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Planning Meeting Notes 

WCC Planning Meeting held Sunday, November 4, 2007

 

WCC New Year’s Eve Dance:

Music will be provided by Jennie S.

Jan B. has arranged location, snacks, cash bar, and the dance floor. 

Decoration/Clean up committee:  Chris G., Elaine R. and Susan J.  (All volunteered at previous meeting July 15^th.)

 

TDD Restaurant Ideas:

Sonny’s Bistro  (far North side of Des Moines )- very small place

O’Charlies, 6450 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines

Yanni’s, Ankeny

Ruby Tuesday’s, Jordan Creek Town Center , West Des Moines

Cheesecake Factory, Jordan Creek Town Center , West Des Moines

Café Sue, in Valley Junction, West Des Moines

The Continential, E. Locust St (in the East Village ), Des Moines

Lone Star Steakhouse, 22^nd St, West Des Moines

Cool Basil (more than one location?)

Christopher’s, Beaver Ave. , Des Moines

 

Coffeehouse Events:

Jan. 26, 2008- Casino Night at Friend’s House

                        Hosted by: Chris B., Paula and Chris G. 

                        Diana W. will bring the large game table (roulette/craps/blackjack).

 

Feb. 23, 2008- Karaoke Night & Potluck at Friend’s House

                         Hosted by: Marie K. and Sara N.

 

Mar. 22, 2008- Concert Night at Friend’s House.

                          Featured musicians: Kelly Carrell, BeJae Fleming, Laurie Haag, Deb Tiemens & Mary Pat

                          Hosted by: Sandy G. and Kathy M.

 

Apr. 26, 2008- Movie Night at Friend’s House

                        Hosted by: Diana W. and Angel G.

 

WCC Annual Holiday Dinner:  Just a reminder that the Holiday Dinner is Dec. 1, 2007, 6:30pm at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse,

6800 Fluer Dr. , Des Moines .

 

Memorials/Flowers:

It was decided that instead of one person collecting money for flowers from the WCC that we will use WCC Funds to pay for flower arrangements/memorials and cards.  This will be for immediate family (siblings, spouse and children) and parents of WCC members.  Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, etc will not be included in this.

 

New Group in Ames :

Sandy G. brought to our attention that a new group called “Amazon Rising” is meeting every Friday after work (around 5:00-5:30pm ) at Stomping Grounds Coffee Shop in Campus Town .

 

Next Planning Meeting: Sunday, Mar. 9, 2008 at 1:00pm at Ritual Café, Des Moines .

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July 15, 2007

Planning Meeting - 12 women attended at Ritual Cafe

Phone Line

Phone line: we no longer have directory listing in phone book and can’t get it without having a business line.

Susan J. is passing the care of the phone line back to Liz.

Advertising

Larry from Liberty Gifts is still advertising; Liz might be getting an ad from an apartment building. Other former advertisers should be approached like Bone-Appetreat ; Heartland was once a yearly one. Tender Touch. Chris G. will help with securing advertising.

TDDs

Kathy and Elaine volunteered to continue as TDD coordinators. Suggestions: Olympic Flame, find out when belly dancers are there (Friday nights); Bella Italian in Pleasant Hill, North End Diner, Lucullan’s in Ames, Lonestar Steak House; Noah’s Ark; Papa Chubbys in Ankeny; Marinos; Café Su; Baratta’s; House of Hunan; El Rodeo; El Azteca in Ames;
September will be back to twice a month.

Holiday party --  needs to be determined, not Dec. 7^th (Wishing Chair concert at Lighthouse). Elaine will call some possible sites.

CoffeeHouses:

September

Jamie Anderson – Sept 8^th, at Friend’s Meeting House.
Iowa Women’s Music Festival is 15^th in Iowa City
Sept. 22^nd (Fourth Sat.) possibly some sort of political event – Sandy G. will see if Sandy V  can organize something.

Need volunteers for Jamie’s concert – contact Jan B. A sign-up sheet was sent around and I think the concert is covered for refreshments.

October

October 20^th is LVF (Lavender Victory Fund) dance and silent auction.
All Iowa Aids benefit is 21^st (Sunday);

Chris G. will organize a Halloween Party Oct. 27th

November

November 24th – Thanksgiving weekend; Game Night and Potluck; Chris B. phoned in her willingness to coordinate.

December

December 7^th – Wishing Chair at Lighthouse West Des Moines Christian Church

December 1^st or 15th – Holiday Party (Kathy and Elaine) Suggestion of places for the Holiday Party: Hanna’s in Adel (old library).  Johnny’s Steak House south side;

Dec. 31^st – Jenny will DJ. for the New Year’s Eve Dance. Jenny will look for locations – suggestions for Holiday Inn on Merle Hay (last year’s site) or Wildwood.  Jan will call Holiday Inn. We learned from last year we should not use confetti because it costs more for hotel to clean up. Liz called Wildwood at the meeting. 

Chris G. is doing decorations, Susan J., Elaine R. will help.

Other Business:

Newsletter subscriptions are down. Discussion followed about how to support and advertise WCC.  We don’t have memberships but people should feel free to contribute for more than just the newsletter. Susan will send something to Access line about WCC.

We need better networking to get the word out about WCC with other groups like MCC, GLBT Center, Principle group; Wells Fargo group.

Anita suggested support groups (coming out group) and educational programs; Karyn L. would help with a coming out group if there is a need; we need other volunteers. Diana will put an announcement in the newsletter to see if anyone wants to volunteer or to be part of a coming out group.

Suggestions were made to advertise at the annual Governor’s LGBT youth conference. Susan J. had been an advocate at last year’s conference but she could not stay the whole day.  Anita suggested we have a panel discussion at the conference but no one volunteered to take charge of that.

