Sunday, February 7, 2010

And it's GO TIME!

by Mikael Frank Audebert - Executive Producer for Event Development | COWP 2010

I was asked again this year to be part of this amazing production Come Out With Pride has become. With one change: I was promoted to Executive Producer for Development. Needless to say that I am extremely honored and excited at the same time to be donating my time to such a great cause, hoping to contribute in making this year's edition one to be remembered for years to come. In 2009, working on Come Out With Pride has helped all of us on the production team, including myself, go through a very difficult year. Its excitement, challenges and the ability to grow one's network and knowledge though the organization has been extremely helpful to a lot of us. All leading to the amazing satisfaction of delivering the best event in Orlando's gay history..at least until this year!

Once again, on 2010 an amazing team of 20 unpaid volunteers (it is important to point it out as some believe we financially benefit from this) is about to kick start the production of a new edition of Come Out With Pride. Set to become the largest event of the region with a budget this year exceeding $150,000, this year's pride will be celebrating great Gay athletes. 10-10-10: A Pride Of Olympian Proportions will take place October 7 through the 10th. We expect over 60,000 from all over the country celebrating during a 4-day period.

We are currently working on a great line up of legendary headliners, from comedians to singers as well as creating over 7 different events of various sizes. The production team welcomes a few new faces this year: John Wiltsey (Allied Events Director), Mark Cady (Marketing Director), Diana Stefanyszyn (Fundraiser Director), Jake Green (Public Communication Director), Charles Orden (Sponsorship Associate) and Rick Claggett as Executive Producer for Operations.

The profits generated by Come Out With Pride go directly into programs such as grants for worthy LGBT or LGBT related causes, MBA Cares (a new program for Senior Citizens in nursing homes) and the development of programs that promote diversity in the workplace and the growth of gay owned businesses.

Stay tuned for more information. We will keep you updated as often as possible. In the meantime, visit http://www.comeoutwithpride.org and find links to be added to our Facebook fan page or follow us on Twitter.
You may also visit the MBA website (parent company of Come Out With Pride) to learn more on how to become a member and join a great cause: http://www.mbaorlando.org

Thank you to all of our sponsors, city and county officials and State representatives for their continuing support in bringing Orlando the largest LGBT celebration.

See you in numbers on 10-10-10!

Mikael Frank Audebert
Executive Producer for Development & Board Member | Come Out With Pride, Inc.
Technology Director & Board Member | Metropolitan Business Association