HRBOR February 21st, 2013 Third Thursday Business Networking Event

As one of the original founders of Hampton Roads Business OutReach, a/k/a HRBOR -  the only Virginia affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce - back in late 2006/early 2007, it goes without saying that I believe in HRBOR's mission to strengthen the local LGBT business community and increase LGBT acceptance in the larger business community.  This coming Thursday, Cindy Cutler, another of HRBOR's original board of directors, will be hosting the February, 2013, HRBOR business networking event at Atlantic Bay Mortgage in Virginia Beach, along with long time HRBOR member Randy DeMille.  The event begins at 6:00 PM at Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group's Corporate office in Virginia Beach off Lynnhaven Parkway.  Our Hosts and Food Sponsors this month are Randy DeMille and Cindy Cutler of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group and Troy Hodgdon of Assurety Title will sponsor the Bar. Equality Virginia is our February Featured Non-Profit.  Here are details:

Host and Food Sponsors: Atlantic Bay Mortgage

Cynthia Cutler - NMLS #300618 (757) 718-7373 and 

Randy DeMille - NMLS #112145 (757) 737-0588

Where: Atlantic BayMtg - 596 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach VA, 23452 (Central Post Office next door)

Directions from I-264 take Lynnhaven Parkway South Exit 19A. Travel approximately 1/2 mile and make a left U-turn at Guardian Lane, ABMG will be on the right.

What: Business Networking: February 21st, 2013, 6 - 8 pm

Bar Sponsor: Assurety Title, Troy Hodgdon - President www.assuretytitle.com

To register, e-mail hrbor@wildapricot.org with Thursday Third Thursday in the subject line.

Come to Out in the Park!

Out in the Park takes place today in Norfolk's Town Point Park.  It should be a great event and the lead up events this week have gone over amazingly well.  Last night's block party at Palace Station was very well attended and all seemed to have a great time.  I had an opportunity to talk with Kristine W who is very laid back and was a genuine delight.  Among the many highlights today will be the nations only gay pride boat parade along the Norfolk waterfront.  40 rainbow flags were raised yesterday at Town Point Park along the water and this morning flags will be raised the length of Waterside Drive.

Here's a scene along the waterfront:

 

Here are some of last night block party attendees:

I hope local readers - both gay and straight - will come to the party.  There will truly be something for everyone.   The schedule of events can be found here.

HRBOR's August 2012 Third Thursday Networking Event

As one of the lead up events to Hampton Roads Pride's Out in the Park event on Saturday, August 18, 2012, Hampton Roads Business OutReach will be holding its August Third Thursday event at Night of the Iguana which is located at 37th Street and Hampton Boulevard between Ghent and Old Dominion University in Norfolk.  All guest fees will benefit Hampton Roads Pride and the 2012 Out in the Park event.  I sincerely hope that local readers will attend as a kickoff for Pride in Hampton Roads.  Here are additional details:

                               What: HRBOR Third Thursday Business Networking Event

Event Host and Food Sponsor:  Night of the Iguana Restaurant/Annette Stone, Owner

Where:  1083 West 37th Street  Norfolk, VA 23508  (757) 533-5151

When: August 16th, 6pm - 8 pm  

Cash Bar: Happy Hour Prices

Parking: Ample parking on side of restaurant

Featured Non-profit: Hampton Roads PRIDE 

Third Thursday Cost: Free to Members, $15 Guest Fee for Guests and Prospective Members

Exciting Raffle Opportunity at each Third Thursday until November 15th to win two (2)  Tickets to Equality Virginia's 2013Commonweath Dinner and the use of a Mercedes Benz for that weekend all compliments of Tysinger Mercedes-Benz - Hyundai and Malvin, Riggins & Company P.C.

