Jersey City Lesbian + Gay Outreach ( JCLGO) will host the 8th Annual Jersey City LGBT Pride Festival on Saturday, August 23, 2008. The event will take place at One Exchange Place, On the Waterfront, in Downtown Jersey City, NJ 07302 with the backdrop of the NYC Skyline. The Festival is a few footsteps away from most major mass transportation: PATH(Exchange Place Station), Light Rail, and Bus (one stop from Manhattan WTC PATH Station).

This year’s theme, ‘Keeping the Vision Alive” reflects the spirit of the struggle from the past to the continued struggles of the present human rights movement. It also celebrates the social and political acceptance that Jersey City continues to offer and promote. Jersey City residents, businesses and government now work together in focusing on the things that matter such as the economic growth in the city, promoting safety and preventing crime rather than wasting energy in developing political obstacles that impair a person’s rights because of the gender of whom they choose to love.

JCLGO anticipates gaining attendance this year due to the increased recognition and size of its LGBT community (last year according to City estimates the Festival attracted10,000 visitors). This expectation is well grounded based upon several factors. As an organization that partnered with other Organizations, JCLGO made great progress in fulfilling its mission to be a Vital Voice and its success in playing a role in the passage of New Jersey’s Civil Union legislation brought much attention to Jersey City’s ever-growing LGBT community. Since last year, JCLGO’s social and fundraising events have seen significant increases in attendance and support. We have seen new LGBT organizations emerge and have watched the established ones grow, stepping up their efforts in order to accommodate the increasing size of our LGBT community. The businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to support Jersey City Pride are now enjoying the support that is currently being given back to them.

We invite you to be a supporting business or organization at this year’s Jersey City Pride Festival. There are several ways for you and your organization or business to participate. I encourage you to investigate the possibility of participating as a Sponsor (multiple levels of sponsorship are offered) in this year’s event (further info is available online at www.jclgo.org or by contacting sponsor@jclgo.org . And should you wish to promote your organization or sell your wares at the festival on August 23rd, please review the attached “Vendor Rules and Information” and return the Application as indicated. Lastly, whether you are a participating Sponsor, Vendor or supporter who is just unable to attend, advertising opportunities in our Jersey City Pride Festival Pride Guide are available and very affordable. So please get involved today and support “Keeping the Vision Alive” Jersey City LGBT Pride Festival 2008. I look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely Yours,

Stephen Scarano
JCLGO Vendor Coordinator
Cell 201.469.7701
Tel 201.333.5725
vendor@jclgo.org