BUFFALO GROVE — This Chicago suburb’s first Pride celebration has just gotten bigger.
The celebration, called the Pinta Pride Project after 12-year-old Molly Pinta who started the fundraising, will also include a festival as well as a parade.
According to the Pinta Pride Project website, the parade will be on a mile-long round on Checker Road and a Festival of Diversity at Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road. The Buffalo Grove Park District and village government are both backing the event. Music, food and attractions are planned.
“It’s gotten bigger and bigger and bigger,” said Molly on the website. “We’re trying to become more diverse and accepting as a community, and the more people involved, the better.”
Molly, who came out last year herself, got the idea for the Pride celebration in Buffalo Grove after seeing Aurora, on the other side of the Chicago metro area, hold its first Pride event this year.
Molly’s mother, Carolyn Pinta, got 501(c)3 status for the Project in October of this year. As of the end of November, about $20,000 have been raised for the celebration. They hope to raise $30,000 by the celebration on June 2, 2019.
“The reason I’m making a big deal out of this is not for my daughter, who is supported at home, but for the kids who aren’t,” Pinta said on the Project website. “We know about children who are not supported at home for being gay. So even though they aren’t being supported at home, we want them to know there is a whole world out there that does.
Along with the local government, area houses of worship and businesses are already signing on as sponsors and participants.
Any supportive business, organization or group is welcome to join the event.
Student groups will be able to participate for free. Non-profits will have a $25 fee and business can apply for $100.
There are some rules for parade entries:
- All floats and walkers must be family-friendly, fully clothed and advertising a positive message
- Political views must be positive (Ex: Equality for all vs. Impeach Trump)
- Safety regulations must be followed per the village of Buffalo Grove and will be provided to all participants
Questions about the BG Pride Parade can be sent to [email protected]. To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/buffalo-grove-family-pride-2019. Sponsorship information is available at https://www.pintaprideproject.com/.
“It would be great if every town and city from the North Shore has a float or participants in this parade,” Pinta said.