Ferndale Pride 2013 Raises $15,000 for Local Charities

Ferndale Pride organizers announced Wednesday that profits from this year's gay pride festival were up 50 percent for a total of $15,000 that will be donated to three local non-profit organizations.

Final financial results from the event indicate "success beyond our most optimistic projections," a press release from festival director Craig Covey states.

More than 15,000 people attended some part of the weekend events - including the Rainbow Run, the pre-Friday event at Affirmations, the June 1 street festival, the Dyke March and various other parties - which is double the estimated attendance from last year's festival, according to organizers. 

The Rainbow Run, put on by the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce, also doubled in size and doubled its fundraising, the release states.

Sponsors donated 40 percent more funding to the event, and an increase of 15 percent was seen in businesses and organizations renting booth space. The event featured two stages instead of one and total funds raised grew by more than one third.

Funds after expenses totaled $15,000, which is being donated to Ferndale Community Foundation, Affirmations, and Michigan AIDS Coalition.

"The weather held up after a week of rain, and most importantly, the community got to gather in its diversity and pride and have fun," the press release states. "Ferndale and the region loves its festivals, and the Ferndale festival organizers deserve all of the credit."

The event was led by festival director Craig Covey and co-chairs Greg Pawlica, Julia Music, Monica Mills, Tony Phoenix, Derek Pratley, Eddie Mulak, and Sharon Chess.

In an effort to not conflict with next year’s Detroit-based Motor City Pride Festival, the event committee also announced Wednesday that Ferndale Pride 2014 is being planned for Saturday, May 31, 2014.