Frank Harr

WILMINGTON – A three-day Family Fest benefit to support The Frank Harr Foundation will be held from May 15-17 at St. Jude’s Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) at 19 N. 26th St.

Harr was a dedicated community builder who educated those whom he came in contact with about human rights. He also advocated for equality for all people. He was a passionate humanitarian and was a founding member of the Stonewall Democrats, Wilmington Chapter. His guidance was sought by government officials for his astute insight. For his dedication and commitment, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Democratic Party. Outside the political sector, he served as a board member for CARE; co-founded and co-chaired an annual AIDS benefit; and was a founding member of St. Jude’s MCC.

The event is ushered in with a meet and greet from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, including a candlelight musical celebration and remembrance ceremony featuring Someone’s Sister. Cost is $15 which includes appetizers and sodas. A cash bar will be available.

The next day the Foundation will host a 5k walk/run Port City Pride Stride starting at 8 a.m. Beginning and finishing lines will be from St. Jude’s MCC. Visit outwilmington.com to register. A $20 donation will support 2009 Pride and Pride Stride gift bags and Out Wilmington Community Center. The Stride support will also benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“Let’s Be Frank” workshops and seminars will be held from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and will feature financial, health, legal and social issues information and vendors. Cost is $10.

From 12:30-5:30 p.m,, enjoy tours and a shopping spree in historic downtown.

Jump on board for a “Frankly my dear…” Henrietta dinner cruise from 7-11 p.m. Cost for the cruise is $50. There is limited space availability, so reserve a spot now. Tickets may be purchased at St. Jude’s MCC. Don’t want to cruise, then enjoy a featured downtown restaurant instead.

The following morning, get filled with the spirit at a tent revival at 11 a.m. A brunch follows. Later that day, enjoy music, dancing, cocktails and more at a tea dance at Level 5 at City Stage. Cost is $15.

On Friday and Saturday nights, head out to Costello’s, Ibiza and The Tool Box for nightlife and entertainment.

This event is open to all people, regardless of gender, race, social class, familial status, sexual orientation or religious preference. It is part of the Foundation’s mission to “eradicate fear and misunderstanding against the LGBT community and become a center of social justice. By educating ourselves on issues that concern our communities, we will have the power to become a more unified and diverse nation.”

The Foundation is committed to furthering the education of LGBT students through scholarships made possible by the Frank Harr Endowment Fund each school year. Proceeds from the event will go toward helping to achieve this goal. It is located at 16 N. Market St.

For sponsorship packages for Foundation events or other information, call Ken W. Cox at
910-763-9923, email kenwcox@thefrankharrfoundation.com or visit www.thefrankharrfoundation.com.