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The Pride Center of Western New York, Inc., introduced its offices and community meeting space with anhouse on November 10, 2003. This event marked the first time in almost 25 years that Buffalo has had a dedicated LGBT community center.

The first issue of Nucleus, the Pride Center's monthly newsletter, was published in January 2004, when we also launched our online home, www.. The initial design and maintenance of the website was courtesy of the donated services of web designer Jay Cole. In June of 2004, the good people who previously ran the ultra-popular gaybuffalo.org website donated their domain name to the Pride Center. Since then, our website received more than 35,000 hits through the end of 2004. We also added our Message Boards, which received a stunning 45,197 hits in 2004 after its launch in late June.

On May 20, 2004, the Pride Center presented its first Community Service Award to Dr. Ross Hewitt for his work in HIV and AIDS locally. James Mansell (pictured left) and Yvonne Stocker were also recognized for their volunteer efforts at the Pride Center. The honors were presented at an awards luncheon at Sphere Entertainment Complex. Proceeds from the event benefited the Pride Center. This year, the Pride Center Community Service Award was awarded to Kay Patterson, MA, CCMHC, and the new Outstanding Service to the Center Award was presented to the Allentown Alternative Association at a reception on March 8, 2005, at Shanghai Red's Restaurant.

Our major fundraiser came on August 22, 2004, with Pride at the Pier --- Buffalo's biggest summer bash.  We enjoyed the talents of local DJs, a performance by the Buffalo Pride Band, and the entertainment styling of Lady Bunny (pictured right) at the Festival Grounds at the Pier. This year's event will be on August 21, 2005, and we're sure it's going to be an even bigger and better party!

On November 20, 2004, we celebrated our first anniversary with a reception at the Pride Center recognizing the many volunteers who contributed their time and effort to making our first year such a success.

The Pride Center was designed as a meeting space available to area LGBT groups and other friends of the community who need access to a safe, professional facility. We have provided meeting space for groups such as PFLAG, Spectrum Transgender Group, the Buffalo NY Lesbians, Gay and Lesbian Educators, the Pride Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon,

The Pride Center was made possible by a grant from the New York State Department of Health. In 2003 and 2004, we also received funding from the Western New York Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Gill Foundation. We also rely on the generous contributions made by our friends and members to continue the many programs and services of the Pride Center, and we appreciate the many who've contributed so far!

Last updated: 04/01/05