Slog
News & ArtsWednesday, June 10, 2009
City City Waives $42,000 from Gay Pride Debt
Posted by Dominic Holden on Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Seattle Out and Proud, producers of the annual gay-pride parade, have agreed to pay the city periodically through 2014 to resolve a massive debt the group generated in 2006, according to a settlement agreement the parties entered into King County Superior Court earlier this week.
The city had sued Seattle Out and Proud (SOaP) in March for an outstanding $124,801 obligation, the combination of rental fees for the Seattle Center for a post-parade rally and the interest generated from lack of payments.
Under the terms of the deal, SOaP must pay the city on September 1 of each year. The group must put down $10,000 this year and $15,000 for each of the following five years (plus an extra $507 to settle the balance in 2014).
If SOaP meets those terms, the city will waive $42,564 in interest.
But, the settlement stipulates, if SOaP misses any of the payments, the interest for the entire amount will be due (plus any more accrued interest). The city may also file a lawsuit to collect the total debt.
It remains to be seen if SOaP can, in fact, raise that sort of money. In the three years since the group generated its debt to the city, it has paid only $10,400, the settlement says. In March, SOaP president Eric Albert-Gauthier said that producing the gay pride parade costs about $30,000 to $40,000 a year.
1
countdown to self righteous egotistical gay people whining about how they shouldn't have to pay all the money back they owe to the man
2
I was hoping this would put them out of business and we could get a get a group with a modicum of fundraising and management intelligence to run Pride.
Seriously, and group that can get that many people in one place and raise the pittance they do should be taken out back and shot.
Seriously, and group that can get that many people in one place and raise the pittance they do should be taken out back and shot.
4
this will be a good learning experience.
the gays can take pride in being responsible and paying their debts (or at least some of their debt)
instead of shaking their naked asses in public.
the gays can take pride in being responsible and paying their debts (or at least some of their debt)
instead of shaking their naked asses in public.
6
"countdown to self righteous egotistical gay people whining about how they shouldn't have to pay all the money back they owe to the man"
The only thing more annoying than the entitled are libertarians.
The only thing more annoying than the entitled are libertarians.
7
Poe, Darling, Calm yourself: All they are doing is waiving the accrued interest on the late payment if they agree to pay the principle on time. If they don't meet the payment deadlines, they owe the whole thing, plus any accrued interest.
9
@6
Yeah, I guess if I were some irresponsible worthless piece of shit who never attempts to make any sense of their entitlements to things they haven't earned, I'd hate Libertarians too.
Yeah, I guess if I were some irresponsible worthless piece of shit who never attempts to make any sense of their entitlements to things they haven't earned, I'd hate Libertarians too.
10
I was the chair of Pittsburgh Pride for 4 years... We made certain that if we didnt have the money for next year out of this years event, we had a different sort of event.
That being said, my GF tried for 6 months to volunteer for Seattle Pride this year... She was the producer of a lesbian comedy event for something like 9 years in New Mexico... she called and called Pride, finally heard back, went to a meeting, assignments were given out and then no one ever called another meeting...
She recently heard that the Board of Pride got together an entirely different group of people to organize it within the last couple of weeks...
and no one on the original team heard from the Board or anyone else again.
Serious fucking incompetence.
That being said, my GF tried for 6 months to volunteer for Seattle Pride this year... She was the producer of a lesbian comedy event for something like 9 years in New Mexico... she called and called Pride, finally heard back, went to a meeting, assignments were given out and then no one ever called another meeting...
She recently heard that the Board of Pride got together an entirely different group of people to organize it within the last couple of weeks...
and no one on the original team heard from the Board or anyone else again.
Serious fucking incompetence.
11
huh? On what grounds did the City compromise $80,000 ish in principal obligations? What was the lawsuit about? Did SOAP contest the debt? How? Is there security for this obligation, or any other hope of repayment other than penalizing non-payment by adding the interest back into the debt, thereby increasing the chance of default?
Dom, can you get hold of the settlement agreement?
Perhaps I ought to know the facts first, but, since this is Slog, I'll just pop off: watch for a default by SOAP on this obligation (which adds around 50% to its annual budget), followed by a liquidation of the organization, followed by the emergence of a new organization from SOAP's ashes to take over the parade. Taxpayers, you're S.O.L.!
Dom, can you get hold of the settlement agreement?
