CommissionerSam.com

Sam helps to launch Sneak Peek at new Q Center

Commissioner Adams kicked off the Sneak Peek of the emerging Q Center on Thursday, September 15 at Bluehour by reminding those attending of its need and inviting them to invest in the new venture. "When I was a gay teenager in high school in Newport, I was alone and lonely. There certainly wasn't anything like this around. Today, there are a lot of teenagers around Oregon for whom 'Will and Grace' and 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' just don't do it. This center goes a long way towards filling that need." In addition, "gays and lesbians are increasingly approaching retirement age, and very few centers are geared to their specific health and aging issues."

Two years ago, the conversation about a LGBTQ center started again in earnest, thanks largely to Sam's activism. Seed money was used for an independent feasibility study to determine need, community interest, projected use and financial and volunteer support. The study showed positive results on all these points, 90% of respondents called for a center with some kind of physical base. The need was to move ahead with an interim board and business plan. At Pride NW '05, the commitment was made that a Q Center would be open and running by June 2006, in time for Pride '06.

Highlighted at the meeting was new leadership on the board, including: David Martinez; Aaron Hall and Tim Healea. A power point recap of progress and financial goals was led by Gwenn Baldwin and Susan Remmers, interim director. Emphasis would be on family programming, health and HIV resources, youth and seniors' programs. Aaron Hall reviewed preliminary architect's drawings.

Susan Remmers issued the call for investors at the Founder level of $25,000 or more, as well as the opportunity to make a property donation. Early investors were also solicited with a commitment to consider additional investment in early 2006. Hosts for small parties were encouraged.

Remmers also outlined the goals for the next stage - complete the board development, finalize a business plan with a three-year buildout, implement 12 small events before the end of this year and raise the $250,000 needed to open the doors next June.

Stay tuned for more signs of this emerging Q Center as events come on line and it reaches out for donors and sponsors. .......You may have some ideas or volunteer hours to devote. ....More information at www.pdxQcenter.org.