Project Rainbow: The Search for a Permanent Roof

When the DeFrank Center moved into its new home in the summer of 2004, it was one of our most proud and celebratory moments. After 23 years, moving into a newly renovated and permanent facility would ensure that members of the LGBT community would have a place to call home for the years to come. A beautiful array of sunshine cascaded upon the DeFrank Center for months to follow, but like every fairy tale, there is always a twist.

When the winter finally came, rains poured down on the DeFrank Center and leaks appeared in areas below older sections of the building. Grimy water, pieces of ceiling tiles, and moldy residue dripped onto everyone and everything throughout the second floor. Each new rainfall brought more damage to the building, often decreasing the amount of space for people to use for social events, support groups and meetings. While temporary repairs were made, the surprise rainfall on September 20, 2005, reminded us of the hazards caused with each rainfall as old leaks as well as some new ones appeared once again.

This fairy tale does not need to end on a sad note. You can help us make this chapter in the DeFrank Center’s legacy ends positively as we begin Project Rainbow: The Search for a Permanent Roof. With your donation of $10, $25, $50, $100, $250 or whatever you can give, you can help us fix our roof, prevent future indoor rainfalls and paint a glorious rainbow on the new roof of the DeFrank Center.

To keep track of our progress, you can check out Billy’s Rainbow, a graphic element now featured on the DeFrank Center web site.

Anything you can contribute will help the DeFrank Center to stop the leaks and continue focusing on strengthening the already outstanding programming, support, advocacy, and leadership you know the DeFrank Center offers. Please give and spread the word. The rains will fall again soon, but let’s make it so a rainbow is already shining on the DeFrank Center roof before they do.