In late April, things weren’t looking good for the future of the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center. A funding shortage threatened executive director Will Batts’ position and possibly even the center’s ability to stay open.
But an aggressive funding campaign was launched with a goal of raising $45,000 by May 31st. Batts announced today that the center exceeded that goal, raising $60,277. Part of that total came from a generous matching gift from Dr. Herb Zemen. Some donations came from as far away as San Francisco, New York, Canada, and Europe.
“The generosity of our donors has been inspiring, and I’d like to thank each and every one of them,” said Batts in a statement released today. “They recognize that maintaining this proud and openly LGBT agency in this Southern city is a testament to the courage, sacrifice, determination and strength of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens of the Mid-South.”
With its funding goal met, the center will now focus on attracting “sustaining donors” who would pledge to give monthly donations of $10, $20, or $50.