We discussed the need for a broad range of access points; GLBT Resource Center – Chris G. will be volunteering there and can be a liaison for WCC and LGBT Resource Center. Discussed putting an ad in Juice and other publications as well as getting into the Juice calendar and in  DM register calendar.  Jennie volunteered to put our events in calendars. Some discussion followed about making sure we remained a “safe place for lesbians” as is part of our mission statement.

Susan J. reminded us that next year is our 30^th anniversary and that we need to boast about ourselves and the fact that WCC has remained viable while other lesbian groups have disbanded. Morgan has all of the old newsletters and we would like to do something with them.  Jan is working on creating WCC shirts with our logo.

There was a suggestion to talk to Ritual Café owners about what the young women are interested in and how to attract the younger crowd.  Susan J. will talk to Linda and Denise.

Our 30^th Anniversary will be in September.  [Note from Sandy G. -- our history statement on the web site says WCC started in 1979 so our 30^th anniversary will be in 2009.]

Diana will create an announcement about New Year’s Eve dance.

Next meeting date set for November 4^th 2007.

 

March 18, 2007

Mailing List: Jan will take over the mailing list from Sarah N.

Diana will have access to write checks though Jan will still be responsible for deposits to the account.

Newsletter:  We will send one copy of the newsletter to advertisers unless they have a year long ad, then they will get a subscription.

Larry, Liberty Gifts -- ad ends in December
Brenda Bohall -- only Jan.
Tax office -- ad ends after April

Coffeehouses

• April 28th (Floored by Love, April's Shower, Imagine You and Me), reschedule movie night 7 pm. Angel and Diana are organizing.
• May/June -- June 1st & 2nd, Potluck on the 2nd, Prairie Flower, Saylorville Lake, Sandy, Sandy and Bonnie are organizing this event.
• June, Pride -- June 10
• July/August Aug 25th - Picnic at Big Creek, Cadet Shelter -- Sandy K. will make the reservation, bring chairs
• September 8th -- Jamie Anderson, Mary McAdams opens and will do sound, 
• September 15th Iowa Women's Music Festival (Wishing Chair will be there). 

July 15th Next WCC Planning Meeting

PRIDE
We will have a booth again this year. Check with Susan and Becca to see if they'll volunteer.. Magnets and bookmarks and extra newsletters for giveaways. Will do a color version of newsletter for June. About $70 for color copies (about 100). An extra 50 newsletters will be printed for the booth.

Trips for Pride
St. Louis -- Tower Grove Park June 23-24th 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. both days. Liz will organize names for this trip.

Chicago, June 24th Pride

Minneapolis, June 23-24th. Rally at Loran Park, Parade is Sunday morning. On 6/22 Uptown block party; also block party after parade; Sandy V. & Terri and Angel and Diana are organizing WCCers who want to go. June 22nd WNBA game, $15-40 ticket prices. Terri G. and Diana W. will be contacts. By end of next month, want to know how many want to go so we could get a block of rooms. 

Email Diana if you plan to attend: rnbwldy@hotmail.com. Send message to email list.

TDD dinner -- Dec. 7th Wishing Chair will be at Lighthouse so don't have TDD then.

TDDs for next few months have to be planned.

We want to consider another summer vacation together like we did with Itasca. If we do Itasca, we need to get reservations a year in advance. Sandy K. doesn't want to make the decision alone. She needs someone one else to help with that. Is July or August preferred? Kathy M. will help work on this with Sandy K.

 

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November 19, 2006

WCC Planning Meeting
Ritual Café

Agenda Items
Mailbox
Coffeehouses
TDD
Eat Outs
Phone line
Newsletter Ads
New Year's Eve Dance
Newsletter mailings
Article submissions
LGBT AA
WCC Calendar

Announcements

• Thanksgiving is officially at Jan and Sue's.

Mailbox

• Kelly - not doing check book or mailbox anymore so we need new volunteers.
•  Jan will do the checkbook;
• Need someone to pick up mail - Sara N. will do this. Need info on where mailbox is located from Kelly.
  

Coffeehouses

• November coffeehouse is Potluck at 6:30-9:00 p.m. and Game Night.
• No December coffeehouse.
• January is casino night - Jan 27th; Susan has asked that people bring no more than 3 white elephant gifts. Susan and Paula will sponsor this event.
• February - Movie Night - Feb. 24th -- Friends House (suggested movies: When Night is Falling) Liz will bring it. Diana and Angel will be hostesses. Liz will bring popcorn. Marie will bring popcorn.
• March - Celebrating Women's History Month. Marie, Sandy K. and Kelly might help with readings. Sara N. will help. Kathy M. will help. Susan J., Gail G., and Morgan will maybe play. Brenda plays flute. Susan will coordinate music.
• April - concert? Does Jan have someone? Suggestions: Laura Berkson. Lavender Lace?
  

Phone line

• Phone line has had same message since September. Susan J. had volunteered to take it but not updated.
• Susan needs information about how to update; needs number and lessons.
  

Advertising

• Liz is listed but we didn't have her phone number and email listed in newsletter. This will be added to the newsletter. lizlmt@hotmail.com
• Liz will follow up with Kelly to find out how it was done in the past.
• We could call business owners and have on flat fee for a year.
• Suggested a new yearly fee of $100 to cover space in both newsletter and website - business card size. For a flyer -$30 per issue; It was suggested we run an ad in newsletter telling people about the new yearly rate.
• Liz making a media kit to give to advertisers.
• Sandy G. will get magnets and business cards to Liz.

TDD

• Great turnout last Friday and we got a list from attendees of new places.
• Elaine will call restaurants to find out about their reservation policy.
• We'll have a card ready for Jan. newsletter.
• Adding Elaine's phone number to newsletter and cards.
• Eat Out's - at Paradise Pizza but not the Wed. before Thanksgiving. No TDDs in December, just the Holiday party at the Tournament Club.
  

