Important Fundraisers in the Florida Panhandle

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When it comes to fundraisers, the panhandle does things a little differently. There are some truly unique fundraisers in the panhandle, and all of them help worthy causes. Find out which fundraisers you should attend.

Stamped Film Festival

In 2012, the Stamped Film Festival debuted its inaugural event. It was Pensacola’s first LGBTQ film festival and is currently one of the largest festivals of its type in North Florida. Although the festival first started as the Pensacola LGBTQ Film Fest, it is now known as the Stamped Film Festival.

The event doubles as a fundraiser that uses proceeds to create a safer and more accepting local community. As a small community, Pensacola was never known for its diversity. But Stamped is a way to raise awareness of alternative lifestyles and the prevalence of the LGBTQ community.

If you attend the festival, you can watch LGBTQ films from international directors. There are short films as well as feature-length movies. All of the films focus in one way or another on LGBTQ issues.

The organizers of Stamped hope to eventually make the film festival a free event. By attending and donating to the festival today, you help make that vision come true.

Bridge of Hope Awareness Walk

As you may already know, September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Every year, the Bridge of Hope Awareness Walk honors the month and the people affected by suicide by raising money and awareness for suicide prevention.

The event takes place in Lynn Haven and is hosted by SPARE Coalition and several other local organizations. During the event, participants gather near the bridge by Leslie Porter Wayside Park. They walk across the bridge and spread awareness about suicide and the need for mental health services to prevent suicide.

In the panhandle and communities across the country, suicide is all too common. The issue of mental health has a stigma, so few people reach out for help. Additionally, a shortage of affordable mental health services makes it difficult for those who do seek help to get the assistance they need.

If you want to spread awareness about suicide, join in on this fundraiser. You could be saving lives.

Gay…La Charity Ball

One of the biggest fundraisers for Evolve ‘n Thrive Events, the Gay…La Charity Ball is an annual Pensacola event. The proceeds go towards running future charity events. Evolve n’ Thrive is a non-profit that runs LGBTQ events in the Southeastern United States.

When you attend this fundraiser, you get an opportunity to enjoy great food, string drinks, and elegant costumes. Although the ball has only been around for a few years, it’s quickly become one of the more popular fundraisers in the panhandle.

In 2020, the fundraiser took place at the Pensacola Museum of Commerce. Several performers took the stage and entertained a captivated audience. By celebrating diversity, the fundraiser encourages the Pensacola community to be more accepting of the LGBTQ lifestyle. 2020’s event kicked off with drinks and appetizers, which then led to dancing and a show. There was also a silent auction.

Annual Celebration of Women and Girls

For over ten years, the Celebration of Women and Girls has been having an annual fundraiser in Tallahassee. They host a talent show that features women and girls, all of whom celebrate the skill of females in the arts industry.

In the past, the fundraiser has always been a night to remember. In addition to having performances, the event also showcases food made by local female chefs. To raise money for the cause, the organizers have a silent auction and raffle. Attendees can buy drinks from the bar and appreciate the performances.

The proceeds from this event go towards the Oasis Center for Women and Girls and the Pace-Leon Center for Girls. Both non-profits help women succeed and thrive, as they encourage girls to value themselves and their abilities.

Colors of Autism Family Fun Day

If you want to help raise awareness for autism and support a great organization, you should participate in Tallahassee’s annual Colors of Autism Fun Day. The event features a fun run that’s organized by the Chipola Area Autism Resource Center. The organization offers educational opportunities, support, and services for those who have autism.

A run isn’t the only activity at this fundraiser. Typically, there are inflatable toys, arts and crafts, and face painting. Some years, they serve lunch to the participants. When you register for the event, you’re signing up for fun and helping a great cause.

Deck the Halls – Fundraiser Gala

Although it’s always nice to give back, the holidays is an especially great time to donate. Every year, you can get in the holiday spirit of giving with the Deck the Halls fundraiser. The event takes place at the Tallahassee Senior Center and raises money for the Tallahassee Senior Foundation.

The organization gives seniors in Tallahassee a safe place to enjoy activities. Open every day, the Senior Center offers a variety of programs, services, and activities. There are more than 180 activities each month.

Deck the Halls is an evening of food, martinis, and live music. In 2019, the event featured musical entertainment from Jazz Etcetera. There was complimentary valet parking, a cash giveaway, and a silent auction.

The Denim & Lace Gala Event and Fundraiser

The LCSO Adventure Camp is a three-week free summer camp offered by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Aimed towards students in middle school and high school, the camp fosters a bond between children and law enforcement. During the camp, attendees learn CPR, team building, and financial literacy. They also participate in weekly community service projects.

Each year, the Denim and Lace Gala raises money for the camp. The event features food, drinks, and entertainment. In the past, it’s been held at unique venues like the Tallahassee Automobile Museum.

Participating in Fundraisers in the Panhandle

There’s no shortage of fundraisers in the Panhandle. This year, attend one of the local fundraisers and learn how good it feels to give.

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Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.