Community Corner

Hundreds Attend Holiday Charitable Campaign

Go Out Loud volunteers recently held an event to benefit the Salem Pantry.

The following press release was submitted by Go Out Loud Vice President Chris Sicuranza:

The Holiday Out Night event was attended by over 200 guests, including Councilor Turiel, Councilor O'Keefe, Governor's Councilor Eileen Duff (the highest ranking LGBT Massachusetts official), as well as notable up and comers running for Salem City Council, Darek Barcikowski and David Eppley.

Over 660 canned goods and non-perishable items were donated and more will be collected throughout the month of December, all in benefit of the Salem Pantry.

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More will be donated at designated posts throughout the region, and the team expects that number to grow even higher.

The Holiday Out Night event, held at Victoria Station last week, was so successful that management had to close off both sides of the restaurant thanks to the popularity of the event.

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"Go Out Loud couldn't have done this without all of your help tonight," Chris Sicuranza, Vice-President of Go Out Loud said on stage to the packed event floor. "We are marking our first year anniversary, but with your help, we will have many more events and campaigns, both locally and regionally, where we can showcase our idea of modern equality."

‘Give Out Loud’ is a charity campaign which rewards non-perishable donations at designated posts throughout the Salem community with a special edition GOLD (Go Out Loud Discount) Holiday Pride Pass, giving community members incentives to give and shop locally through discounts, savings or special offers.

Many were dressed in "Out Loud Sweater," an 'ugly sweater' contest where participants can vote on the Go Out Loud Facebook fan page for their favorite and have a chance to win a prize package from the Salem Waterfront Hotel / Regatta Pub.

Tom Gifford, President of the Salem Pantry, stated, "We are extremely thankful for the community efforts undertaken by Go Out Loud. The Salem Pantry is especially in need during the holiday season and we feel blessed by this charitable campaign." 

Created in late 2011, the Go Out Loud brand was established as an opportunity for the New England LGBT community, starting with the Greater Boston area, to engage in a variety of interest-based social activities to facilitate networking, empowering the community and supporting the local economy.


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