Greetings!
Thank you for your support of Rhode Island Pride. We are proud to have almost 45 years of service to LGBTQIA+ Rhode Islanders and recognize we could not be where we are today without community support and our sponsors.
After much consideration, Rhode Island Pride’s Board of Directors recently announced the official postponement of the annual Rhode Island PrideFest and the Illuminated Night Parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an unfortunate but important step in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Our decision, which prioritizes the health and wellness of the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies.
To our generous sponsors, volunteers, vendors and parade participants, we want you to know Rhode Island Pride
has not
been cancelled. We are working with the Mayor’s Office and the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism to pick a new date when the time is appropriate.
We understand these are difficult times and we are here for you! Our vendor and parade registrations are typically non-refundable. Given the current circumstances, our Board of Directors has reevaluated this for 2020 and will be offering the following options.
- Your registration fee can be carried forward to the next parade/festival: This is the default option and no action is required. We will automatically process this.
- You can make your registration a tax deductible donation to Rhode Island Pride: To make your registration a tax deductible donation, please visit https://prideri.org/registration-change/ and complete the form.
- You can request a refund of registration minus a 20% processing fee: To receive a refund (minus the 20% processing fee), please visit https://prideri.org/registration-change/ and complete the form. (Please note that we will not process refunds via email!)
If we have not heard from you by May 18, 2020 we will transfer your registration fees to the next parade/festival.
We are committed to the health and wellness of Rhode Islanders in need. In response to COVID-19, Rhode Island Pride initiated a no-contact food drive and delivery program raising money and securing food and supplies. To date, we have provided a week's worth of groceries to nearly 6500 Rhode Islanders and will continue to do this as long as we have the funds and volunteers.
To donate visit
https://tinyurl.com/PrideSupplyDrive
Recently, we have started to produce various digital entertainment broadcasts, bringing your favorite local performers online for those who need a break from the monotony of self-isolation (make sure you follow us on
Facebook
and
Instagram
).
Sincerely,
Rhode Island Pride's, Board of Directors