Perhaps I ought to know the facts first, but, since this is Slog, I'll just pop off: watch for a default by SOAP on this obligation (which adds around 50% to its annual budget), followed by a liquidation of the organization, followed by the emergence of a new organization from SOAP's ashes to take over the parade. Taxpayers, you're S.O.L.!
14
this is a waiver of the whole $125K outstanding.
They'll never pay it off and they have no incentive, it's a nonprofit, it will just fade away.
It's just play money, it's just a play lawsuit, it's just a play settlement, and they're just playing us and convincing gullible reporters to write it up as a write off of $42K -- when really it's gonna be the whole $125K. Oh but it sure eats up more city staff time and attorney time to play act like this, churning the matter endlessly.
Oh and I am sure the city staff person who let this group run up a bill like this with no means of payment is going to lose her job.
Ha hahahahahahahahaha.
They'll never pay it off and they have no incentive, it's a nonprofit, it will just fade away.
It's just play money, it's just a play lawsuit, it's just a play settlement, and they're just playing us and convincing gullible reporters to write it up as a write off of $42K -- when really it's gonna be the whole $125K. Oh but it sure eats up more city staff time and attorney time to play act like this, churning the matter endlessly.
Oh and I am sure the city staff person who let this group run up a bill like this with no means of payment is going to lose her job.
Ha hahahahahahahahaha.
15
#14
You are so full of bullshit. If they were going to default they would have done so.
This debt is one bad year out of 25 or so. Get a grip honey.
They completely overreached in the first year of downtown Pride wherein expenses jumped many times over.. And, they learned the hard way.
The event, the Parade, is working fine now, they have control of their spending, a full active board and will indeed make their payments.
Of course, we all know fools like you will take their place, should they collapse and so I will donate to them today.
Happy Pride Day Guy
You are so full of bullshit. If they were going to default they would have done so.
This debt is one bad year out of 25 or so. Get a grip honey.
They completely overreached in the first year of downtown Pride wherein expenses jumped many times over.. And, they learned the hard way.
The event, the Parade, is working fine now, they have control of their spending, a full active board and will indeed make their payments.
Of course, we all know fools like you will take their place, should they collapse and so I will donate to them today.
Happy Pride Day Guy
17
#11
The agreement is a payment plan, very common in business, esp. in hard times.
It is a great deal for the city, most groups would have walked a long time ago.
Ever hear of the word bankruptcy as in GM and Chrylser and countless other major groups?
SOAP could have taken that route long ago.
The settlement is public documents, under the court case. Anyone can get it - most likely posted on line.
I think SOAP has taken the high road to pay the city, even if it takes a few years. It is very ethical and honest.
I wish the Pride Foundation would help them. After all they have 64 million or so in the bank. Yes, and never give the parade people a fucking nickel.
The agreement is a payment plan, very common in business, esp. in hard times.
It is a great deal for the city, most groups would have walked a long time ago.
Ever hear of the word bankruptcy as in GM and Chrylser and countless other major groups?
SOAP could have taken that route long ago.
The settlement is public documents, under the court case. Anyone can get it - most likely posted on line.
I think SOAP has taken the high road to pay the city, even if it takes a few years. It is very ethical and honest.
I wish the Pride Foundation would help them. After all they have 64 million or so in the bank. Yes, and never give the parade people a fucking nickel.
18
How about doing things like getting people who attend the parade to donate or pledge some money to help pay this debt? Or maybe passing around a collection bucket at the rally?
Maybe we could have a less flashy parade this year that looks more like last November's anti-Prop 8 march, but with more decorations and celebration. We can still have fun without it having to be as professionally organized as the Seafair Parade.
Maybe we could have a less flashy parade this year that looks more like last November's anti-Prop 8 march, but with more decorations and celebration. We can still have fun without it having to be as professionally organized as the Seafair Parade.
19
I have read all of the postings above and I find it very sad when reading the comments of those that just don't know, or want to see failure rather then success from a non-profit organization that contributes so much to the city. Especially from those that are supposed to be "family". It would be beneficial for all if the ACCURATE information was obtained BEFORE assumptions were made and fingers pointed. It would be interesting to know how many of you with negative comments, finger pointing, and have all the answers have actually ever volunteered your time to such a huge effort in our city. The Board not only has stayed the course, they have worked through numerous obstacles, VOLUNTEERED endless hours, and organized an event for the city where EQUALITY, ACCEPTANCE, AND DIVERSITY are the message. How ironic don't you think?
20
Heather - right on.