New Year's Eve Dance

• Dance is at Holiday Inn (that used to be the Four Points Sheridan) near Benigans on Merle Hay Road.
•  Everything is reserved. Space larger than Wildwood.
• Wisconsin Room - it is accessible. Larger floor.
• There is a block of rooms if you want.
• LGBT center will have the flyer in their newsletter. They are not charging us postage. LGBT center has a good calendar. Flyer will say "For women only" to LGBT center.
• Jan B. will contact Access newspaper to get it in but may miss deadline.
• We put a lot of money out for this event so we need people to show.
• A separate flyer will be sent to the mailing list.

Newsletter Mailings

• Submit articles to the WCC P.O. Box
• Electronic submissions will go to wcc@iowawcc.org.
• Due date for deadlines in newsletter needs to be corrected to a certain date of the month.

 

LGBT AA

• There are two AA meetings in Des Moines for LGBT folks.
• We've advertised the meeting in the newsletter as a public service (no charge).

 

WCC Calendar

• LGBT center will allow us to submit our calendar to their publication if we submit by the 15th of the month.
• For our next calendar: the women's football team, Crush, is doing a fundraiser and silent auction on Dec. 3rd at the Saddle.

Next Planning Meeting will be in March.

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August 3, 2006

The meeting was held after the Wednesday Eat Out dinner. A large group of women attended.

Calendar of Events

August events include a trip to Itasca State Park in Minnesota for a number of WCC women. Sandy K. organized the Aug. 6-10 event. We've rented a lodge and plan to caravan north to where the Mississippi headwaters begin. Other WCCers will be attending the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, Aug. 8th-13th. Susan J. reported that Ritual Café has a sign-up sheet if anyone is looking for carpooling to Michigan.

The September Coffeehouse will be a concert by Joni Laurence, a Portland-based singer-songwriter with a beautiful voice and a brand new CD. She was at the Ritual Café last April. She'll be performing on Sept. 23rd at the Friends Meeting House at 42nd and Grand. Sandy G. and Jan B. have organized this event. Kelly Carrell of Iowa City will be the opening act for Joni. Volunteers are needed to bring food and drink to this event. Contact Sandy G. (roodoc@hotmail.com) or Jan B. (jbelluchi@mchsi.com) if you plan to bring food. For more information about the concert, check out the website: www.iowawcc.org.

October's events include the Lavender Victory Fund dance on October 21st. The WCC coffeehouse will be on its usual 4th Saturday - October 28th. Sara S. and Sandy V. will work on a coffeehouse event to discuss the political scene and what we need to know to support our community.

The November 25th event will be the annual potluck and game night at Friends Meeting house. Chris B. and Diana W. will coordinate. Bring a dish to share (probably not leftover Thanksgiving turkey!) and a game to play.

December's event will be our annual Holiday party. The date is not finalized but it will probably be one of the first two Saturdays in Dec. (either the 2nd or the 9th). Sue D. has volunteered to coordinate this event. We will be having dinner at a nice restaurant and time to celebrate the season together.

January New Year's Eve dance. Jennie is working on finding a location for the dance. Elaine R. has agreed to help coordinate this event. Watch for more details as they become available.

Volunteers Step Up

Newsletter Editor - Diana W. has volunteered to take over the newsletter from Susan J. and Becca K. Please thank Susan and Becca for all their hard work with the newsletter over the last several years!!! You guys rock!

Diana does not have a computer so Jan B. donated one to the cause (thanks, Jan). Sandy G. refurbished it so it's ready to go for the new WCC newsletter editor. Diana also does not have a printer so WCC will purchase one. An anonymous donation was made at the planning meeting (thank you, whoever you are) so that Diana could get a printer and virus protection. Deadlines for submission of announcements and articles for the newsletter will be on the 15th of each month. Diana plans to have her first edition out by early September. A suggestion was made to have a newsletter envelope stuffing party at Borders on the first Friday evening after the newsletter is ready.

TDD - Liz Q. is stepping down as TDD coordinator. Thanks Liz, for your work with this event over the past year. Kathy M. and Elaine R. have volunteered to be the new TDD coordinators. They will be picking restaurants for the Friday dinners. They plan to schedule two TDDs per month. We'll be hearing more from them as the TDDs are scheduled.

Advertising coordinators - Two volunteers stepped forward to help us maintain and increase our advertising revenue. Jan B. will work on keeping track of fees paid and due dates for ads. Liz Q. volunteered to help seek out new advertisers for the newsletter.

Phone line - Susan J. volunteered to take over the phone line. She will need some training on the procedures but will soon be our new resource for those seeking info about WCC from the phone line.

Database Manager - Sara N. plans to verify all of the addresses on our mailing list and work to make sure we have current addresses for the businesses and supporters who receive copies of our publication. Sara would welcome volunteers to help make sure our addresses are current.

Announcements

On Wednesday, August 16th, a vote will be taken to determine the next location for the Wed. night Eat Out group. We've been at the LoneStar Steakhouse for several months and we try to rotate the location to different restaurants every few months. Please come on Aug. 16th with your suggestions for new locations and your vote for your favorite Wed. night eating location.

Everyone is invited to join Jan. B. on Saturday, Sept. 30th at the Wildwood Hotel in Clive to celebrate her birthday!! It's a big one, but you'll have to ask her which one. There will be drinks and hors d'oeuvres served.

The next Retirees Luncheon will be held on August 24th at Chips Restaurant in Ankeny. The retirees meet at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome, even if you're not officially retired!

Sandy V. is heading to Boston for a national meeting of Equality leaders. If you'd like to support her with a donation for the volunteer work she does for LGBT equality in Iowa, please check out her website at: www.equalityiowa.org. She announced that she is working on hosting next year's national gathering of Equality leaders in Des Moines. Their annual conference is in August and she would like to bring the group to Iowa to meet the political candidates who will be here for Iowa's primary, the first in the nation. She would also invite Equality leaders to enjoy the Iowa State Fair. If they agree to select Iowa as the next meeting site, there will be 200-400 LGBT leaders in Des Moines - a great opportunity for WCCers to interact with leaders from around the country.