HRBOR July 19th Third Thursday at Sassi Cakes

It's hard to believe that a month has already flown by since HRBOR's 5th Anniversary celebration last month.  This month's Third Thursday networking event will be at Sassi Cakes and Sweets on 22nd Street in Ghent in the Palace Station Shops.  The desserts are wonderful and there's a lunch and snack menu too.  Here are event details:

Sassi Cakes and Sweets offers an intimate yet relaxing atmosphere, delectable treats and sensational martinis and much more. You must experience it to believe it! They have everything from cake covered in various types of chocolates, to mini cakes that is fit for individuals or couples to share, to the big holiday/birthday specialty cakes that you can share with family and friends. Additionally, Sassi hosts a sit down bar area where you can experience some of the best Martinis in Virginia and our separate "other than dessert" menu that challenges you to a culinary experience.

What: HRBOR Third Thursday Networking Event

Event Hosts:

Sassi Cakes and Sweets/Stephanie Wadnola, Owner/Chef

757-321-6759

http://www.sassicakesandsweets.com

Where:  330 W 22^nd St, Norfolk VA 23517

When: July 19th, 6pm - 8 pm

Parking: Ample

Featured Non-profit and Bar Sponsor:

 

Cost: Free to Members, $15 Guest Fee to Prospective Members

Invite friends and colleagues. 

 

Exciting Raffle Opportunity for Two Tickets to EV & a Tysinger Mercedes

How Corporations are Profiting from Gay Pride

I guess the "One Million Bitches" and Family Research Council, et al,  will soon be launching boycotts against U. S. News & World Reports.  Why?  Because the magazine is carrying an article that makes the case that supporting gay pride events is good business - something stockholders and business owners need to worry about since they cannot simply shake down simpletons and religious extremists for dollars like the professional Christian set.   The article notes "Sponsoring Pride sends out a message about a corporation's values. It can also pull in lots of new customers (and money)."  This reality is still lost on many Hampton Roads based businesses, but through HRBOR and Out in the Park, hopefully the message will start to sink in more quickly.  Here are some article highlights:

Bud Light commercials often fall into the traditional beer commercial stereotype: Gorgeous women and the bumbling men trying to win them over (beers in hand, of course). The brand plays up its heterosexual side in other ways, as well, like teaming up with Playboy for Super Bowl promotions.

To people not familiar with the gay scene, it may therefore come as a surprise that Bud Light is a major sponsor of several Gay Pride festivals taking place across the U.S. in June, LGBT Pride Month, —look no further than Bud Light's Bud Boyz model contest at Chicago's Pride festival this month.

In fact, a number of the nation's most recognizable brands are behind all of the concerts, parades, and rainbow flags. Though gay rights remain divisive in America, and only a slim fragment of the population identifies as lesbian, gay, or bisexual—around 3.5 percent, by one recent estimate—the decision to promote gay rights is simply good business sense.

[C]ompanies likely see dollar signs when they see packed streets at the local Gay Pride parade. "A larger festival is a better investment for a national company."

Absolut Vodka, Zipcar, Google, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, AT&T, Whole Foods, and Walgreen's are just a few of the companies lending their support to large pride festivals this year. The people attending the festival tend to take notice and patronize those companies.

Sponsoring pride can mean not only new business but repeat customers. "[LGBT consumers] are much more likely to be loyal to a company that markets directly to them," says Drayer.

Sponsoring Pride "most certainly" has drawn customers to Wells Fargo, says Mark Ng, LGBT segment manager at Wells Fargo. "Consumers are just as interested in a company's values as they are with our company's products and services."

And pulling back on support can mean losing the business of the festival itself, says Toms: "The bank we bank with right now pulled back as a sponsor this year. We're going to transfer our accounts to a new bank. We support businesses who support our community."

As the nation as a whole slowly comes to accept same-sex relationships, some companies are coming out of the closet as well, making their views on embracing same-sex couples increasingly prominent. JCPenney recently featured two gay dads in a Fathers' Day advertisement. One new Gap ad features two men inside a t-shirt together. Starbucks recently inspired a boycott from the National Organization for Marriage, an anti-gay-marriage group, when it supported legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington.