Remember the rally is now a different group. So the collection is on the parade route. They will be selling buttons to go toward the debt. Buy a couple.
And to those cynics who are just full of silly babble, remember, this group is all volunteer. They do a great job and keep costs down. You want to pay 50.00 to get into Pride, go to LA and other cities. Not Seattle.
Yes, buy some buttons.
Remember the rally is now a different group. So the collection is on the parade route. They will be selling buttons to go toward the debt. Buy a couple.
And to those cynics who are just full of silly babble, remember, this group is all volunteer. They do a great job and keep costs down. You want to pay 50.00 to get into Pride, go to LA and other cities. Not Seattle.
Yes, buy some buttons.
21
@18 the Parade does fine now no need to cut anything but three years ago in addition they also did the Seattle Center over two days and got billed for a ton of unexpected bills, union manpower, etc. based on renting like the whole Center or something. They have since handed that over to another entity that just has a bunch of beer gardens and DJs in the fountain now. But SOaP just concentrates on the Parade now.
22
@19 Thank you for exemplifying exactly what is wrong with many non-profits. Hard work, commitment, and organization are not means to success but ends in and of themselves.
God forbid they focus on results. I mean that get in the way of buzz words and symbolism.
God forbid they focus on results. I mean that get in the way of buzz words and symbolism.
23
#22
Shut up - they lost money one year out of 25 - after moving and running into unexpected expenses.
Seattle Center cost them 100,000.00 to stage the post parade stuff. On the Hill, Volunteer park cost 40.00 - yes forty dollars for the park permit.
Sticker shock - one bad year out of 25.
Shut up. Get informed about "what is wrong" ... you sound like your mommie warning about blow jobs when you were a teen.
Talking Facts not Blather.
Shut up - they lost money one year out of 25 - after moving and running into unexpected expenses.
Seattle Center cost them 100,000.00 to stage the post parade stuff. On the Hill, Volunteer park cost 40.00 - yes forty dollars for the park permit.
Sticker shock - one bad year out of 25.
Shut up. Get informed about "what is wrong" ... you sound like your mommie warning about blow jobs when you were a teen.
Talking Facts not Blather.
24
Trouble is when you post these articles people don't really understand the history so they start debating like we are all back in 2006 or something. Your March article at least had a summary.
With over 300,000 spectators and growing I would think $30-40K in costs for downtown 4th Avenue seems like it is run pretty well.
2006 was the first year the pride parade moved off Capitol Hill and into downtown, where the group chose to hold a post-parade festival at Seattle Center, which, unlike the event's previous home of Volunteer Park, charges steep rental and labor fees. A private firm—not SOaP—now rents Seattle Center for the post-parade soiree. Albert-Gauthier says the gay pride parade costs between $30,000 to $40,000 a year, and it has remained in the black for in the last two years.
With over 300,000 spectators and growing I would think $30-40K in costs for downtown 4th Avenue seems like it is run pretty well.
28
Well, maybe they should scale it down for a couple of years until they can seriously pay the debt down (be responsible) and also keep in mind we are in a recession this year which means they are not going to get as much money as they did in previous years.
As much as I like it downtown maybe when times are tough we should move it back to Broadway if it makes more sense monetarily? Just a thought, but then I only go to Pride in Seattle every other year. (It gets too repetitive to do it every single year)
As much as I like it downtown maybe when times are tough we should move it back to Broadway if it makes more sense monetarily? Just a thought, but then I only go to Pride in Seattle every other year. (It gets too repetitive to do it every single year)
29
Seattle should be grateful to eat the entire outstanding debt.
It is a miniscule price to pay for the immeasurable privilege of hosting such a vibrant hip homosexual communuity.
And getting to see them shaking their naked asses.
In public.
It is a miniscule price to pay for the immeasurable privilege of hosting such a vibrant hip homosexual communuity.
And getting to see them shaking their naked asses.
In public.
30
yes, the debt owed to us taxpayers, aka my reach-around. You've had your fun, it's the least you could do.
31
uh, any large non-profit that can't raise $50k in a year NEEDS to go out of business...PASS THE FUCKIN' HAT AT THE PARADE LIKE THEY DO AT SOLSTICE!!! Get a shitload of dragqueens and muscle boys to playfully busk the crowd and you should be able to come up with enough money to pay for the fucking parade AND the old debt...
Drag queens are always bragging about how much money they raise for the community, (and they do) so put the bitches to work!!!