We welcomed some new faces to the group on Wednesday. We hope to see them again at future events. Pass the word that WCC is open to all interested women.

The meeting adjourned about 8:30 p.m.

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March 2006 planning meeting

Planning meeting minutes - March 5, 2006 

Birthdays and anniversaries - give changes to Sara 
$15 for WCC support - not just for newsletter

Concert: Jamie Anderson March 25th Suite E, Betsy West opens; need people for door, money collection; need a table for cds for Jamie, have a raffle prize (necklace); Chris and Sandy K. will do door; tickets $10. Susan J. will do raffle and cds. Jennie & Mary pop; set up/tear down help; helpers here at 6:30 p.m. Need chairs. Bring some folding chairs if you have them to share.

Wishing Chair, BeJae Fleming - next month; April 22nd (Jan has sound for this event). Talked about creating a program - with ads; bio of performer; Metropolitan will place an ad.

Marie will help with pop and set up. Email Jan if you want to volunteer for door, etc.

Coffee houses
Concerts for next two coffeehouses 
May - 4th Sat. is Memorial Day weekend - May 27th, potluck, picnic at Chris and Nancy's house
June 3rd - Sandy & Sandy organizing - camping at Saylorville. Will try for the same spot as last year.
June 10th, 11th June Pride in Des Moines -- two day event this year 
Minneapolis Pride - June 23rd; back afternoon Sunday 25th; Sat night dance; WMBA game on Sat. so could get Pride package; don't know hotel rates yet (trouble finding places close to Hennepin) call Diana - she's the contact person; 282-6011. Pride package tix cost about $43.50 for court side seats with hot dog and drink added and pom poms. 
July 22nd - Potluck Picnic- Big Creek
August will be trip to Minnesota. Sandy K. is organizing.

Pride Events
Ad is set for WCC in Pride program; Pride booth has been ordered.  Pride will be Sat. and Sunday. Volunteers needed to staff the booth: Marie, Sandy G. have volunteered. Susan and Becca have a shelter; will share booth with Lutherans Concerned. Discussed organizing a talent contest and sponsored by Ritual Café. Winner of PRIDE Idol contest will perform on Simon Estes stage. Ritual wants to do something and they are open to WCC co-sponsoring. Could have some recognition and history of WCC announced on stage also. For the Pride Idol contest, performances at Ritual before Pride.  Vote on a winner at Ritual.
 *** Sunday, May 21st - Pride Idol at Ritual Café; Becca, Nancy, Sara, Chris will organize.
At Pride, we need an MC to talk at Pride - to talk about WCC and to introduce Pride Idol winner.

Professionals Luncheon
2nd Thursdays of the month -- how can WCC get connected with them?  City view or Datebook interview with Jessica B.; Susan Webster volunteered to put together a listserv for professionals luncheon. More than 20 people showed up for first events.  

Paperwork, Newsletter ads
Who is keeping track of paid ads for newsletter? Separation of money and database (ads). Kelly was keeping track of what people paid for ads. Do we have ads that are in that haven't been paid for? Kelly still has check book and can sign. We'll check with Kelly. Kelly has the key to the mailbox.

Newsletter 
Susan and Becca have done it for three years (YEAAYYY Susan and Becca, you grrrls ROCK!!!!)- 
They would like to pass it on. How long do we want a print newsletter? We will poll existing subscribers to see who wants printed or electronic.  Chris B. & Sara to contact folks re: electronic vs. paper copies of newsletter.

Sandy G. will look into putting a password protection for e newsletter. Discussed doing a quarterly newsletter; Redo brochure; put calendar online. Check out Airset for WCC electronic calendar.

phone line -833-1775 

Possible TDD Locations
Chips, The Café (Ames), Taki
Liz wasn't present at meeting. Sara will contact her to see if she's still interested in coordinating the TDD.

Next week planning mtg.- July 16th @ Ritual

 

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Past Events

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Calendars

FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO MOVIE - STILL ON!

6/12/08 7:30 p.m.

Join Capital City Pride and other local LGBT groups for a showing of "For The Bible Tells Me So."
Thursday, June 12, 7:30 p.m. at the State Historical Society, 600 East Locust, Des Moines
View the trailer here!
About the movie: Does God really condemn loving homosexual relationships? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? The provocative, entertaining documentary, "For the Bible Tells Me So", addresses these questions and more.

 

Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus - STILL ON!

6/13/08 7:30pm

Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University Des Moines
Tickets at the door $15 adults, $10 children 12 and under
Ticket information at www.DMGMC.org
Retail ticket outlet - Liberty Gifts, 333 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines

 DES MOINES PARADE

Thursday, June 12, 6:00 a.m.

Due to the worsening flooding situation in Des Moines, Capital City Pride, in consultation with Des Moines authorities, has decided to postpone major weekend PrideFest 2008 events until September. All available city resources are needed for emergency preparations. Please watch for an announcement in the coming days about a rescheduled Saturday Night Street Party, Pride Parade, and Sunday Community Pride Festival.

At this time, the community's resources must be dedicated to protecting downtown Des Moines. We encourage all members of the LGBT community to get involved by registering to volunteer at www.unitedwaydm.org.

For questions, please contact CCP President Eric Galvan at eric_galvan@capitalcitypride.org.

Capital City Pride thanks the entire community for its support and understanding, and we look forward to celebrating with you in September.

Capital City Pride Street Party - POSTPONED

6/14/08 6pm to 12am

Des Moines Pride Festival - Pride Fest POSTPONED

6/15/08 12pm to 6pm

POSTPONED until September due to flooding!
 