While the travel and alcohol industries were among the first to target the gay community, some industries are dragging their feet . . . . .  along with the U.S. population, companies are increasingly willing to put their messages out there, he adds. "The reality is, the majority of Americans do support same-sex marriage," he says.

Yep, the spittle will be flying in the halls of the offices of  AFA and FRC.  Meanwhile, since its strong statement in Washington State in support of marriage equality, I've made a point to spend more at Starbucks.  I also plan on going by JC Penney and buying some summer clothes and household products.  

HRBOR 5th Anniversary Event - June 21, 2012

Click image to enlarge

One of the things I am most proud of since first coming out and beginning to build a new life is my contribution to the founding of Hampton Roads Business OutReach ("HRBOR").  HRBOR first officially launched in May, 2007, and the first "Third Thursday" business networking event occurred in June, 2007.  But my collaboration with Christianna Flynn, my original co-conspirator if you will, began roughly a year earlier when we first met to talk about how to effectively market our businesses to the Hampton Roads LGBT community (I recently came across Christianna's original e-mail of May 9, 2006, to me asking to meet).  At that time the local LGBT community had no business related organizations at all .   The only available marketing tool was one "LGBT directory" where one could place ads.  None of the advertisers ever met and most of us knew little or nothing about each other.  

After months of talking the two of us decided that we needed to start a business networking group and this idea culminated in a impromptu meeting at the old library in the Ocean View area of Norfolk.  About 40 people attended to our amazement and joy.  From that group the original HRBOR founding board was derived.  From this effort I made a whole new circle of friends (I had become invisible to the vast majority of my "friends" from the closeted phase of my life) and made some enduring business connections.  Equally, important is that it was through HRBOR that the boyfriend and I got to know each other better and began dating.  HRBOR changed my life.   Time and time again when I am contacted by gays coming out later in life I stress that it is crucial that they get involved in LGBT organizations in their communities to rebuild what they've lost in the coming out process.  It takes a concerted effort and yes, one feels highly nervous and uncomfortable, but the long term result can be life changing.

Moving fast forward to this month's 5th anniversary of the launch of Third Thursdays, HRBOR's event should be wonderful.  We have a spectacular venue - the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk pictured below - and great event sponsors: SunTrust Bank, Distinctive Event Rentals (they did the tent for my daughter's wedding) and New Leaf Florist which produces simply amazing flower creations. I truly hope local readers will attend whether they own a business or not.  Admission is free and there's plenty of parking.  Here are more details:

 

What: 5th Anniversary Extravaganza & Membership Drive for HRBOR!! Bring your friends, business affiliates, associates, and anyone interested in Building Equality within business as we honor the founding members and look to current as well as prospective members for the future growth within the community.New and renewing members will receive a 25% discount on membership in honor of HRBOR's 5th Anniversary.

Where: The Harrison Opera House, Grand Lobby – 160 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk VA 23510

When: Thursday June 21, 2012 from 6 - 8 pm

Admission: FREE

 

For those not in the know, the Virginia Opera Association (the venue host) is in its 37th year of operation, and is known and respected nationwide for the identification and presentation of the finest young artists, for the musical and dramatic integrity of its productions, and for the ingenuity and variety of its education and outreach programs.

Don't Miss HRBOR's May, 2012, HRBOR Networking Event

I am hoping that local readers will join the boyfriend and me for an evening at the offices of the Virginia Arts Festival organization whose purpose is to  bring world-class performing arts to Hampton Roads citizens and visitors.  Through the arts, Virginia Arts Festival seeks to impact the lives of students through outstanding educational programs, by commissioning new works of national and international significance, and making a tangible difference in Hampton Roads through regional partnerships and making a positive economic impact through the generation of cultural tourism. The event will include a surprise theatrical presentation while LGBT and LGBT friendly business owners and allies network and build business relationships that enhance both the LGBT and larger business communities.  Here are details:

When:  May 17, 2012, from 6PM to 8 PM

Where: 440 Bank  Street, Norfolk VA23510 (757-282-2800)

Featured Non Profit: Virginia Arts Festival

Parking: Nearby Royster Parking Garage, Lanier Parking System or Laz Parking



Guest Fees: $15.00; Members Free

CASH BAR

HRBOR Mission Statement:  Hampton Roads Business OutReach (HRBOR) is a broad based coalition of LGBT owned and LGBT supportive businesses and professionals dedicated to the development, growth and advocacy of Hampton Roads and its LGBT community. By promoting an environment in which diversity can flourish, HRBORis committed to the economic growth and prosperity of our members and our community.

