Dear Friends
In 1999, the Cherry Fund and Whitman Walker Clinic formed an Ad Hoc Committee to create an LGBT Community Center in the District. That vision became a reality when the DC Center for the LGBT Community was incorporated in 2004 with signatories Patrick Menasco, Jeff Englar, Larry Stansbury, and Ed Craft.
As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary this year, I hope we all take time to celebrate the many visionary board members, staff, volunteers, and community partners who have brought us to this point, including our past board chairs Michael Sessa and Michael Fowler, and our current board co-chairs Rehana Mohammed and Jonathan Gilad.
2019 also marks my 11th and final year at the DC Center. September 30th will be my last day serving as Executive Director of this remarkable organization. While I look forward to the opportunities in my future, the DC Center will always hold a very special place in my heart.
I will spend my remaining time here assuring a smooth and strategic transition. 2020 will be a year of growth for the DC Center with a significant increase in grant funding. This includes a groundbreaking grant from DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL). This grant, which will help us better serve older LGBTQ adults, is the first grant ever given by DACL to an LGBT organization.
I am grateful to be able to leave the DC Center in the hands of very capable board members and staff, It is the right time to make way for new leadership, ideas, and vision. I look forward to seeing where we go from here.
Please make plans to join me at the DC Center Fall Reception on Friday September 13th at the Warner Building celebrate our 15th Anniversary. Purchase your tickets now at: thedccenter.org/events/fifteen
Best Regards,
David Mariner
You’ve been a treasure for the DC-area community and Rehoboth Beach is so very fortunate to be getting you to shepherd their LGBTQ Center. I wish you all the best.