First Annual Iowa Pride Institute LOCATION/TIME CHANGE

6/13/08 1pm - 3pm

Please Join Us for the  FIRST ANNUAL IOWA PRIDE INSTITUTE
Hosted by Iowa Pride Network and Capital City Pride
WHO: Leaders of Iowa’s LGBT & Allied Organizations
WHEN: Friday, June 13, 2008; 1:00 – 3:00
WHERE: The Pride Institute will take place at the Drake Legal Clinic located at 24th Street and University Avenue in Des Moines.
(Enter through the front door, take the stairs and head to the Legal Clinic Library on the second floor)PARKING: Participants will have to utilize on-street parking as well as the small parking lot South of the Clinic

MISSION: The Iowa Pride Institute is designed to serve as a catalyst for collaboration by bringing the leaders of Iowa’s LGBT and Allied organizations together to discuss challenges, issues and ideas facing Iowa’s LGBT community and developing proactive strategies to advance our cause of equality and respect.

LGBT Musicians at Ritual Cafe - STILL ON!

6/13/08 7pm

Come to Ritual Café in Des Moines on Friday the 13th and enjoy the music of Chris Schultz • Steph Hayes • Namoli Brennett and more! 

Events at the Garden this weekend - STILL ON

6/13/08

The Garden Nightclub is dry, geared up, and queered up for this weekend! Our events will remain as scheduled with one exception – we will open at 3pm on Sunday instead of 10am. Come out for our Drag King and burlesque show on Thursday, Chicago Beef strippers on Friday, and Cassandra Cass headlining our Saturday and Sunday shows. All ages are still welcome on Sunday until 8pm for the BBQ, Karaoke, and Dance Party! Even though the parade and rally have been cancelled for this weekend, we are still celebrating pride at the Garden! Thanks for your support, spread the word, and we will see you this weekend! 

PROUD FAMILIES AFTERNOON “OUT”

Saturday, June 14^th 12 – 2 p.m.

Mercer Park Scanlon Gym

2701 Bradford Dr. Iowa City

An afternoon of fun and games for GLBT families and allies.

 

One Iowa/Capital City Pride Lecture: Mental Health

6/14/08 1pm

One Iowa/Capital City Pride Lecture: Mental Health - June 14 - 1:00 PM - Central Library, Des Moines
Speaker: Myke Selha, LISW with LGBT Community Center. RSVP HERE

 

Comedienne Christine O'Leary @ Ritual Cafe - STILL ON!

6/14/08 5pm

Time to laugh with hilarious and sassy comedienne Christine O'Leary. She was nominated Funniest Lesbian in America by Curve Magazine.   $10 donation at the door.

Gay Pride Brunch 2008 - STILL ON!

6/15/08 9am to 2pm

Come join members of our extended family for great food, fun and entertainment before the parade. The event is being hosted at the Thoreau Center located at 3500 Kingman Blvd. Des Moines starting at 9 to 2pm. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance ($20 at the door) from Anthony at 710-6658 or pridebrunch@inbox.com. More information can be found at myspace.com/gaypridebrunch

 

Gay Pride Day at Adventureland 2008

6/16/08 10am

Capital City Pride hosts its annual Pride Day at Adventureland in Altoona.
Gates open at 10am.
NEW: Buy your tickets through Capital City Pride and save $6 off gate admission. Find the Capital City Pride booth at all PrideFest 2008 events for an opportunity to purchase tickets for just $25!
Wear blue this year to help make your presence known.  We'll take a group photo at 4 p.m. in front of Train Station. 

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“Culture, Mind, Body and Spirit” LGBT Lecture Series

Capital City Pride, LGBT Community Center and One Iowa have partnered to present a series of speakers in recognition of Gay Pride Month. During the four Saturdays in June a free lecture series will be presented on topics related to lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender sexual orientation.

The Saturday presentations will be offered at the Central Library in downtown Des Moines from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Each event is open to the public. Free underground parking is available. Also, during the weekend, parking on the street is free.

· Saturday, June 7 "Culture" - Marriage Equality. Andrea Fehring, "One Iowa"
· Saturday, June 14 "Mind" - Positive mental health. Myke Selha, LISW, LGBT Community Center
· Saturday, June 21 "Body" - Pro-active physical health. Joe Freund, M.D., a physician in private practice
· Saturday June 28 "Spirit" - Spiritual or religious health. Rev. Paul Johnson, United Church of Christ minister.

For further information, contact One Iowa at 1-515-288-4019.

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June 19th-22nd, 2008

 

2008 National Women's Music Festival

is MOVING to...

June 19, 2008 – June 22, 2008
Alliant Energy Center
in Madison, Wisconsin

 

Our first on-line professional registration system will be available for your use SOON!

We look forward to seeing you in MADISON, June 19-22, 2008!

2008 National Women's Music Festival

June 19, 2008 – June 22, 2008 Alliant Energy Center In Madison, Wisconsin

 

For more information, go here:  http://wiaonline.org/

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Saturday, April 26, 2008, 7 p.m.

 

Movie Night

 

Friends Meeting House, 4211 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA

Featuring a lesbian or gay-themed movie.

 

Popcorn and treats will be served.

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Saturday, March 29th, 2008
7:00 p.m.

WCC PRESENTS: 

WOMEN’S MUSIC EXTRAVEGANZA!

 

 

Check out our own Susan J. on Gay TV:

http://www.ig.tv/VideoPlayer/tabid/59/VideoId/510/What-Is-The-Iowa-Caucus-.aspx

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Saturday, February 16th, 2008
6:30 p.m.

Karaoke Night & Lasagna Dinner 

Join us for a wonderful dinner and entertainment of musical performances and "open mic" karaoke.  The event will be held on the basement level in the dining hall and kitchen area of the Friend's Meeting House at 4211 Grand Ave., Des Moines. 

