In its annual May fundraiser, the GALE Fund raised more than $8,500, and awarded $10,000 in grants to seven Cape organizations that provide vital services and programs to the Cape's diverse communities.
 
Lois Hirshberg, chair of the GALE Fund's Grants Committee, explained that only about half of the 2010 grant applications could be funded, and none of them received their full request. Organizations that did receive funding include:

• The Provincetown Film Festival for its Youth and Diversity films/sidebar, particularly because of their emphasis on youth and their willingness to provide free entrance to young people as well as to coordinate transportation to and from P'town for youth. The committee believes it is empowering for at-risk, low self-esteem teens struggling with peer pressure to witness the stories and accomplishments of these filmmakers, actors and writers. 
  
• A collaboration between CIGSYA House and the Duffy Health Center will provide a skilled counselor to teens on a regular basis, the first time in several years that CIGSYA has been able to offer this. 
  
• PFLAG received funding for three presentations (Upper, Mid- and Lower cape) on the coming out experience for families and friends of kids.  In funding this, the Fund acknowledged that new people need this information constantly, in spite of the strides made in recent years towards tolerance and acceptance. PFLAG came out in force to this event with at least 8 members present. 
  
• The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod won funding for their food program. They serve or deliver meals daily to a large group of individuals out of their P'Town office, and do so for a remarkably low cost per meal through their volunteer and donation program.  Good nutrition is essential for people struggling with AIDS, particularly those who have minimal incomes, and this program really seemed to merit our support. 
  
• The Barnstable County Human Rights Academy received a grant to support two annual workshops with kids from across Cape Cod, dealing with issues of tolerance, understanding and respect. The GALE Fund has funded this project for several years, and have witnessed the enlightenment and good will that this academy engenders. As someone in the audience said, "If you are concerned about the state of youth in America, go and observe one of these sessions and you will know that there are better times coming."
• The Castle Hill Arts Center won a grant for a workshop program with author and performer Tim Miller, which will culminate in a public performance.  Tim is well-known nationally for his LGBT focus, and this seemed an ideal way of giving a small group in-depth experience in writing and performing, as well as interaction with a much larger group through the performance.

The event was held at Adrian's Restaurant in Truro, reflecting the GALE Fund's interest in broadening its reach across Cape Cod. Christa Delude and her trio performed during the reception, with a lovely blend of jazz standards and songs from the American Songbook. Christa has been a great supporter of the GALE Fund over the years.

Mark Downey and Kathy O'Donoghue (Events Committee co-chairs) said that several smaller community building and fundraising events are scheduled this year across the Cape in place of one big event per year. The Cape Rep Theater is hosting a fundraising performance of The Wizard of Oz on August 12 in Brewster, and the GALE Fund will march in the Carnivale Parade in P'Town on August 19.