HRBOR March Third Thursday Networking Event

This month's sponsor of Hampton Roads Business OutReach's ("HRBOR") monthly business networking is the LGBT Center located in Norfolk, Virginia. This facility came into being through the efforts of ACCESS Aids Care and grants from the Elton John Foundation and provides much needed services to the Hampton Roads LGBT community, including individual and family counseling, community meeting space, resource center, adult and youth Services, social and educational events, and free HIV testing. HRBOR events are a great way to market your business and to make new friends. I hope local readers will try to attend. The boyfriend and I will definitely be there. Here are the pertinent details:

What: Third Thursday Business Net-Working Event

Host: The LGBT Center/ACCESS AIDS Care
Where: LGBT Center
247 W 25th Street
Norfolk, Virginia 23517-1307
When: Thursday, March 15th, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Parking: On street parking surrounding the Center and surrounding streets.
Featured Non-profit: The LGBT Center/ACCESS AIDS Care

Food and Beverage Sponsor: The LGBT Center/ACCESS AIDS Care
Cost: Free to Members; Guests - $15.00

Members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the LGBT Center Food Pantry and Food Program.

HRBOR January 19th Third Thursday - Booz Allen Hamilton in Norfolk

I hope local readers will consider join the Boyfriend and me this Thursday January 19th at Booz Allen Hamilton in Norfolk for a night of business networking with LGBT and LGBT friendly business owners and business professionals. Booz Allen Hamilton is a large corporation with a local office that offers same-sex benefits to it's employees and has incorporated LGBT-friendly practices and policies. Please bring a picture ID as Booz Allen Hamilton is located in a secure building. Foreign Nationals are welcome but must register in advance. To RSVP simply click here. Complete event details are as follows:

What: Third Thursday Business Net-Working Event

Host: Booz Allen Hamilton, Norfolk Virginia

Where: Booz Allen Hamilton
5800 Lake Wright Drive #400
Norfolk VA 23502
757-893-6100
(Off Military Highway near Lansdale Circle)

When: Thursday, January 19th, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Parking: Ample Parking in front of the building

Featured Non-profit: ACCESS AIDS Care/LGBT Center

Cash Bar

Cost: Free to Members

** Guests - $15 Fee **

Attention Members & Guests: the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is in dire need of Food. Please bring non-perishable or canned food items to help re-stock their empty shelves.

Fundraiser for Hampton Mayor Molly Ward

In the Hampton Roads area the City of Hampton has surprisingly shown itself to be among the most welcoming to LGBT owned businesses and LGBT professionals. This reality is in has been in sharp contrast to the City of Norfolk where the city's official policy seems to be to harass and make LGBT businesses and LGBT residents unwelcome. Much of the City of Hampton's progressive approach to the LGBT community and a realization that in the changing economic environment ALL businesses need to be welcome and allowed to flourish traces to Hampton Mayor Molly Ward - who also played a major role in securing the designation of Fort Monroe as a national monument by Barack Obama. In May, Molly Ward - who the Boyfriend and I count as a friend - will be up for re-election in a contested race.

On Sunday, January 22, 2012, from 4:00 to 6:00PM a fundraiser will be held to support Mayor Ward's re-election effort. I invite local readers to attend and support this wonderful straight LGBT ally. If you cannot attend, please support Mayor Ward financially. Details are set out below. Special guests will be Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Bobby Scott. Help keep the City of Hampton headed in the right direction and accepting to all citizens.





