2020 CHECK CELEBRATION (PRESS RELEASE)

Editorial Contact:

Kirk Lorenzo, Marketing Committee Chair

Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation

Email Kirk@grassrootsgayrights.org

Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation provides $20,000 to Beneficiary Organizations in 2020, totaling more than $3.27 million over our 32-year history.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA. October 29th, 2020 — Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation concluded its 2020 fundraising season. The Foundation produces the annual REAL BAD fundraising party that follows San Francisco’s world-renowned Folsom Street Fair, at 1015 Folsom, and the RITUAL After Hours party during Up Your Alley weekend, at 1015 Folsom—these events were not produced this year. The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation announced that its fundraisers and charitable contributions totaled $20,000, which will be donated in full to the following LGBTQ non-profit beneficiary organizations:

AIDS Legal Referral Panel

ALRP provides free and low-cost legal services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the San Francisco Bay Area. They are the only institution in the San Francisco Bay Area dedicated to providing free and low-cost legal assistance and education on virtually any civil matter to persons living with HIV/AIDS.

API Equality — Northern California

APIENC builds queer and transgender Asian and Pacific Islander power to amplify their voices and increase the visibility of their communities. Through organizing in the Bay Area, they inspire and train grassroots leaders, transform values from scarcity to abundance, and partner with organizations to sustain a vibrant movement ecosystem.

Miguel Jimenez, Event Chair for what would have been this year’s REAL BAD and RITUAL parties said, “Last year I stated that this year's theme was going to be about contact, connection, and community. I feel that this year's team was able to do this even though we weren’t able to throw our traditional season of events. Thanks to our hosts, volunteers, Events Committee, and Foundation Board—we couldn’t have done this without you. I’m excited to return next year as Events Chair again and can’t wait to see what we are able to accomplish!” Miguel Jimenez, plans to serve as Event Chair for next year’s REAL BAD 32 and RITUAL parties.

About the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation and its Season of Events

REAL BAD and RITUAL are produced by the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. These annual fundraising events are completely volunteer-produced, and are distinct in that the costs of producing the events are underwritten entirely by the party’s Hosts, a Circle of Friends who volunteer their time and resources to make REAL BAD a yearly sell-out success. This unique support enables 100% of the general admission ticket price from REAL BAD and 100% of all net proceeds from REACH to be donated to charity. The total donated to worthy non-profits over the event’s 32-year history is more than $3.27 million. The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation changes lives by supporting organizations that promote a happy, healthy, and connected LGBT community

For more information, visit www.realbad.org and www.grassrootsgayrights.org