Hello Friend,
A traumatic news flash on our social media page. A new outbreak that disproportionately impacts our people. Just one crisis after the next. In many ways, this last year embodied the chaos and confusion of the previous two years. Amidst all the relentless attacks on our communities, many felt tremendous hopelessness. Right-wing politicians are scapegoating and attacking us because they know that our struggle for equality is a just cause. They know that we are many and that when we stand together, we are powerful. I have hope because here in Central Florida, we recognize this truth, and our communities are rising to fight for our collective rights and freedom. What the opponents of justice don’t understand about our community is that from sadness, outrage, shock, and despair springs hope, courage, defiance, and commitment.
Together, this year, we activated in so many ways. We stood in Solidarity at the Rally for All Black Lives, building on the movement for Black LGBTQ liberation. We refused to be bystanders and reclaimed our power at The Rally for Our Collective Rights. We courageously claimed new safe spaces for our rural and immigrant siblings at the first Pride at Apopka. We reaffirmed our commitment to center those most impacted at the For Us, By Us Pulse remembrance and Keep Healing Orlando events. We educated, mobilized, and celebrated each other at the Orlando Strong Symposium. Time and time again, we created space for love, support, and unity. Moments like these fill us with hope and renew our sense of determination.
The Contigo Fund has continued its annual trajectory of increasing grant support to grassroots organizations and programming that get this vital work done in the community. While this support is primarily driven by national foundation support, many Central Florida community members are stepping up with individual donations. If I’m being honest, I hate asking for money. But over the last few years, I’ve learned two things: that this collective effort is too significant to be stopped by my discomfort, and when Contigo Fund asks, our community responds. I’m asking you now to consider the amount you can give to ensure collective freedom for our people.
Like everything we do, we are stronger when we combine our efforts. The same is true for your philanthropic giving. I want to share an opportunity to take your commitment further. By joining our Familia, a group of monthly donors who have committed to compounding their impact through monthly gifts, you can turn your year-end gift into year-long support for Contigo Fund and our pursuit for justice.
When I look at how our community and its allies stood together this year, I have filled with hope again. We will continue to fight for the right to exist and flourish on equal footing. I’m asking that you join me in investing in our community to continue the fight for our collective freedom and create a just society for all. Estamos Contigo!
Yours in Solidarity,
Marco Antonio Quiroga
Executive Director
P.S. – From pain to power – you have forged a social movement. Let’s keep moving forward together!
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