June is Pride Month, a great reason to celebrate the establishment of the Pride Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF). Founders Sandra Murphy, Sue Peters, and Dale Weighill created the fund to advance the dignity and quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community. With your donations, matching gifts, and smart investments, the endowment is now $61,000.
It began with a personal vision to meet an unmet need in Flint and Genesee County. Sandra Murphy, nearing retirement as Director of Donor Services as CFGF, believed that the Pride Fund should be established to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ people. There was no community endowment for this cause. Sandra ran the idea by two friends.
Dale Weighill serves as Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Mott Community College. A strong advocate for the gay community and a social media influencer, Dale jumped on board. He hosted his 48th birthday party and asked family and friends to support the Pride Fund in lieu of gifts.
Sue Peters is Vice President of Community Impact at CFGF. Sue and her wife, Kim Owens, were one of the first lesbian couples to be married legally in Genesee County. Together they are raising twin boys and are founding donors to the Pride Fund.
In 2018, the Pride Fund was created to advance the dignity and quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a permanent resource to nonprofit organizations providing programs and services to LGBTQ+ youth, adults, families, and seniors in areas such as health and wellness, arts and culture, housing, education, and training.
“We are grateful that donors have come forward to grow the fund by making generous gifts, hosting house parties, and sharing the news with family and friends,” said Isaiah M. Oliver, CFGF President, and CEO. “Join me in growing the Pride Fund to increase our capacity to meet the growing needs of our LGBTQ+ community right here in Genesee County.”