Upcoming Alton Pride Fundraisers for 2nd Annual Pride Fest [Video]

ALTON – As the Alton Pride organization prepares for its Sept. 9 festival, they’re planning several events to garner funds and support.

“It’s not just about a one-day party,” Michael Paynic, the vice president of Alton Pride, said. “It’s all about giving back to our community. It’s all about teaching the children how to…be able to be themselves.”

The Alton Pride organization was started in 2018 by Paynic, current President Nicci Kincer and a few other devoted board members. Their original goal was to start an annual Pride event in Alton, which they fulfilled last year with an estimated 1,500–2,000 attendees.

As the organization has grown, they’ve expanded their sights to focus on local LGBTQ+ youth. They host a monthly youth group for high school students where teens can socialize, with a licensed therapist present as an extra resource. Alton Pride has seen how vital this support can be.

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