Folsom Events, which organizes the leather fetish-based events, donated $350,000 to various Bay Area charities in 2007.
“We are very proud to announce this year’s major and supporting beneficiaries,” Folsom Events President Andy Copper said. “These organizations are a diverse representation of the community, and we have no doubt that they will work closely with us to produce a record-breaking and historic year of events.”
The 11 charities chosen to receive funds from upcoming Folsom events include the AIDS Emergency Fund, the Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Frameline, Healing Waters, Lyon-Martin Health Services, Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS), the Positive Resource Center, Project Open Hand, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, St. James Infirmary and Tenderloin Health.
Returning sponsorships for events have also been confirmed by the organization. New sponsorships are currently being finalized.
Returning presenting sponsors include Miller Lite and MGD, TitanMen.com, RECON, NakedSword.com and GLOSS Magazine.
Beer company Miller Lite’s sponsorship is highlighted because of a protest campaign mounted against the company last year by various right-wing religious organizations, including the Catholic League, which was outraged at the use of promotional artwork used at the 2007 Folsom Street Fair that featured a “Last Supper” theme, based on the painting by Leonardo DaVinci.
This year’s Bay of Pigs Party and Up Your Alley event are scheduled for July 26-27, respectively.
The Magnitude dance event is scheduled for Sept. 27, with the 25th Annual Folsom Street Fair to take place the next day, and will coincide with San Francisco Leather Pride week festivities.
“With our upcoming 25th Folsom Street Fair, we are planning for a huge, over-the-top San Francisco Leather Week,” Folsom Event’s Executive Director Demetri Moshoyannis said. “We hope to donate a truly massive check to these deserving charities come November.”
