July 2023: RAINDrops E-News |
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Gay Bingo Charlotte continues to be one of Charlotte's most unique and over-the-top fundraisers. This year we are going to be making waves like flapper girls with Roaring 20's Gay Bingo on Saturday, November 4th.
Since RAIN introduced this fundraiser in February 2000, Gay Bingo Charlotte has raised over $1.6 million for people living with HIV and those at risk.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, August 10. We look forward to another amazing sold-out year!
Gay Bingo Charlotte will continue to raise HIV awareness in a fun and creative way until there are no new cases. Here's to a night of glamour and adventure!
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| Nathan Smith
VP of Philanthropy
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RAIN Reaches New Milestone! |
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Devon Cokley
HIP Program Manager
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The Outreach team has been out and about this summer ensuring that the community has access to completely free and confidential full-panel STI tests! The panels cover HIV/Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and three-site Gonorrhea/Chlamydia testing. The mobile unit has increased community accessibility – this is made apparent through the number of tests completed – 504 halfway through the year 2023, compared to just over 200 in the entire year of 2022!
“The Drop” (a safe space for young minority men who have sex with men) has also provided another point of access to care for the community.
This time of year is incredibly busy for our team; with June being Pride Month, Charlotte Black Pride in July, and Charlotte Pride in August. The RAIN outreach team has had an eventful summer testing, recruiting, and providing referrals to essential services like medical case management and PrEP referrals! Heading into the fall, RAIN expects to continue providing free and confidential testing while educating and providing unique HIV/STI prevention methods.
Call or Text 704-641-2278 to schedule a testing appointment or inquire about services provided at the RAIN office, The Drop, or by the Mobile Testing Unit!
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Top 10 Reasons to be a Sponsor for RAIN's Events |
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- Introduces your company to individuals that may not already know about you.
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Raises awareness and build your brand in front of people who value community diversity.
- Connects your company with others shaping Charlotte's social landscape.
- Offers unique sponsorship opportunities and benefits.
- Shows the community that you are breaking down the walls of HIV stigma.
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Front-row seats to unique events in Charlotte!
- Opportunities for your company to participate in an active and engaging social media strategy
- Puts your company's dollars back into the local community you serve.
- Fun and creative ways for team building and volunteering.
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It's the right and smart thing to do!
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| Joyce Brooks
Grant & Donor Relations Manager
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Celebrating Unity and Diversity at PRIDE in the Park: A Resounding Success |
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Chelsea Gulden
President and CEO
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Elgin Phillips
CTRL Lifestyle Group
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Ricardo Lawson
CTRL Lifestyle Group
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The inaugural PRIDE in the Park event held on July 15th was a monumental celebration of the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community. With unity, diversity, and equality in mind, this safe space brought people together from all walks of life.
Organized collaboratively by RAIN, The DROP, Mecklenburg County Health Department, and five local party promoters—Brickz Entertainment, CTRL Lifestyle Group, DRellYo Entertainment, Meltdown Productions, and Men of Destini—the event featured talented local performers and showcased the vibrant spirit of Charlotte.
Black and Brown LGBTQ+ vendors added to the experience, offering products and services, while HIV/STI testing and vaccinations were provided by RAIN and the Mecklenburg County Health Department.
PRIDE in the Park's impact was profound, fostering camaraderie and promoting acceptance. Let's carry its spirit forward by supporting and uplifting marginalized communities, creating a world that celebrates diversity and embraces love in all its forms.
With love and pride,
Chelsea, Elgin & Ricardo
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Clothing Closet at The Drop |
Clothing Closet at The Drop |
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The Drop’s clothing closet is now up and running! This resource is available for anyone in need of an extra outfit or basic clothing necessities. They are able to choose from a variety of threads (shirts, shorts, pants, socks, shoes, dresses, jackets, sweaters, and more) and we cover all seasons! All of our inventory is donated, washed, and folded. Members of the community are able to drop off donations during our business hours as well! Donations should be in good condition (no stains or holes) and washed before bringing them to The Drop.
Contact Devin at 704-207-6151 for more information.
The Drop
5114 Monroe Rd. Charlotte, NC 28205
M-W: 9 AM to 5 PM
Th: 9A M to 7 PM
F: 9 AM to 12 PM
S: 11 AM to 3 PM
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| Devon Cokley
HIP Program Manager
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For almost 10 years, Avita has been supporting RAIN through events, special training, and pharmaceutical support. Avita believes health care is a human right and has built a company on the foundation of compassionate care to remove barriers for patients and agencies across the care continuum.
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601 E. 5th Street, Suite 470
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 372-7246
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601 E. 5th Street Suite 470 | Charlotte, NC 28202 US
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