The Center for Gay and Lesbian Services in Nashville was founded several years ago to create a safe space to meet and build community. Currently the Center is in a renovated residential house at 703 Berry Road in Nashville. Unfortunately, the groups that would utilize the Center have outgrown the building.
During Pride '96, the Center announced plans for a capital fund campaign to raise monies for the purchase of a larger building. The center was rechristened The Center for Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Transgendered Life in Nashville.
The campaign goal is currently $1,000,000.
Dramatic Growth in Metro Area - Chamber of Commerce estimates the Davidson County poulation at 1,080,000. Estimated 15,000 people will move into Metro in the
coming year.
Rising Numbers of People Coming Out - More women and men are identifying themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered are are seking ways to make connections to the community
Parking and Safety - Only 10 parking spaces at the current site and 20 cars are often forced to fit. The nearest parking is 1 block away and people worry about their safety and being recognized.
Limited Space - Largest space in current center holds 20-30 people. No space exists for an office, other than a switchboard
Organizations Need Space - Most organizations in our community are spread throughout the city. Offices are non-existent, sometimes a briefcase or a pile of papers in a home. If we all had a space in one place, better networking would be possible.
The Center can be an even greater resource for the mid-South region which inclues, Tennesssee, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas. While drawing primarily from residents of Middle Tennessee, we have the opportunity to provide resources far beyond our community in the same way New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles do.
Consistently, one of the major problems facing centers across the country is the lack of paid staff people. While much of the Center's work can be, and is, done by volunteers, there is a
definite need for someone to be responsible for the day to day activities
of the Center. Therefore, as part of this fund-raising plan, twenty
percent of all monies collected will be set aside as an endowment for
a full-time staff position.
Every gift to the Capital Fund Campaign is important. Guided by past giving patterns and allowing for the special character of our community, the following table has been constructed to illustrate the number and size of gifts needed to reach a goal of $1,000,000.
Giving Society | Number of Gifts Needed | In the Range of | For a Total of |
---|---|---|---|
Bird of Paradise | 1 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
Orchid | 2 | $50,000 | $100,000|
Tiger Lily | 4 | $25,000 | $100,000 |
Bougainvillea | 10 | $10,000 | $100,000 |
Iris | 20 | $5,000 | $100,000 |
Magnolia | 40 | $2,500 | $100,000 |
Ruby Red Begonia | 100 | $1,000 | $100,000 |
Callalily | 150 | $500 | $75,000 |
Periwinkle | 300 | $250 | $75,000 |
Honeysuckle | 500 | $100 | $50,000 |
Morning Glory | 1,000 | $50 | $50,000 |
Buttercup | 2,000 | $25 | $50,000 |
The Center for Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Transgendered Life in Nashville will be grateful for all gifts to the Campaign. It may be helpful to in your work for the Campaign to know that a program is being developed that includes permanent on-site recognition and individual gift items.
Permanent, On-Site Recognition - Donors who give $25 or more will have their names inscribed on a permanent plaque that will be placed in the lobby of the new Center.
Individual Gift Items - Individuals who give $250 or more will receive an individual gift item based on their level of contribution. We are developing gifts that would be distinct and unique to the Center - not something that could be purchased or acquired in any other way - designs and ideas will be solicited from Tennessee artists.
Donors to this campaign.
All donations are tax deductible and any amount is welcome. Thank you for reading this page on behalf of the New Center!
Send donations to: Nashville Lambda Communications, (NLC) 703 Berry Rd., Nashville TN, 37204
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