Fundraiser takes on ‘La Fiesta de los Muertos’ theme
Equality Texarkana’s upcoming fundraiser, “La Fiesta de los Muertos,” combines a masquerade ball with a traditional Day of the Dead theme.
To be held Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Twin Cities Event Center, “La Fiesta de los Muertos” will include an authentic Mexican dinner and beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. It’s a 21-and-up event with doors open at 7 p.m.
In a statement, founder and CEO of Equality Texarkana Jimmy Pope Jr. explains the “Party of the Dead” theme: “We will be honoring the lives of those who fought for equality and have left us, and recognizing that we have the power to change the future of our community for the better by following their example.”
Lucy Reyes, COO of Equality Texarkana, says the organization aims to celebrate this occasion respectfully. “We’re trying to stay with traditional decorations, traditional food. We’re having tamales, carnitas. We wanted to do this right.” They’ll make their decorations by hand and encourage attendees to bring a memento or photo of someone who’ve passed on and fought for LGBTQ rights.
“The significance is that we’re trying to honor our past, honor the people that have come before us that have paved the road for us to get here,” Reyes said. It’s a celebration, not a somber event. And for this community, the theme has a significant connection.
Entertainment includes a deejay. A silent auction is included and one prize is a rainbow-color quilt made by a local quilter. Traditional hand-painted skulls are also part of the event decor.
“We just hope everybody has fun. We’ve really been putting a lot of effort into it,” Reyes said. They also hope everyone is ready to dance and enjoy the evening.
In addition to promoting equality, the non-profit organization Equality Texarkana provides a number of services for adolescent and adult members of the LGBTQ community, including free group counseling, support groups, a youth volunteer and social group, spiritual support and more.
(Tickets: $40 for the public, $35 for Equality Texarkana members or for students. Buy tickets at EqualityTexarkana.org or from an organization member.)