Drag queens are always bragging about how much money they raise for the community, (and they do) so put the bitches to work!!!
32
At 13#
EXCEPT Mark mom Finley- who has vindictively and vengefully high jacked the Capitol Hill pride parade to get back at SOAP and OneDegreeEvents for not allowing (or boycotting) him/it/her to participate in the real pride parade and post parade party. The old drag hag even sent Egan Orion of OneDegreeEvents a deranged letter demanding that he/she/it be included in this year’s pride parade because he “deserved to” (LMFAO!).
Finley’s appalling sociopath behavior is now a matter of public record.
Do we really want a person who has stolen from AIDS charities, stolen from theatrical venues, been fired from gay charity organizations and at least two gay night clubs, (in addition to attacking people and businesses in his now non-existent column in the Seattle Gay News) involved in anything this community has to offer?
HELL NO!
I call a boycott of the Cap Hill parade as a protest for using a known thief, liar, con-artist and all around gay social pariah to host. The mere fact he/it/she is participating is proof of her Disability fraud and AIDS fraud. Funny how her alleged diseases never interfere with a drag show... Surely science should be studying someone who can make their alleged diseases never interfere with drinking and having a good time... And he has made a mockery of the lives of people who have actually suffered or have died from AIDS.
mark mom finley is a monster.
EXCEPT Mark mom Finley- who has vindictively and vengefully high jacked the Capitol Hill pride parade to get back at SOAP and OneDegreeEvents for not allowing (or boycotting) him/it/her to participate in the real pride parade and post parade party. The old drag hag even sent Egan Orion of OneDegreeEvents a deranged letter demanding that he/she/it be included in this year’s pride parade because he “deserved to” (LMFAO!).
Finley’s appalling sociopath behavior is now a matter of public record.
Do we really want a person who has stolen from AIDS charities, stolen from theatrical venues, been fired from gay charity organizations and at least two gay night clubs, (in addition to attacking people and businesses in his now non-existent column in the Seattle Gay News) involved in anything this community has to offer?
HELL NO!
I call a boycott of the Cap Hill parade as a protest for using a known thief, liar, con-artist and all around gay social pariah to host. The mere fact he/it/she is participating is proof of her Disability fraud and AIDS fraud. Funny how her alleged diseases never interfere with a drag show... Surely science should be studying someone who can make their alleged diseases never interfere with drinking and having a good time... And he has made a mockery of the lives of people who have actually suffered or have died from AIDS.
mark mom finley is a monster.
34
You know...before SOAP stole the parade, threatened to sue anyone holding a competing event with both the words "Seattle" and "Pride" in the event, lost a CRAPLOAD of money, and sold the moneymaking part of the event (the Festival/Rally) to a private entrepreneur...organizers donated in excess of $10,000 some years in surplus funds to community organizations.
Of course, the event was held in the center of the community, supported LGBT owned businesses, and wasn't run by a secretive cabal that neglected little things like registering with the Secretary of State as a cash soliciting organization and quite possibly other minor little issues.
Be interesting if they ever reverted to the FDC tradition of actually LETTING THE COMMUNITY SEE THE BOOKS....
Of course, the event was held in the center of the community, supported LGBT owned businesses, and wasn't run by a secretive cabal that neglected little things like registering with the Secretary of State as a cash soliciting organization and quite possibly other minor little issues.
Be interesting if they ever reverted to the FDC tradition of actually LETTING THE COMMUNITY SEE THE BOOKS....
35
#34
Thanks for the accurate summary - all has changed - and - not for the better.
#32
You are so in the past - all that old shit is of litle interest to anyone. Drag queen squabbles are prolific, drama, drama, drama. Who cares?
Thanks for the accurate summary - all has changed - and - not for the better.
#32
You are so in the past - all that old shit is of litle interest to anyone. Drag queen squabbles are prolific, drama, drama, drama. Who cares?
36
#32
Try again. One Degree does not do the Parade ... they do the festival. Facts, honey, facts.
Ask Eagon to open his books???? 700.00 tables, many cash sponsors and beer galore. If it wern't for the grounds at Seattle Center incl. the fountain it would be totally boring.
Try again. One Degree does not do the Parade ... they do the festival. Facts, honey, facts.
Ask Eagon to open his books???? 700.00 tables, many cash sponsors and beer galore. If it wern't for the grounds at Seattle Center incl. the fountain it would be totally boring.
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