• Kelly O

The Wildrose, Seattle’s premier lesbian venue for over a quarter of a century is currently experiencing some construction. The floor typically used for the DJ booth and dance floor has been overtaken with a huge plywood wall which shields the construction activities and allows the joint to stay open for business. The ladies at The Wildrose have dreamt up a brilliant use for this wall: “The Wildrose Breast Cancer Memorial Wall”.

The wall was painted over in solid pink, and until Tuesday, October 11th, at close, patrons, breast cancer supporters, survivors, and everyone in between can come to The Wildrose and contribute. Participants can write a name of someone precious to them who has passed, a thought relevant to the breast cancer struggle, or a note of hope for those immersed in the breast cancer battle. It’s all welcome. There's a donation box at the wall where people who can afford to can leave donations. On Tuesday at closing time, The Wildrose will collect the box, count the donations, MATCH the donations, and all donations will go to Gilda’s Club.

After Tuesday, when the deadline for contributions to the wall has come to pass, the wall will be painted over in a clear coat in order to preserve what is there. When the walls come down, they will be stored until it’s time for Gay Pride. They will be erected again, perhaps with additional panels, in the Wildrose Beer Garden. People will again be able to contribute and add to “The Wildrose Breast Cancer Memorial Wall”. This will become an annual component to the programming of Wildrose’s Pride festivities. Eventually, all of the fencing erected to secure the area that makes up The Wildrose Beer Garden will proudly display this living memorial. The ladies at The Wildrose couldn’t think of a prettier sight.

Tonight's the last night to donate or write on the wall until Gay Pride 2012. It's also The 'Rose's Taco Tuesday ($1 tacos, and super cheap beer).