For those in the LGBTQ community, the month of June is traditionally a time for reflection and celebration of the progress made–from the days of the Stonewall Riots to the legalization of gay marriage–there is a lot to be thankful for. Progress is happening with cities around the world hosting festivals drawing millions from all corners of the globe. Here in Minnesota, the Twin Cities boasts one of the largest LGBTQ free Pride festivals in the nation with attendance exceeding 300,000 people. As we enter July, we want to take a minute to look back on the rewarding experience the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS had participating in the Twin Cities Pride Festival 2017.
This marks the second year MAAR hosted an outreach booth at TC Pride featuring a revolving staff of 55 REALTOR volunteers and friends of the Association, and the first year participating in the festival parade. Partnering with St. Cloud based Midwest Tiny Living, attendees of the festival had an opportunity to tour a tiny house on Saturday. And, on Sunday, MAAR was featured in the Twin Cities Pride parade with the tiny house as our float.
There is a lot of production and pre-planning that goes into such an outreach effort starting months in advance. Thank you to the following Pride Taskforce members who spent hours planning and preparing for this effort: Shannon Lindstrom (Taskforce Chair), Michael Hartung, Todd Shipman, Kath Hammerseng, Bill Wald (MAAR Staff) and Kevin Amundsen (MAAR Staff). Additionally, thank you sponsors: Katharine Price, Land Home Financial Services; Kevin Greene, Wintrust Mortgage; Keith Hoaglund, Comfort Home Inspections; Ryan Sinkfield, RC Fields LLC Home Inspection Services; and, Dan Nelson, Olio Group for providing the beautiful landscaping around the tiny house and MAAR booth.
“The Pride Event demonstrates MAAR’s commitment to diversity and working for fair and equal housing. Our involvement is vital as we are providing value for our members who feel our participation brings together the association and the LGBTQ community” said Bill Wald, Chief Executive Officer at MAAR.
We are looking forward to next year!