Yes, the Boyfriend and I are sponsors and putting our money where our mouths are.

HRBOR Business Builder Series: Setting New Year's Resolutions for Your Business

In an effort to provide more services to its members, on Thursday, January 12, 2012, HRBOR will hold its first HRBOR sponsored Business Builder breakfast session entitled, Setting New Year's Resolutions for Your Business. The event is open to HRBOR members and the public. The guest speaker is Courtney Gardner of C.E. Gardner Consulting, LLC. who will lead a discussion on ways to improve your business in the new year. I hope local readers, especially those on the Peninsula, will try to attend. You may register in advance on-line at www.hrbor.org and click on Business Builder Series, Session One. I hope to see you there. Here are the event details:

What: HRBOR Business Builder Series, Session One, Setting New Year's Resolutions for Your Business

Host: Hampton Roads Business OutReach (HRBOR)

Where: Cracker Barrel, 106 Marketplace Drive, Hampton Virginia 23666
I-64 & Mercury Boulevard
757-262-2046

When: Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Parking: Ample Parking Available

Cost: $10 for HRBOR Members, Guests $15
Cost includes breakfast!

For More Information: events@hrbor.org

Again, you may register in advance on-line at www.hrbor.org and click on Business Builder Series, Session One. Registration is needed to insure seating.

City of Hampton To Host December HRBOR Networking Event

In an exciting development, the December, 2011, business networking event for Hampton Roads Business OutReach ("HRBOR") will be sponsored by The City of Hampton, Department of Economic Development and the event will be held in the Grand Lobby of the historic Chamberlin at Fort Monroe. This is the first time that a local city has sought to host one of HRBOR's monthly business networking events. I hope local readers will try to attend.


For new readers, HRBOR is a broad based coalition of LGBT owned and LGBT supportive businesses and professionals dedicated to the development, growth and advocacy of Hampton Roads and its LGBT community. By promoting an environment in which diversity can flourish, HRBOR is committed to the economic growth and prosperity of not only its members but also the larger Hampton Roads community.

Guest speakers will include Hampton Mayor, Molly Ward, special Guest Speaker, Glenn Oder, Director of the Fort Monroe Authority for the Commonwealth of Virginia and a representative from the National Park Service now that Fort Monroe has been designated a national monument by President Barack Obama. The event will provide a great opportunity to learn more about plans for Fort Monroe and neighboring Phoebus. It will also provide the LGBT community to show case the reality that we are important players in the local economy.

What: Second Thursday Business Net-Working Event
Host: City of Hampton, Department of Economic Development and Hampton Mayor Molly Ward
Where: The Chamberlin at Fort Monroe, 2 Fenwick Road, Hampton VA 23651
When: Thursday, December 8th, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Parking: Ample Parking at the Chamberlin, Please have Picture ID available for Parking Lot Attendant
Featured Non-profit: To be Announced
Food Sponsor: City of Hampton, Department of Ecomonic Development
Cash Bar
Cost: Free to Members
Guests: $15.00 Fee

HRBOR's November's Third Thursday is This Week

Don't miss the HRBOR Third Thursday Business Networking event on Thursday, November 17, 2011, at 757Creative Space in Granby Mall in downtown Norfolk. The event is hosted by Cindy Cutler of American Security Mortgage, an original founding director of HRBOR. 757Creative Space is located at 259 Granby Street on the second floor, with entry via the door by Subway Sandwich Shop. Your best parking options will be MacArthur Mall garage which is a short wall from 757Creative Space. Other options include on-street parking where available- remenber that you must place payment in the meter before 6PM. We look forward to seeing you there, bring your business cards, brochures or flyers to promote your business! To RSVP, click here. Here are event details:

