Spring Ga(y)la to Build Community

I'm very excited to be part of Equality Springfield's Spring Ga(y)la, which is taking place this Friday evening, April 21st, at Mother Stewart's Brewing Company in Springfield.

The Ga(y)la is an annual event, but this year's iteration has been revamped to include exciting new opportunities for attendees. Part fundraiser, part community building event, this year's Ga(y)la will feature live music, an art auction, and a dynamic speaker. The event is free and open to the public.

This year, event organizer and Equality Springfield Vice President Brad Minerd saw an opportunity to bring something new to the community. Aside from being a fundraiser, Brad also wanted the event to be educational, and to present an opportunity for Springfield locals to engage leaders and hear about important matters in the State of Ohio. For this reason, Brad reached out to State Representative Nickie Antonio.

Rep. Nickie Antonio will deliver the keynote address at the Ga(y)la, and also meet and greet attendees. Rep. Antonio is serving her fourth term in the Ohio House of Representatives, where she represents the 13th House District, which includes the City of Lakewood and parts of Cleveland's West Side.

Rep. Antonio has been a fierce defender of the rights of women and LGBTQ people and has been a vocal proponent of non-discrimination legislation. She has also spoken out against legislation that would enshrine exclusion and disenfranchisement.

Not only will Ga(y)la attendees get to hear from Rep. Antonio, but there will be many other exciting opportunities. Beginning at 6pm, Mother Stewart's will open their doors for drinking and socializing, with a portion of sales proceeds being donated to Equality Springfield. Live jazz music will begin at 7pm, featuring a performance by CrossRoads Band. Rep. Antonio will speak around 7:40pm, so be sure to get a seat!

Throughout the evening, a silent art auction will take place, with an impressive selection of artwork from local artists, including Floyd "JR" Hook, Marlies Hemmann, Vicki Rulli, and Molly Loftis. There will also be a 50/50 drawing and some prize raffles.

Admission is free. Bring a friend! I'll see you there.