Garden State Equality to Host its 9th Annual Equality Walk on October 13 and 14

This year’s Equality Walk, taking place in three separate locations, is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Brian Holland

ASBURY PARK, NJ – Garden State Equality (GSE) is holding its 9th Annual Equality Walk on October 13th and 14th in three separate locations: Atlantic City (8/13), Asbury Park (8/13), and Montclair (8/14). Elected officials, including Congressman Pallone and Congressman Gottheimer, are expected to attend.

The Equality Walk is GSE’s largest annual community fundraiser. Last year, GSE had hundreds of individuals in attendance and raised thousands of dollars. This year’s walk will be the biggest yet. That’s because, while in previous years the organization hosted one walk, this year, to underscore the fact that they are a statewide organization with an unwavering commitment to all of NJ, they will be hosting an Equality Walk Weekend and holding a total of three separate walks, representing the three geographical regions of the state: north, central, and south.

Funds raised from Equality Walk 2018 will support the innovative work GSE is doing in the areas of policy, education, and health. Every day, their team is busy advocating for the LGBT community in New Jersey and offering programs that can serve as models for other states, agencies, and organizations.

The 9th Annual Equality Walk’s gold level sponsors include, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Brian Holland Legacy Foundation, and the Claridge–a Radisson hotel.

OUT at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa proudly supports diversity and embraces the LGBTQ community. As a result of receiving a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2016, 2017 & 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), Borgata is now recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality,” which is why Garden State Equality is so proud to have them as a sponsor.

Brian Holland Legacy Foundation was created to honor the life of Brian Holland. Brian was a beloved member of the local Asbury Park community, where Garden State Equality is headquartered, and a strong supporter of the organization’s work. “Brian was a community leader, an industry professional, a confidant, friend, and master of guidance and positivity,” said Larry Dembrun of the Asbury Hotel, where Brian worked. “Throughout his life with us, Brian elevated us all every day to be better versions of ourselves, to care for every human being, and to never forget to laugh. In honor of Brian, we have decided to form this Foundation to celebrate every aspect of his life!” This year’s Equality Walk is dedicated to Brian’s memory.

The Claridge–a Radisson hotel was once known as “Skyscraper by the Sea” and is one of the of the last remaining architectural masterpieces from the Boardwalk Empire Era. This year’s Atlantic City walk will kick-off at Brighton Park, a picturesque square right in front of the hotel and adjacent to the City’s boardwalk, where the walk itself will take place. Garden State Equality is thrilled to have this iconic backdrop for their first-ever walk in Atlantic City.

The 2018 Equality Walk’s bronze level sponsors are: Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), CVS Health, FirstEnergy Foundation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Lyft, Marketplace Realty, New Jersey Natural Gas, New York Red Bulls, Ocean Resort Casino, PSEG, Rent Asbury Park, RWJBarnabas Health, Salt Hotels, and Wegmans.

Garden State Equality is deeply grateful to all of their generous sponsors and to the many teams and individuals who have already signed up. With nearly $90,000.00 already raised, Garden State Equality is hoping to reach this year’s goal of $100,000.00, which would double what was raised at last year’s walk. Anyone interested in participating in this year’s Equality Walk Weekend, can sign up by visiting: https://equalitywalk.rallybound.org/

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