What: Third Thursday Business Net-Working Event
Host: Cindy Cutler - Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
American Security Mortgage - E-mail: ccutler@aol.com
Where: 757 Creative Space in Granby Mall - 259 Granby Street, Suite 250, Norfolk VA 23510 757-912-0006 • http://757creativespace.com
When: Thursday, November 17th, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Parking: MacArthur Parking Garage is just a short walk, on-street metered parking free after 6 PM.
Featured Non-profit: TR Dance
Beverage Sponsor: Cindy Cutler - American Security Mortgage
Food Sponsor: Cindy Cutler - American Security Mortgage and Kathleen Nicholas, RBC Bank
Cost: Free to Members ** Guests - $15 Fee **

HRBOR's August Third Thursday Networking Event

As I have said many times in the past, HRBOR's networking events are always fun and a great way to network and meet people. HRBOR's August, 2011, Third Thursday will be at the Southeastern Foodbank of Virginia in Norfolk. Virginia State Senator Ralph Northam will be in attendance! Event details listed below. HRBOR members enter free but are asked to bring five non-perishable food items for the Foodbank. Guests may enter with either a $15 Guest Fee OR (this Month only) 10 non-perishable food items for the Foodbank!!! The Foodbank is at a historic low and welcome all donations, either cash, checks and/or non-perishable food donations. Here are details on the event:

Who: Hampton Roads Business OutReach
What: Third Thursday Business Net-working Event
Where: The Foodbank of Southeastern virginia 800 Tidewater Drive Norfolk, VA 23504
tel: ( 877) 486-4379
www.foodbankonline.org

When: Thursday, August 18th, 2011 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Parking: Ample parking available around the building.
Featured Non-profit: The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia www.foodbankonline.org

***Please bring non-perishable foods and/or donations to help the Foodbank as they are at an all-time historic low on food to help the community. Consider a Food Drive at work to help!!!***

Food Sponsor: Sherrise Powers, Attorney at Law (757)-622-2008 www.powerslawattorney.com
Cost: Free to Members; Guests - $15.00

HRBOR July Third Thursday - July 21st, 6PM at Green Onion, Virginia Beach

HRBOR will be hosting it's next Monthly Member Business Net-Working event on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at the Green Onion in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms in attendance to give our members a State of Virginia Beach Address as it relates to the LGBT and Allied community. HRBOR networking events are always a lot of fun socially and a great way to build one's business through meeting others in the LGBT and LGBT friendly business community. Here are details of the event:

HOST: The Green Onion At Great Neck: A Creative Bistro Style Menu in a Modern and Chic Atmosphere.



Who: Hampton Roads Business OutReach

What: Third Thursday Business Net-working Event

Where: The Green Onion, 1336 N Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach VA 23454 Telephone: 757-248-3474 ttp://www.thegreenonionrestaurant.com

When: Thursday, July, 2011 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Parking: Ample parking available around restaurant.

Beverage Sponsor: Cash Bar, Special Drink Prices

Food Sponsor: Annette Stone, The Green Onion

Cost: Free to Members; $15.00 for non-members

Virginian Pilot: Out in the Park Has New Home in Norfolk

Leave it to the Virginian Pilot to come up with a half ass headline about "Out in the Park's" move this year ti Norfolk's Town Point Park next Sunday. I tend to not read the Pilot with any degree of seriousness because quality, objective reporting is typically an unknown concept for Norfolk's only newspaper which is run more as a framework for running ad print that for any serious reporting of the news. In any event, the Pilot has a piece on next Sunday's event which I, the boyfriend and many others have helped underwrite. We are all praying for good weather and a great turn out. So far the Pilot coverage has not attracted any foul, wingnut commentary. Here are story highlights:
*
The region's annual Out in the Park event is on the move this year - from Chesapeake to Norfolk. The 23rd annual celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender culture will move on Sunday to Norfolk's Town Point Park from Chesapeake City Park, where it's been held the past five years. It previously was held at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach and Lakewood Park in Norfolk.
*
Last year the event attracted 8,000 people, based on estimates by Chesapeake park rangers. This year, organizers anticipate 10,000, Hermansen-Parker said, because of
the centrality of Town Point Park and increased publicity from fundraisers and other events. Also, he said, Norfolk's park is known for festivals, and downtown's parking garages provide more options than the Chesapeake location.
*
Hampton Roads Pride has raised about $70,000 - a record for the annual event - in sponsorships and in-kind donations to pay for security, entertainment and other expenses, board member Patrick Mullins said. Local businesses - such as Decorum Furniture, which donated $5,000 - have been a backbone of the event's financial support, Mullins said.
*
The event's lineup includes local and national acts such as Kempsville High graduate DJ Lady Miss Kier of Deee-Lite and Suzanne Westenhoefer, one of the first openly gay comedians to appear on television. Instead of the usual Pride Parade, there will be a Pride Boat Parade on the Elizabeth River. So far, 20 vessels plan to dock along the park's marina edge. Businesses and vendors in the gay community also will be on display.
*
City spokesman Bob Batcher said Norfolk is a vibrant community, and the Hampton Roads Pride festival is a good example of that diversity.

