Drenched Fur 4 Is a Splashing Success

by Gary

The first weekend of April was the fourth year of Erie’s premier bear run event, Drenched Fur. This year was host to a record 230 attendees, almost double last year’s run! Participants enjoyed a great weekend of activities from parties, visits to regional wineries, trips to gambling at Presque Isle Downs and Casino and also a private event at Splash Lagoon on Friday night. This year, we raised over $1,000 for the Shriners Hospital here in Erie. The money donated will be provided for the children at Shriners to create their very own Build-A-Bear animal from the company’s website. Then, staff members from the hospital will visit the Millcreek Mall store to have the stuffed animal made as requested.

Estimates are that we expect to provide comforting stuffed animals for nearly 30 children over the coming months at the hospital! It goes without saying that many thank yous go out to all the volunteers, businesses and organizations that helped provide charity auction donations, prizes for raffle giveaways and various services during the weekend. Last but not least the dedication of the DF4 Committee proved worthwhile this year. Thank you to Chris, Jack, Michael, Nick and Peter for all their hard work. And don’t forget to mark your calendars now because Drenched Fur 5 will be held April 3rd-5th next year in 2009!

About the Author

Gary Snyder Gary Snyder (He/Him), has been involved with Erie Gay News submitting articles since 2005 and coordinating the Annual Pride Picnic kitchen in 2008. He currently serves as an Advisory Board member of the NWPA Pride Alliance [since 2012]. Gary is a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in HRIM. From 1999 to 2012 he was an active member and then executive officer of the non-profit Burgh Bears social club in Pittsburgh, PA. Currently Gary is employed by the Erie County Department of Health as the HIV Disease Intervention Specialist, serving as a community member of the HIV Planning Group in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Along with advising the NWPAPA Board, he chairs the Erie County HIV Task Force, serves on the Erie Gay News Editorial Board, and is the President of the AFSCME Union Local 2666.

Photos

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