7 Philly-area benefits to help the Pulse nightclub shooting victims
In the wake of the deadly mass shooting at Orlando, Fla.’s Pulse nightclub, the local LGBT community and its supporters have sprung into action to organize events to benefit the tragedy’s victims.
In the wake of the deadly mass shooting at Orlando, Fla.'s Pulse nightclub, the local LGBT community and its supporters have sprung into action to organize events to benefit the tragedy's victims.
Fundraising in the area began Monday with the Philadelphia Dyke March's "Heartbeat" benefit that raised thousands of dollars to help families of Pulse shooting victims cover funeral and medical bills.
The outreach for the 49 slain and 53 injured in the June 12 shooting, however, doesn't end there. Not by a longshot.
Below, Philadelphia and New Jersey-area events that hope to raise money for victims of the Orlando shooting:
[CAL_INFO]10 p.m., Friday, June 17, Berks Warehouse, 1801 N. Howard St., Tickets: $10 donation[/CAL_INFO]
A dance party to benefit Orlando's victims, this event features DJ sets from Deflector, Dentana, Sean Thomas, Diamond Girl, and more. All proceeds from the door and beer sales will be donated to the Pulse Victims Fund.
[CAL_INFO]10 p.m., Friday, June 17, Paradise, 101 Asbury Ave., Asbury Park, NJ, Tickets: $5 cover[/CAL_INFO]
Miss Paradise and Jolina Jasmine host this event, which features gift auctions, live performances, and special guests. Those who cannot attend but wish to donate to Orlando victims can drop off money at Asbury Park's Empress Hotel.
[CAL_INFO]1 p.m., Saturday, June 18, Watermark, 800 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ, Tickets: $125[/CAL_INFO]
The LGBT-focused Hetrick-Martin Institute's event offers an evening of cocktails, snacks, and music while hovering above the Asbury Park Boardwalk. A portion of the evening's proceeds will go toward benefitting the Pulse Victims Fund.
[CAL_INFO]3 p.m., Sunday, June 19, First Presbyterian Church, 201 S. 21st St., Free[/CAL_INFO]
Area musicians respond to Orlando with performances from Opera Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Academy of Vocal Arts, and more. Free-will donations will benefit Heeding God's Call and the William Way LGBT Community Center.
[CAL_INFO]6 p.m., Tuesday, June 21, Cape May Point State Park, 305 Light House Ave., Cape May, NJ, Free[/CAL_INFO]
A combination march, memorial, and fundraiser, this event begins at the Cape May Point lighthouse and ends at the nearby beachfront. Organizers ask that attendees bring donations of their choice, which will go to the Pulse Victims Fund.
[CAL_INFO]7 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, Franky Bradley's, 1320 Chancellor St., Tickets: $15[/CAL_INFO]
From aerialists and pole artists to drag queens and musicians, LoveIsLove will feature a packed performance lineup to honor the fallen in Orlando. Auction and door proceeds will go to Planting Peace's We Stand With Pulse fund.
[CAL_INFO]7 p.m., Thursday, July 21, Gayborhood, 11th St. to Broad St. and Chestnut to Pine, Tickets: Donations vary[/CAL_INFO]
Gayborhood clubs including Franky Bradley's, ICandy, Woody's, Tabu, Voyeur, Stir, and others join forces for this multi-venue event in July. This one has it all, including bartending dance parties, burlesque, leather events, Quizzo, poker and city and state officials serving as "guest bartenders." Among those announced so far: City council members Mark Squilla and Helen Gym; Congressman Bob Brady; state Sen. Larry Farnese; Police Capt. Jack Ryan; and executive director of the Philadelphia Human Relations Commission, Rue Landau. One event, at the William Way LGBT Center, will also cater to those who like to party sober.