“I was in central Illinois when I heard about the attacks, and I spent the entire drive home thinking about everything,” says Bryant Miller, Senior Community Manager at Yelp. “Like most people, my heart was aching and I wanted to do something — not just say something. But what could we do that would both honor the victims and their families and provide something tangible?”
Miller received a message from his friend Bob Berman from Sweetwater Brewing Company, saying he wanted to donate some kegs of craft beer to a local party to benefit Orlando and did he know of any happening.
“It got my wheels turning again, and I decided to just put the idea of a party out on Facebook and asked local friends if they would brainstorm with me,” says Miller.
Miller put the following question out on social media: “If we wanted to throw a last-minute party this week to do some good and show our perseverance, what would we do? Anybody want in?” and within seconds, dozens of people chimed in with support, ideas, a desire to volunteer, or something to contribute.
“We decided a dance party was exactly the right thing — it was what the Orlando folks were going to do that night,” he says. “To quote Queer As Folk, after a poignant scene in the series finale about an attack on a gay club, ‘the thumpa thumpa continues.'”
Dance for Orlando will take place Friday, June 17th at the back entrance of de-NOVO. (This is a location change from the West Cherry Street public space). The party starts at 8pm and goes through 10pm. A suggested $5 entrance fee will be donated directly to the official GoFundMe page for the Pulse Victims Fund by Equality Florida, the state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, to support the victims and their families. Currently, the total raised is over $4M (and climbing) in just over two days.
“Cherry Street is a beautiful space that’s perfect for a dance party, and I love the idea of everyone dancing out in public — kind of a way to show our perseverance,” says Miller.
Those who have come together to put on this benefit include: DJs from Damn Girl donating their time to the event (before heading over to their own monthly event later the same night at Skully’s), Sweetwater Brewing Co with craft beer, Camelot Cellars with wine, Bleu & Fig with hors d’oeuvres, and Buttergirl Bakery with treats.
Hot Chicken Takeover and Rime Time Curiously Crafted Pops will be a part of the evening, donating a percentage of their sales directly to the Orlando fund. Nearby restaurants The Chintz Room, de-NOVO bistro & bar, and Oliver’s will also be contributing a portion of their sales from the night.
This event is for anyone 21 years of age or older and you must RSVP on the Facebook event if you plan to attend.
Miller is wrapping a few final details, such as lighting and seating, but the event is pretty much ready to roll.
“I was floored by how fast things came together and how many people eagerly wanted to help,” says Miller. “The whole thing literally took four hours. I’m beside myself with how much traction our event has gotten so far, and I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported us.”
More details for Dance for Orlando will be updated on the Facebook event as they are added. Find the party at de-NOVO’s back entrance on Wall Street. de-NOVO is located at 201 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. If you would like to make a direct donation to the victims, visit the GoFundMe page.
UPDATED! This story has been updated 11:00am on Friday, June 17th with the updated location.