eastern.   The event is produced by World TeamTennis in association with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

    Smash Hits has raised more than $10 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and various local AIDS charities since 1993.  This year’s event will benefit EJAF and the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.  The funds raised at the pre-match Smash Hits VIP Reception will be specifically targeted for local programs.

    Captained by King and John, the players will form two teams and play a match using the World TeamTennis (WTT) coed team format.   The music legend will also participate in a celebrity doubles match to open the event.  Additional participants will be announced in the upcoming weeks.  King and John have split the series so far with nine wins each.

    “It is always such a great pleasure to co-host this wonderful event with my dear friend Billie Jean King,” said Sir Elton John.  “I’m so pleased that we will be teaming up with the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland to raise awareness about the continuing challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic both locally and nationally and to raise urgently needed dollars for community-based HIV prevention, education, treatment, and care services.  I urge all of the tennis fans and concerned citizens in the Greater Cleveland area to support this event and bring their families for a wonderful evening of tennis for a great cause.”

    “It is great for Elton and I to return to Cleveland and we are looking forward to a night of competitive and entertaining tennis,” said King.  “WTT Smash Hits is much more than a tennis event.  It’s a way for us to give back to the local community and make an impact by generating awareness and much needed financial support for HIV and AIDS.  We hope the Greater Cleveland area will help us reach those goals and support Smash Hits. ”

    “This year the AIDS Task Force created a commemoration video in which people shared their reflections on 30 years of AIDS.  The Smash Hits event will help ensure that resources remain available to help fight this terrible disease.  Congratulations to the Sports Commission for attracting such an important event to the city of Cleveland,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson, City of Cleveland.

    “The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is thrilled to work with World TeamTennis in bringing this high-profile event to Cleveland. Beyond being an evening of great entertainment, it will benefit such a worthy cause and support our local community in a tremendous way all while showcasing Cleveland,” stated David Gilbert, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

    Roddick, who is playing in his 7th Smash Hits event, is a former world No. 1 and continues to be one of the most successful players on the ATP Tour.  Roddick has won 30 singles titles, including the 2003 US Open and has been ranked in the top 10 for nine consecutive years.  In 2001, Roddick started the Andy Roddick Foundation (ARF), a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all children based on the principles of respect for family, education and morality.

    Navratilova, a 59-time Grand Slam champion in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, will be making her 9th Smash Hits appearance.  Navratilova spent 156 consecutive weeks as the world’s No. 1 singles player and shares the all-time Wimbledon record of 20 titles with WTT co-founder Billie Jean King.  During her storied career, the Hall of Famer won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 Grand Slam women’s doubles and 10 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles. Navratilova holds 167 singles titles, more than any other player, male or female and 178 doubles titles.  She is also one of the most successful WTT players in League history, leading her teams to five championships during her 20 seasons.  Navratilova impressed off the court as she publicly dealt with a breast cancer diagnosis last year.  Navratilova continued to play tennis and commentate for Tennis Channel during her months of radiation.

    This is the first Smash Hits event for Mauresmo.  In 2004, she became the first French woman tennis player to be ranked No. 1 in the world.  Mauresmo won two Grand Slam singles titles during her career, the 2006 Wimbledon Championships and the 2006 Australian Open title.  Mauresmo has won 25 singles titles and 3 doubles titles during her WTA career.  She has also represented France in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games.

    For more information on WTT Smash Hits, visit www.WTT.com/SmashHits.

    WTT Smash Hits presented by GEICO – At A Glance:

    WHAT: Charity tennis event co-hosted by longtime friends Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King

    BENEFITS: Elton John AIDS Foundation and the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland

    WHEN: Thursday, October 27 – 7pm Eastern

    WHERE: Public Hall – Cleveland, Ohio (500 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114)

    WHO: Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King will each captain teams that include Andy Roddick, Martina Navratilova, Amelie Mauresmo and other top tennis stars.

    TICKETS: Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, August 30 at 10 a.m. EDT.  Visit www.WTT.com/SmashHits for more information.

    ###

    MEDIA CONTACTS: Rosie Crews, WTT  817.684.0366 (rcrews@wtt.com)

    Ben Yarrow, EJAF  347.202.4372 (Yarrow@westwingwriters.com)

    2011 WTT SMASH HITS presented by GEICO

    About Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF)

    The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in the United States in 1992 (EJAF-US) and in the United Kingdom in 1993 (EJAF-UK) by Sir Elton John.  Together, both entities have raised more than $225 million for worthy programs in 55 countries around the globe since inception.  Today, EJAF is one of the world’s leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations supporting innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS.  EJAF-US’s current grant-making priorities target HIV prevention programs throughout the Americas and the Caribbean region; HIV prevention and care services for highly marginalized and vulnerable populations; and HIV/AIDS prevention education and the promotion of sexual health for adolescents.  For more information, please visit www.ejaf.org.

    About World TeamTennis (WTT):

    World TeamTennis (WTT), headquartered in New York City, showcases both the best in professional and recreational team tennis.  Co-founded by Billie Jean King, the WTT Pro League presented by GEICO features the biggest names in the world playing the innovative coed team format.  The WTT Recreational League presented by GEICO also operates coed team leagues and events.  The United States Tennis Association is a minority owner and promotional partner of World TeamTennis.   For more information, visit www.WTT.com.

    About AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland:

    The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland is a non-profit, community based AIDS service and education organization.  Established in 1983, the AIDS Taskforce is the oldest AIDS service provider in Northeast Ohio, and the primary provider in Cleveland of both community based HIV prevention education and non-medical social services to people living with HIV and AIDS.  The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland provides a compassionate and collaborative response to the needs of people infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS.  This is accomplished through leadership in prevention, education, supportive services, research and advocacy.  Our clients come from a variety of racial, ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.  They are male, female, young, old, gay, straight, bisexual, and transgender.  The unifying factor is that our clients are living with or caring for someone who is living with HIV or AIDS.  For more information, visit www.aidstaskforce.org.

    About Greater Cleveland Sports Commission:

    The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission prides itself on being one of the most distinguished Sports Commissions in the country, effectively leveraging sports events and activities to further economic development in Northeast Ohio.  The philosophy of the Sports Commission sets it apart from others by operating as an economic and community development organization utilizing sports as a vehicle to forward other community agendas.  The organization takes the unique approach of becoming a management and financial partner in each event with the goal of producing events that are more successful in Cleveland than other cities in which they have been held.  Since 2000, the Sports Commission has been responsible for attracting over 100 sporting events, contributing to more than $300 million in economic activity.  For more information, visit www.clevelandsports.org.