Youth Pride hosts dinner, dance

WARWICK – Youth Pride Inc. is hosting CABARET, its annual Awards Dinner and Dance to support Rhode Island’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick.
The Providence-based organization’s largest annual fundraiser honors individuals and groups who have provided resources to address the needs of youth served at the drop-in center and throughout the community.
This year’s honorees include Lauren Nocera, Providence College’s Feinstein Institute for Public Service and Jesus Holguin. Jacqueline DiMera hosts, and local artists will perform.
Last year, Youth Pride served approximately 750 area youth, said Kerri Kanelos, executive director of Youth Pride, Inc. About 40 to 50 youths come into the drop-in center each day, she added.
“We hold this event every year to recognize progress, but also to remind us of the challenges still facing young people every day,” Kanelos said. “Recently in Rhode Island, we have made great strides in civil rights for the LGBT community, yet youth still regularly face threats of violence, bullying, and homelessness.”
Proceeds support the organization’s mission – to provide a safe place, programming and services for youth and young adults affected by gender identity and sexual orientation issues.
To purchase tickets to the event or to learn more about the organization, visit www.youthprideri.org or call 401-421-5626.