The menu will include lasagna, garlic bread and beverages. Guests are asked to bring a salad or dessert to share. Cost for this event is only $5 per person. For planning purposes dinner reservations will be required. To reserve you seat, please contact Marie K. at 515-727-6314 or Sara N. at 515-975-3950 no later than February 13th.  

Remember February is Valentine's month. Is there any better time to 'sing those silly love songs'? This event is for single gals, too! We have had singles meet at these types of events who later became a couple. So please plan to join us for dinner, fun and a lot of laughs.

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Saturday, January 26th, 2008
7:00 p.m.

WCC Casino Night!!

 

Saturday, November 23, 2007            

 

WCC After Thanksgiving Potluck and Game Night

 

Friends Meeting House, 4211 Grand Ave., Des Moines.

 

Bring a dish to share and your favorite game to play with the WCC gang.

 

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Saturday, October 20, 2007

6:30 pm-12:30 am

 

 

The Lavender Victory Fund
 "Fabulous Fall Fling" ...

Adventureland's Palace Theater in Altoona, Iowa, I-80 Exit 142A

 

Join us for an evening with...

 

Lavender Lace, with special performance by Rae

 

Free keg beer & Hors d'oeuvres (while supplies last)

Free Pop & Cash Bar (while supplies last) 

50/50 Cash Split Drawings 

 

Fabulous Silent Auction 

If you would like to volunteer or have an item for the auction, please call 515-244-7964 or email: lavendervf@aol.com 

Auction Ends at 10 p.m. - Don't forget your checkbook! 

 

$20 Donation at the door 

 

Smoking is not permitted in the ballroom. 

Ther will be a designated area outdoors. 

No one under 16 allowed! ID required! 

 

All proceeds go to LVF to support lesbians in financial need uew to life affecting llness or injury.

 

Lavender Victory Fund (LVF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

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Saturday, September 15, 2007

13th Annual Iowa Women's Music Festival 2007

Iowa City's Upper City Park

12:00 to 6:00pm

For more information, go here: http://www.prairievoices.net/

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Tuesday, September 18,  2007

 

Iowa Women’s Music Festival is very proud to announce that Hancher Auditorium, on the campus of the U. of Iowa in Iowa City, is bringing the one and only ANI DIFRANCO to Iowa City on Tuesday, September 18 (three days after the IWMF).  If that isn’t cool enough, MELISSA FERRICK will be joining her!   Presale starts on the Ticketmaster website, at www.ticketmaster.com, on July 10 at 10 a.m. CDT.  Email Lisa at iowalisa@juno.com to get the password.  Presale ends on Thursday, July 12 at 10 p.m. CDT.  Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m. CDT. 

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Saturday, September 22, 2007 

   

WCC September Coffee House

We're meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Friends Meeting House at 42nd and Grand

 

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August 7-12, 2007

Michigan Womyn's Music Festival

For more information, go here: www.michfest.com

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Check out the work of WCC regular, April Katz. She writes:

I have a one-person exhibition from July 31 - August 26, 2007 at the
Washington Printmakers  Gallery at 1732 Connecticut Avenue NW,
Washington DC. The opening reception will take place on Friday,
August 3 from 5 - 8 pm. I will present an artist's talk/brown bag
lunch on Thursday, August 9, from noon - 1.

You can check out some of the pieces on the gallery's web site
www.washingtonprintmakers.com

Click on my name to see my work.


April

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Wednesday, Aug. 22nd, 2007

Next luncheon gathering for retirees and friends is at 11:30 Wednesday, Aug. 22nd, at Grounds for Celebration, 6601 University.

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Saturday, Aug 25th, 2007

WCC Picnic at Big Creek State Park
Cadet Shelter

Bring your lawn chairs, a dish to share, and something to grill for our annual summer picnic

Check with Sandy K. for more details

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2007

 

Saturday, April 28, 2007,  7:00 p.m. 

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A Thank You Note From Anna's Family:

Dear WCC,                                        4/4/07

 

Anna’s family and I would like to Thank you for your memorial donations and outpouring

of generous love from all our community.

 

We (Anna & Shelly) moved to Des Moines over 20 years ago.  We have been a part of so

many blessings.  May you all feel the kind, loving spirit of healing.  May our grief turn into miracles of on-going growth and peace for each one of you and our community of Loving women. 

Sincerely, Shelly & Anna

            

            Perhaps you sent a lovely card,

                        Of sat quietly in a chair.

            Perhaps you sent some flowers,

                        If so we saw it there.

            Perhaps you spoke the kindest words,

                        As any friend could say,

            Perhaps you we’re not there at all,

             Just thought of Anna that day,

            Whatever you did to comfort our hearts,

            We thank you so much whatever the part.

            Families of Anna Parks & Shelly Yadon

 

March 26, 2007

Born: November 03, 1932,  Died: March 26, 2007 

Services: Memorial Celebration of her life 9:30 am Saturday, March 31, 2007 at Caldwell Raddatz Funeral Chapel, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA. Rev. Joan Ayers will preside. Interment will be made in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, IA at 3:30 pm Saturday. Visitation: A reception will begin at 11:00 am Saturday following the service at Deerfield Community Game Room, 13731 Hickman Road, Urbandale.

Anna Parks, age 74, of Deerfield Retirement Community, Urbandale, died of complications of leukemia at Kavanagh Hospice House on Grand, West Des Moines, IA.

Phyllis Ann was born in Mason City, IA, to Dan and Irma (Long) Herrick. Anna married Jerry Parks and they lived in St. Louis, Mo, and Iowa City, IA with their 3 children. While in Iowa City, Anna was employed by Lutheran Social Services. Around the age of 50, Phyllis Ann Parks changed her name to Anna Parks. In 1987, she moved to Des Moines. She worked as a therapist at Broadlawns Medical Center until retiring in 1997.

Anna devoted her career to counseling and advocating for women, children, and families. Anna enjoyed reading, great movies, and playing her piano.

