On Sunday April 30, 2006 we will celebrate the 19th annual Gloucester Pride Stride. In its history, our event with the help of hundreds of committed volunteers has raised over $680,000.00 to support numerous deserving local non-profit organizations. Last year over 40 non-profit organizations received funds from this event and each year the number of organizations grows.

The day kicks off with walker-registration at 10am at the Good HArbor Beach Concession Stand. The five-mile walk begins at 12Noon and wraps around Gloucester’s scenic backshore ending at the Beach. Following the walk, we spend the better part of the afternoon listening to music, playing games, enjoying pony rides, an inflatable slide, moon bounce and more, partaking in a massive cookout (FREE for walkers and family!) and sharing in the fellowship with others. New this year, a Frisbee-Golf Course on the beach!

The GLOUCESTER PRIDE STRIDE is a grass-roots community effort to not only raise funds for local non-for-profit agencies but also a healthy and fun event to galvanize our community with a spirit of goodwill, camaraderie and generosity. This five-mile walk is not only a fundraiser – but a FUN-raiser as well. We urge all members of our community to become involved someway in this most worthwhile event.

We strongly urge all residents to support organizations with your pledge in the form of a check (not cash) made out to: GLOUCESTER PRIDESTRIDE. Unfortunately, we’re historically aware of a few unscrupulous characters posing as good citizens only to steal your generous cash donations. We want donations to be used as intended.

Pledge sheets are available at the Rockport National Bank, Sawyer Free Library, Strong Group, Cape Ann Animal Aid, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, W.E. Blanchard, Cape Ann Lanes, First National Bank of Ipswich, YMCA, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Gloucester Cooperative Bank and Citizens Bank. . Any local non-profit organization interested in participating in the event this year should write a letter of intent to The Gloucester Pride Stride Committee, PO Box 16, Gloucester, MA 01930.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, April 30 for a great day of fun. Your time and effort committed to the Gloucester Pride Stride is an investment in civic pride, community spirit, and ultimately a better Cape Ann.