The Cherry Fund's weekend dance event is one of the few that is produced entirely by volunteers, and that still donates all of its proceeds to worthy non-profit charitable organizations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The cost of your pass or ticket not only gives you access to an unforgettable weekend of events, but also directly supports the work of our beneficiaries. The portion of your ticket price that benefits these charities is of course tax deductible.

Click here for a PDF of the deductibility figures for the Cherry 7 tickets. Deductibility figures for the Cherry 8 tickets will be determined after the event when total expenses and donations have been determined. The Cherry Fund and all its beneficiaries thank you for your support.

CHERRY 7 RAISES $173,000

We want to thank everyone who helped make Cherry 7 such a great success. It's the generous support of our sponsors, volunteers, hosts and attendees that helped us raise $173,000 for important causes in our community.

• DC Gay & Lesbian Community Center - $70,000
• SMYAL (HIV/AIDS Prevention Program) - $40,000
• Victory Foundation - $35,000
• Mautner Project - $10,000
• Cherry Fund HIV/AIDS Campaign - $5,000
• Washington Renegades - $1,000
• DC Aquatics - $1,000
• Washington Wetskins - $1,000
• Delta Lambda Phi Fraternity Foundation - $1,000

CHERRY HISTORY

Welcome to Washington, DC, from the Board of the Cherry Fund and the Steering Committee for CHERRY 8. We would like to share with you the proud history and events that comprise the biggest dance party of its kind produced on an annual basis here in our Nation's Capital. We would also like to talk a little bit about the worthy organizations that will be beneficiaries of your generosity and about why we're glad you're here.

Cherry began several years ago when a group of local residents got together and planned a charity fundraiser. Using modest financial resources, the all-volunteer organization known as Friends Being Friends banded together to put on a weekend of music, dance and celebration. Several other Cherry events would follow, each increasingly better attended than the last. The popularity of these fundraisers inspired the idea that Washington was ready for a yearly charity event on the level of those held annually on Fire Island or in Miami.

After the third Cherry, which was produced by Moody Mustafa's Metropolis Fund, a new group formed to take over the reins of the event. The new organization was christened "The Cherry Fund." This new organization institutionalized the annual fundraising effort, eveloving into a year-round grant making organization while building a brand name that people around the country could identify.

This May, Cherry returns for its eighth year (hence, CHERRY 8) stronger than ever. It is an organization that from its humble roots, has quickly grown to rival other, longer running and more established weekend fundraisers around the country. Since the Cherry Fund's inception three years ago, we have raised over $773,000 for local organizations focused on gay and lesbian causes. Our events have won national accolades not only for their great production values, stunning venues, and ability to bring in world-class talent, but also for adhering so well to our primary mission—that of raising money for gay and lesbian charities that are as diverse as the community they serve. Cherry is a testament not only to the depth of local talent, but the selfless dedication of our community here in Washington, DC.

Copyright © 2003 The Cherry Fund. All Rights Reserved.