She is survived by her lifetime partner of 20 years, Shelly Yadon of Urbandale, IA; son, Tom (Peg Reiter) Parks of San Diego, CA; daughter, Kate Rose of Tucson, AZ; and son, Tim (Linda) Parks of Slinger, WI. She also leaves three beloved grandchildren, Evan, Jeremy, and Leah Parks. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Jerry, in 1998.

Memorial contributions may be made in Anna's memory to the Des Moines Women and Children's Shelter or to Hospice of Central Iowa.

 

 

Mother of the GLBT Civil Rights Movement 

PHILADELPHIA: Barbara Gittings, a seminal gay activist, died on Sunday, 
February 18. She was 75 and resided in Wilmington, Delaware. Her death was 
announced by her partner of 46 years, Kay Tobin Lahusen. 

Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum, noted, "Barbara Gittings 
is the mother of the GLBT civil rights movement. She is our Rosa Parks. 
Barbara helped organize the first gay and lesbian civil rights demonstrations in 
the face of a tsunami of homophobia. Her courage helped launch the GLBT civil 
rights movement."

Barbara Gittings began her career in activism in 1958 when she founded the 
New York chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), the first lesbian 
organization. She edited DOB's national magazine The Ladder from 1963 to 1966. 
Describing those years, Gittings said, "There were scarcely 200 of us in the whole 
United States. It was like a club; we all knew each other."

In 1965, Gittings marched in the first gay picket lines at the White House 
and other federal sites in Washington, DC to protest discrimination by the 
federal government. She joined other activists in the pioneering annual 
demonstrations for gay and lesbian civil rights held each July 4 from 1965 to 1969 at 
Independence Hall in Philadelphia. These seminal yearly protests laid the 
groundwork for the Stonewall rebellion in 1969 and the first New York gay pride 
parade in 1970. Gittings' role in these early protests is featured 
prominently in Equality Forum's documentary, Gay Pioneers. 

In the 1970s, Gittings campaigned with other activists to remove 
homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Association's list of mental disorders. She 
recruited "Dr. H. Anonymous," a gay psychiatrist who appeared, masked, on a 
panel at the 1972 APA conference to tell his colleagues why he couldn't be 
open in his own profession.

Gittings also crusaded to make gay literature available in libraries. Though 
not a librarian, Gittings found a home in the Gay Task Force of the American 
Library Association, the first gay caucus in a professional organization. 
She edited its Gay Bibliography and wrote a history of the group, Gays in 
Library Land. Her campaign to promote gay materials and eliminate discrimination in 
libraries was recognized in 2003 by an honorary lifetime membership 
conferred by the American Library Association. 

For her lifetime of activist work, Gittings was selected as one of 31 leaders 
for GLBT History Month in October 2006. 

-----------------------------------

Some of us were blessed to meet Barbara, a few of the pictures from her 
visit to Des Moines, can be seen on the Equality Iowa website (here). These are pics mostly 
taken, by me when she was here. I have the one's of a few womyn and Barbara, 
please let me know if I took one of you and her and I will email it to you.

I am feeling a great lose today.

Sandy V.

Saturday, March 24, 2007,  7:00 p.m. 

Friend's Meeting House 
4211 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA

Program

Welcome
1) "ONE FINE DAY" Video
2) PRAIRIE VOICES --IOWA'S PIONEERING WOMEN
3) Speakers #1-5, Sharing the stories of important wymyn from our past
BREAK
5) Congressional Resolution
6) Speakers #1-5, More wymyn's stories
7) 'TAKE THE POWER' Video
9) "One Moment Time" Audio Recording - Sciota Valley Sweet Adeline Women's Chorus (Columbus, Ohio)

 

 

2006

Sunday, December 31st, 2006

WOMENS CULTURAL COLLECTIVE

ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE DANCE!

To view or print the flier, click here.   

TIME: 8:PM - 1:AM PLACE: WISCONSIN ROOM Lower Level HOLIDAY INN * MERLE HAY RD. DES MOINES, IOWA 515-278-4755

ADMISSION: SUGGESTED DONATION: $15.00 PER PERSON

ROOM RESERVATIONS: If you call Holiday Inn Merle Hay direct, no later than December 9, 2006 and if you mention the block of rooms reserved for WCC (15) you'll get a room rate of $94.95 (two queen beds or 1 king.) Call 515-278-4755 to reserve your room.

" CASH BAR AVAILABLE.

 " MUSIC * A variety of music provided by Jennie S., WCC volunteer.

 " ADULTS ONLY PLEASE. 

" PLEASE NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED.

 " COME, HELP US WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR 2007!!!!!

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From Iowa Safe Schools---------

 

 Dear Friends,

Help us show our policy makers that Iowans want safe schools!  Whether you are a parent, student, educator, or concerned citizen, we ask you to join us in our ongoing attempts to create safer schools for all students in Iowa by signing the Iowans for Safe Schools online-petition at http://www.iowasafe schools.org/ publicpolicypare nts.htm.

Your name(s) will be added to a list of Iowans from around the state that want all students—regardless of their race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, or any other characteristic—to be safe and valued in our schools. 

Iowans for Safe Schools (online petition)

http://www.iowasafe schools.org/ publicpolicypare nts.htm

 

As Iowans, we want schools that are safe, inclusive places for all students.  Our instinct is to protect children from harm.  No child should be the victim of bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

All students— black, brown, white, straight, gay, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, fat, skinny, short, tall, girl, boy—deserve to learn and grow free from physical and emotional abuse.  Thus, as Iowans, we fully support policies and legislation in Iowa including the language below to protect all children in Iowa from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

Bullying, harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated based on any real or perceived characteristic, including, but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental disability, ancestry, socioeconomic status or familial status.

