N.C. Pride Festival and Parade celebrates 30th anniversary
DURHAM (WTVD) -- This weekend marked the 30th Annual N.C. Pride Festival and Parade, and a jump start for fundraising for one local organization serving the needs of the LGBT community.
Saturday, the big Pride Festival and Parade was held on Duke University's East Campus. A day later, signs of the celebrations could still be found throughout Durham, including at one popular bar and restaurant.
Alivia's Bistro helped host a fundraiser for the LGBTQ Center of Durham, donating 10 percent of all food and drink proceeds for the day.
"Alivia's has always been very active in supporting the community," said Alivia's general manager Patrick Brady. "We do a lot of benefits all the time where we try to generate sales for different organizations and this is our way of giving back to the city."
The LGBTQ Center of Durham was formed a little over six months ago. And although the organization is currently helping serve the gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer population of the Bull City, they don't actually have a brick and mortar location - unlike a similar center in Raleigh.
"A lot of people go to Raleigh for services, and some people are affiliated with Duke or UNC, so they can get things they need there. But, it is surprising, Durham is a growing and thriving community and we could really use a center of our own," explained board member Jamie Jennings.
Now, fundraising efforts like the all-day event at Alivia's are helping raise the money it takes to rent their own space. The center is hoping to rent a space in or near downtown, one that would be easily accessible, whether people are driving or walking there. They hope to have that within the next year.
To learn more about the LGBTQ Center of Durham, visit their website or Facebook page.