HRBOR's April Networking Event - Peninsula Fine Arts Center

The April HRBOR business networking event will be on April 21, 2011 at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center (PFAC"). Previous HRBOR events at PFAC have been great and I hope all Peninsula readers will make an effort to attend - especially since there will be no admission charge for non-Members. Here are details on the event and on PFAC:

Our April 2011 Third Thursday will be hosted by The Peninsula Fine Arts Center (PFAC) in Newport News, Virginia The Peninsula Fine Arts Center is the premier arts advocate in the region working to create a stronger community through ART. Featuring dynamic changing exhibitions, thought-provoking educational programs, a year-round studio art school, an interactive gallery for children, evening mixers and family friendly activities, PFAC has something for every one - art is what you make it! This Third Thursday

Hor d’oeuvres by Blackdog Catering of Norfolk, beer and wine sales by La Bodega of Hampton. Beverage sale proceeds benefit Pfac. Free admission made possible by a grant from the Noland Foundation.”

Who: Hampton Roads Business OutReach

What: Third Thursday Business Net-working Event

Where: The Peninsula Fine Arts Center

101 Museum Drive, Newport News VA 23606

(757)596-8175

When: Thursday, April 21st from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Parking: Ample parking available.

Featured Non-profit: The Peninsula Fine Arts Center

Beverage Sponsor: Cash Bar

Food Sponsor: Peninsula Fine Arts Center

Cost: Free to Members **No Guest Fees this Month**

Attention Members & Guests: the Southeastern Virginia Foodbank is in dire need of Food. Please bring canned food items to help re-stock their empty shelves.

Members and Guests are encouraged to bring any marketing materials you wish to distribute (ie: business cards, brochures and flyers) but please be prepared to take them with you when you leave.

PLATINUM SPONSOR Claus Ihlemann & Robert Roman

Co-Owners - Decorum Furniture

Memorial Scholarship In Memory of My Parents.

The last five and one half years have been a financial Hell for me beginning with being forced from a larger local law firm for being gay, followed by a divorce from Hell where an anti-gay judge - who actually note that being gay was a "choice" - stripped me of pretty much everything I owned, and finally ended with me being forced into bankruptcy because of the former happenings. With the loss of my mother earlier in the year, I will soon - hopefully within a week or two - come into enough of an inheritance to clear up the last of the debts plaguing me and pay off in full amounts owed to my former wife under the divorce decree and finish repaying loans made to me by the boyfriend without whom I would not have survived in more ways than purely financially. It will also allow me to do something to permanently honor the memory of my parents (pictured at right on their wedding day): establishing a scholarship fund in their names. The scholarship will benefit graduating LGBT high school students in Virginia seeking to continue their education at a college or university.
*
I am working with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation which will manage investing the scholarship fund (HRCF currently administers 55 scholarship funds) and the application administrative process. I hope to promote additional future contributions to the scholarship fund through HRBOR (HRBOR's name will also be attached to the scholarship) and other organizations as a tax deductible charitable vehicle to provide assistance to LGBT youth who often face difficulties in backward states like Virginia and who may have lost family support because of their sexual orientation. With the support of others, it is my hope than the scholarship can grow to eventually serve multiple students each year in perpetuity.
*
Education was always important to both of my parents and played a role in the lives of myself and my siblings. As I have written about in the past, both immediately and unwaveringly supported me when I came out my often turbulent coming out journey. With this scholarship perhaps it will be a vehicle for youth who were not as lucky as I was in terms of parental acceptance.
*
The HRBOR - Hampton Roads Business OutReach - name will also be attached because founding HRBOR has been a labor of love and did much to replace the supposed circle of "friends" who largely abandoned me when I came out nearly a decade ago. Attaching the HRBOR name will also underscore that members of the LGBT business community - even in generally reactionary areas such as Hampton Roads - can and do make a difference and improve the community, one of HRBOR's goals.
*
Once the scholarship is fully in place - the first award should be in May/June, 2012 - I will do a follow up post with details and how tax-deductible contributions can be made to the fund.

