WILMINGTON, NC, DECEMBER 29, 2008 – Out Impact, a gay online magazine focusing on making a positive impact within the gay community, in our first 2009 event in conjunction with The Soapbox, will be celebrating our first ever Out Impact Friday in a fundraising event for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation’s Marcia Polimer Abrams Fund for Canine Behavior Studies at The Soapbox in Wilmington, NC on January 23rd, 2009 from 9 p. m. to 1 a. m. Out Impact’s hotel sponsor for this special celebration is the Red Roof Inn, with other sponsorship levels currently available.

The Fund was created in memory of author, regular contributor to Out Impact and CHF President’s Council Member Darlene Arden’s mother, and will benefit studies focusing on unlocking the mysteries of canine behavior. “I couldn’t think of a better way to honor my mother and our shared love of dogs than to create this fund in her memory. Behavior is at the very core of the human-animal bond. I also know that whatever studies the CHF funds will also ultimately benefit people. It’s truly a win/win for dogs and their human companions. I also hope it will help breeders breed dogs that are mentally as well as physically sound. I think my mother would wholeheartedly approve.”

“We are proud to have our first event of 2009 celebrating Marcia’s memory and helping raising funds for their incredible efforts in helping canines and their families,” Bambi Weavil, CEO and Publisher of Out Impact, Inc. said. “We are animal lovers ourselves and believe this is a very important cause.”

Host: Robert West, Out Wilmington & Costello’s
Location:
Historic Firehouse Number 2
Fifth Avenue and Castle Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
View Map
When: Saturday, December 27, 8:00PM
Phone: 910 352-7544 or 910 200-0037

Tired of Uncle Edgar’s stories, Mother-in-Law Mildred’s whining, and Aunt Eunice’s kisses?

OutWilmington invites you and a guest to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas (and everything in-between).

We’ll have beer & wine, edibles, and neat door prizes. If you desire anything else, we encourage you to bring it, him or her!

Come see and participate in what OutWilmington has planned for 2009, including promoting our LGBT Businesses.

Thank you to all our readers, friends, supporters, activists and fellow LGBTQ media from around the world. We are grateful for you as we continue to grow and our upcoming first event of 2009 on January 23, 2009 in Wilmington, NC at The Soapbox!

A special thank you to my dedicated staff:

-Sean Oakley

-Shannon Smith

-Lynn Casper

-Chardon Moore

-Michael Weaver, Jr.

-Missy Rhodes

Our regular contributing writers:

- Kimberly Wilson

- Arthur D. Wright

- Dr. Patrick Mahaney

- Darlene Arden

- Christi Preddy

- Karl Hampe

- Raven Usher

- Jarko De Witte van Leeuwen

With special thanks to our extended family at SoulGarden.TV, The V Radio, Tristan Renteria, Kim Dicso, and Sirius OutQ’s OutQ In The Morning. We love you, we support you and are grateful for all the encouragement you’ve given us in our year and counting.

Sincerely,
Bambi Weavil

CEO/Publisher of Out Impact, Inc.

OutImpact.com - Making a positive impact in the gay community. Make yours.

Local activist and straight ally, Stephanie Hart, who spoke first in Wilmington, NC’s rally on November 15, 2008’s speech:

“I was not sure what I was going to say. And then late last night I was watching Henry Rollins speak in South Africa, and he also spoke with Desmond Tutu, and they brought up things that inspired me for today.

I quote his holiness, the Dalai Lama, “Ultimately, humanity is one and this small planet is our only home. If we are to protect this home of ours,each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism. It is only this feeling that can remove the self-centered motives that cause people to deceive and misuse one another. If you have a sincere and open heart,you naturally feel self-worth and confidence, and there is no need to be fearful of others.”

To read more…

Photos of the Wilmington, NC Against Prop 8 rally - if used on website please credit OutImpact.com.

Article: Wilmington, NC Protests Prop 8 In A National Day of Unity

November 15, 2008 - 1:30p EST - 3:00p

To view more please click on headline.

One-hundred thirty people, both from the gay community and straight allies gathered together in a peaceful protest on a beautiful warm Saturday afternoon in Wilmington, NC at the Federal Building in solidarity with the national protesting of Prop 8 passing in California at 1:30p EST on November 15th. Local organizers Kati Heffield and Mary Eller helped spread the word via social networking sites like Facebook that Wilmington would be represented as part of the estimated 300 cities taking part in the national protest.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2008

Contact: Kati Heffield - (910)368-8380
Mary Eller - (512) 968-3446

Local gay, lesbian, straight citizens to protest passage of anti-gay constitutional amendments in Arizona, Florida, California

WILMINGTON — A group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and straight citizens will take to the streets of Wilmington to protest the passage of Proposition 8, California’s anti-gay marriage amendment, as well as other anti-gay ballot initiatives in Arkansas, Arizona and Florida.

Every day since Election Day, thousands have protested up and down streets in cities across California, including in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Sacramento. A national, grassroots coalition of LGBT activists have followed in their footsteps.

On Nov. 15, 1:30 p.m. EST/10:30 a.m. PST, in large cities and state capitals across the country, Pro-Equality supporters will raise public awareness of the need for LGBT equality in marriage and in other civil rights.

WHAT: Prop. 8 Protest

WHO: LGBT and straight citizens of Wilmington and surrounding areas.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008;1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: 2 Princess St. Federal Building (Water St. Between Princess and Market)

For more information contact:
Kati Heffield - (910) 368-8380
Mary Eller - (512) 968-3446

National Protest Site: http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com

AAA Coastal Transportation is Out Impact’s preferred choice for our taxi needs in Wilmington, NC. They are LGBT friendly, affordable and give the best customer service in Wilmington! Please let them know Out Impact referred you! Visit them at http://www.aaacoastal.com and on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/nc_cabbie.

Wilmington, NC will get to host it’s first GoGirlsMusic Fest on October 18th, with two shows going on within one block of each other at the same time. The Soapbox Laundro-Lounge will offer it’s stage to duo’s, trio’s and bands, whereas Bottega Art Gallery will nest with the solo’s and small sets. GoGirlsMusic Fest coordinators, Annette Warner and Monique of the Raleigh based band, Lactose Quervo, have promised an incredible night of entertainment as well as an indie art auction to boost the proceeds for the cause. Annette Warner states “Previous shows held in the Raleigh/Chapel Hill/Durham area have had a great turnout each and every year, so Wilmington gets its chance this year to prove its residents can support the shows and our talented women in music by coming out to “get music’ed”. Annette Warner, also the organization’s editor, adds “Each and every year GoGirlsMusic Fest are growing in number – and every year we raise money for something worthwhile and honorable in effort. It’s a lot of fun, and everyone walks away having done something good either way.”

The Indie Art Auction will take place at 12:00 Midnight. All proceeds from the Auction will benefit UNOS. First 75 people in the door get a free GoGirlsMusic Fest 2008 Compilation

The Soapbox Features: Secada, Lactose Quervo, Someone’s Sister, ilyAIMY
Bottega Art Gallery Features: Margot in the Nightbox, Annette Warner and Madonna Nash.
Admission is $10.00 and includes a free CD. Both shows begin at 8 pm.

The Social Justice Film Series Presents… Transgeneration
Special Guest Speaker Sylvia Guerrero
Sunday, October 12, 2008 - 6p
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Lumina Theater
Free