Fundraising

Among SMRA's many annual fundraising events is an annual Royalty Contest (pending contestants), themed fundraising shows, silent auctions, and special entertainment events.

The consistently increasing attendance and financial success of the group's fundraising activities has allowed SMRA to contribute to several different non-profit groups. SMRA also proudly partners with other non-profit organizations for charitable activities throughout the year.

Louisville AIDS Walk

About 15 members took to the streets of Louisville Kentucky in September for the Louisville AIDS Walk; an event that helps to raise money to address the needs of of those in the Louisville community with HIV/AIDS. 100% of the Walks proceeds being distributed to Louisville AIDS organizations. It was a terrific day for the walk with perfect weather. SMRA's team were gold sponsors of the Aids Walk raising $2000. Click on the photos below to see the team.

   

   

SMRA Has a Great First Half of 2009

In an open letter to members, the SMRA Board of Directors give their greatful thanks to members and others for their help toward SMRA's fundraising efforts. $9,875 have been raised as of June 30th and their is still half the year to go with many other fundraisers planned.
Read the appreciation letter

SMRA Member's Help Raise Money for Nashville Pride

On April 24th two members donned there best..uh dress?..to participate in this year's Pride Turn-A-Bout show. Turn-A-Bout is a fundraiser where members of the community, who are not normally part of the Nashville's drag scene have the chance to transform themselves and really show us what they can do. Justin James was a blonde stunner as Rebekah Sonni-Brook. The normally live singing Justin was a great peformer as his alter ego. Not to be outdone, SMRA President Steve Bloodworth as Rusty Spurs, sparkled and shimmered on stage in an off the sholder number, later changing his blonde locks for a brunett perm. The event was great fun and raised nearly $2000 for Nashville Pride.
See photos from Turn-A-Bout

Blazing Saddles Event Raises $3500

On Friday, March 27th the Derby City Kickers hosted a fundraising event, "Blazing Saddles" to help raise funds for SMRA and Louisville AIDS walk. The benefit was hosted at Colts, the new country and western dance bar inside Starbase Q. With Raffles, silent auction and a Best Butt in Jeans contest the night helped to rake in over $3500!! Thanks to the dedication of our Lousiville and Nashville members we were able to help makes this event a huge success for SMRA and Louisville Aids Walk. If you miss it well you missed a great time, but don’t worry we may do it again next year.

A Thanks from Alive Hospice

A very heartfelt thanks from Alive Hospice for being chosen as a SMRA charity partner for 2009. Alive Hospice was chosen as a charity partner by SMRA's Membership. It's mission is provide care to people with life-threatening illnesses and support to their families. Read Alive Hospice's Letter

Winter Roundup a Success

We had an awesome weekend for our 6th annual Winter Roundup. Smokies from around the region showed up for a weekend jam packed with dancing, performances from James Allen Clark, Brian Glenn, Miss SMRA 2008 Kitty Kincaid, and others in our Gay Ol' Opry show and a Barbecue. The silent auction had a variety of good items, including the 2009 Homorodeo calendar. The weekend helped us to raise over $2000 for SMRA and our charity partners.

SMRA Presents $1000 check to the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation

SMRA recently completed another successful fundraising year for 2008. SMRA President, Steve B. presented a $1000 check to Faith Holley, Director of Development, and Katharine Ray, Director of Communications & Outreach (pictured) of the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation. The Foundation is a nonprofit public charity committed to funding programs that provide the greatest benefit to cancer patients and their families.

SMRA's Donated Silent Auction Basket Fetches $55

As 2008 closed out SMRA put together a cowboy "basket" for the Raptors silent auction. The basket was a black straw cowboy hat that included an assortment of country goodies, including a home on the range tree decoration and a 2009 Studs n' Spurs calendar. The basket helped the Raptors, a local leather organization, by brining in $55 for Alive Hospice, which happens to be one of SMRA's 2009 charity partners.
Check out the basket