Reminder: HRBOR Third Thursday Event Tomorrow

I encourage local readers to join HRBOR tomorrow evening for its March Third Thursday on March 17th at The Artist Gallery on Norfolk Avenue near the Oceanfront. As I have noted in the past, HRBOR events at the Artist Gallery have always been wonderful and this year's visit should be outstanding as well. To help celebrate their current show "It's Raining Cats and Dogs," the Artist Gallery invites our members and guests to email in advance jpeg photos of your favorite pet past and present to vbumatay@gmail.com or martine4art@cox.net. The Artist Gallery will also be collecting no perishable pet items/food and/or monetary donations to the SPCA. Here are more details:

Just off the Virginia Beach Oceanfront lies a hidden treasure of original artwork. The Artists Gallery, established over 20 years ago, boasts an eclectic collection of fine art by award-winning local artists. Pieces range from vibrant seascapes, to detailed still-lifes, to funky and fun contemporary art. Many of these artists regularly participate in the renowned Neptune and Boardwalk Art Festivals.

Who: Hampton Roads Business OutReach

What: Third Thursday Business Networking Event

Where: The Artist Gallery

When: March 17, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

608 Norfolk Avenue Virginia Beach VA 23451 757-425-6671

http://www.theartistsgallery.org/

Parking: Parking is available in a large parking lot behind the Gallery.

Attention Members & Guests: The Southeastern Virginia Foodbank is in dire need of Food. Please bring canned food items to help re-stock their empty shelves.

HRBOR March Third Thursday is March 17 at The Artist Gallery in Virginia Beach

I encourage local readers to join HRBOR for its March Third Thursday on March 17th at The Artist Gallery on Norfolk Avenue near the Oceanfront. Past HRBOR events at the Artist Gallery have been wonderful and this year's visit will be outstanding as well. To help celebrate their current show "It's Raining Cats and Dogs," the Artist Gallery invites our members and guests to email in advance jpeg photos of your favorite pet past and present to vbumatay@gmail.com or martine4art@cox.net. The Artist Gallery will also be collecting no perishable pet items/food and/or monetary donations to the SPCA. Here are more details:

Just off the Virginia Beach Oceanfront lies a hidden treasure of original artwork. The Artists Gallery, established over 20 years ago, boasts an eclectic collection of fine art by award-winning local artists. Pieces range from vibrant seascapes, to detailed still-lifes, to funky and fun contemporary art. Many of these artists regularly participate in the renowned Neptune and Boardwalk Art Festivals.

Who: Hampton Roads Business OutReach

What: Third Thursday Business Networking Event

Where: The Artist Gallery

When: March 17, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

608 Norfolk Avenue Virginia Beach VA 23451 757-425-6671

http://www.theartistsgallery.org/

Parking: Parking is available in a large parking lot behind the Gallery.

Attention Members & Guests: The Southeastern Virginia Foodbank is in dire need of Food. Please bring canned food items to help re-stock their empty shelves.