Community:
Giving Back
When we started in 2016, our goal was to always give back to the community. We raise money throughout the year for Gulf Coast Equality Festival, our yearly equality event, and for our future community center. Not only do we do fundraising for these, but part of every fundraiser goes to community activities, events, and other causes.
Gulf Coast Equality Council is proud to support, and has donated, to the causes below. Each one works to help others in the community. Our Community Outreach Committee puts on events and activities throughout the year.
We appreciate everyone’s support in our fundraising efforts.
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Causes We Have Donated To:
The Out of the Darkness Suicide Walk
September 2017 - $410.00
The Montrose LGBT Center
Hurricane Harvey Fund
September 2017 - $640.00
SMATF Aids Walk
December 2017 - $200.00
The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence
December 2017 - $217.00
The Mary C. O'Keefe
Cultural Center of Arts
December 2017 - $200.00
Pride of The Panhandle
Hurricane Michael Fund
October 2018 - $500.00
100 Men Hall
October 2019 - $200.00
Trans Lifeline
November 2019 - $340.00
My Brother's Keeper
December 2019 - $300.00
Casa of Hancock County
December 2019 - $300.00
Mississippi United in Pride
June 2020 - $250.00
National Black Justice Coalition
June 2020 - $300.00
The Black Trans Advocacy
June 2020 - $300.00
Casa of Hancock County
December 2020 - $300.00
St Martin High School Food Pantry
February 2021 - $300.00
Austin Black Pride Winter Storm Fund
February 2021 - $300.00
Trans Self-Defense Kit Fundraiser
March 2021 - $300.00
The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence
April 2021 - $300.00
Moss Point High School Donation
May 2021 - $300.00
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Events We Have Sponsored:
Gulf Coast Equality Fest
LGBTQ+ Family Fun Day
Gulf Islands Water Park
Lava Links Family Golf Day
Beach Day
Rent Viewing Party
Day of the Dead Fiesta
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Canvas and Community
All Are Welcomed Here 6/23/17
Board President John Perkins presents an appreciation award to Vincenzo Mistretta for his documentary “All Are Welcomed
Here” about the Mississippi Religious Freedom Bill HB1523.
Harrah's Gulf Coast Donation 7/5/17
Board President John Perkins receives a $1000.00 donation from Harrah’s Gulf Coast Finance Director Stephanie Tally for our first Gulf Coast Equality Festival.
Casa of Hancock County Donation 12/15/19
Kara Coley, Board President, and Derek Combs, Board Vice President, present a $300.00 donation check and toys to Glenn Hood for Casa of Hancock County.
Casa of Hancock County Donation 12/20/20
Board President Molly Kester presents a $300.00 donation check to Glenn Hood for Casa of Hancock County.
Casa of Hancock County Toy Donation 12/20/20
Board member Kristen Sims presents donated toys to Glenn Hood and Chuck Underwood for Casa of Hancock County.
Computer Equipment Donation 1/3/21
Board members Kristen Sims, Jennifer Schlick, David Pelkey, and President Molly Kester fill up a truck load of old computer equipment to donate to
a local business.
St Martin High School Food Pantry Donation 2/7/21
Gulf Coast Equality Council is proud to have donated $300.00 to the St Martin High School Food Party. Board Vice President Kristen Sims, Board Treasurer Chris Shelton, and Board President Molly Kester presented the donation to Mrs. Dina Holland with St Martin High School. In addition, the council collected 140 non-perishable food items that were donated at our Lovers Drag Brunch on February 7, 2021.
The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence Donation 4/25/21
Gulf Coast Equality Council makes a $300.00 donation to The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence. Board President Molly Kester and Board Vice President Kristen Sims presented Rene Davis the donation check at Dinner with the Queens on April 25, 2021.
Moss Point High School Donation 5/17/21
Molly Kester, Gulf Coast Equality Council President and Community Outreach Chair, presents a donation check for $300.00 to Juanita Cooper at Moss Point High School to help with graduation expenses.