Brad Clark
Executive Director,
GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force

P.O. Box 1797
Des Moines, IA 50305-1797
(515) 243-1221
brad.clark@iowasafe schools.org
www.iowasafeschools .org

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Saturday, Dec. 2nd, 2006 -- 6:00 p.m.  (NOTE TIME!)

WCC Holiday dinner 

Tournament Club of Iowa, Polk City.

Please contact Sue D. to reserve a spot for this special event. Sue can be reached at: 515-267-9065

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Saturday, November 11th, 2006

7:00 – 10:00 pm

The November PROS Party

will be at the home of Michael Thompson and Allen Vander Linden
7500 Benton Drive, Urbandale

Whether you’re celebrating landslide victories by pro-GLBT candidates or
drowning your sorrow form their defeat, come join us for a fun time.

Since it will also be Veteran’s Day, there may even be a few men in uniform!

PROS is a gay social organization that meets 6 times per year.

Membership is $50 per year, or you may attend individual events by paying $10 at the door.

Please call 515.986.3966 or email dennyschrock@msn.com
by Sunday, November 5th to reserve a spot at the party.

Contact Denny at the same phone or email for more information about PROS or to get directions.

 

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Saturday, November 25th, 2006

 

WCC Potluck and Game Night

 

6:30 p.m., Friend's Meeting House, 42nd & Grand Ave.

Bring a dish to share and your favorite board games or card games

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Sunday, October 29, 2006

 

Family Pride Coalition joins Urbandale United Church of Christ for a…

    Halloween Costume Party!

5 – 7 PM
Urbandale UCC
3570 70th Street, Urbandale

Join other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied individuals and families for a fun evening! Costumes welcomed and encouraged! For more information and to RSVP (by October 26), contact Laura Fefchak at lfefchak@msn. com

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Thursday-Saturday, October 19-21, 2006 

 

HOLY RELATIONSHIPS MIDWEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE.  "One standard, all people!" is the theme to help promote the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in mainline churches and society.  With roots in an ecumenical Christian concern for peace, justice, and the dignity of all people, this conference invites people both in and outside of Christian traditions to gather for dynamic conference leadership, keynotes by Rita Nakashima Brock and Mel White, workshops, networking, story-telling, and strategy-sessions.  While the conference is focused by the goal of LGBT inclusion, the conference also will address relationships between race, religion, and sexuality, relationships with ourselves, with our families of origin, and many more!  Individual registration is only $150 (or $100 for students), and when four or more register together, there is a special group rate of $115 per person.  Visit www.holyrelationshi psmidwest. org for a complete conference schedule, as well as a list of registration options.  For more info, contact info@holyrelationsh ipsmidwest. org or 319-270-5140.

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Friday, October 27, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. 

 

Benefit Dinner at Lucullan’s , 400 Main Street, Ames, IA.
to raise funds for the GLBT Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force
Friday evening, October 27 at 5:30 p.m.  $35
Keynote: “Liberal Theology”
To purchase tickets contact Linda Trudeau at ltrudeau@iastate.edu or 515-294-4588

Homosexuality and the Bible seminar
Free and open to the public
Saturday, October 28
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
First Christian Church
611 Clark in Ames
Lunch provided; RSVP to Linda Trudeau (contact info above)

Sunday morning presentation
First Christian Church, 10:30 a.m.

The Rev. S. Michael Pater joined the staff of Urbandale United Church of Christ on July 1, 2004, after serving as Associate Minister of First Congregational Church in Houston, Texas. A native of Kansas, Michael has lived, studied or ministered in Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois and Texas. Outside of local parish ministry, he has served as chaplain to a day school and a major hospital. In addition to his Master of Divinity, Michael has a graduate degree in pastoral counseling and is a doctoral candidate at the Graduate Theological Foundation. He is a member of the Administrative Cabinet of the Des Moines Area Religious Council and on the board of The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa. Michael is a frequent contributor to The Des Moines Register, and his professional interests include the intersection of faith and social justice, interfaith dialogue, and helping folk rediscover and retool their faith and spirituality.

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Saturday, October 28th, 2006 

6:30pm-12:30am

LVF Fabulous Fall Fling

Adventureland's Palace Theater

Lavender Victory Fund’s  $20 suggested donation at the door 

Smokers and non-smokers will be welcome in the ballroom. There will be designated sections for both. 

NO one under 16 allowed! ID required! 

 

Join us for an evening with… A performance by Betsy West 

Lavender Lace 

Free Keg Beer & Hors d’oeuvres (while supply lasts) 

Free Pop & Cash Bar (All night long) 

50/50 Cash Split Drawings! 

All proceeds go to LVF to support lesbians in financial need due to life affecting illness or injury. 

Fabulous Silent Auction 

Don’t forget your checkbook! Auction Ends at 10 pm 

LVF is a 501(c)(3) organization 

Adventureland’s Palace Theater Altoona/Des Moines, IA 

1-80 Exit 142A

If you'd like to volunteer or have an item for the auction, please call 515-244-7964

To view or print the flier, click here.

 

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Sunday, October 22, 2006

20th Annual

All Iowa AIDS Benefit

2006

Variety Show & Auction

Embassy Suites on the River
101 E. Locust, Des Moines

Pre-Show Party
4:30 pm
Embassy Suites, Des Moines (Atrium)

 

Silent Auction
5:00 pm till 7:00 pm
Embassy Suites (Atrium)

Featuring:
Beautiful Artwork by Iowa Artisans
Holiday and Gift Items
Gift Certificates, Entertainment Packages
Movies, Shows, Lodging
and Much More.

 

Variety Show
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Embassy Suites (Ballroom)

Featuring:
Iowa’s Finest Female Impersonators
Dance Groups
Vocalists
Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

All of the money raised by the All Iowa AIDS Benefit goes to organizations throughout the state
to help support direct service programs for those living with hiv/aids.

Thanks to the people who support the All Iowa AIDS Benefit
we can continue t