Share the Love
Late last year, Anne and I traveled to the home of Jayne Rowse and April DeBoer, a same-sex couple with adopted children who find themselves at the center of a fierce legal battle over marriage equality and adoption rights for same-sex couples in our state. Our interview got a lot of attention and spurred me on to do a one-week fundraiser to help with their legal costs.
During the course of that fundraiser, I spoke to the attorneys who are representing April and Jayne and learned that they need to raise between a half million and three quarters of a million dollars to pay for the expert witnesses and other legal costs associated with a legal case this momentous. While Eclectablog readers were generous and did help raise several thousand dollars, there is still a long way to go.
So, the group helping Jayne and April, Michigan Marriage Challenge, is having a fundraiser and dinner on February 13th in Livonia:
Hello Supporters of The Michigan Marriage Challenge,Thank you so much for your support of our cause. We hope that we can count on you one more time for our Share The Love Valentine Fundraiser Dinner on February 13 in Livonia. Please share this with your friends and family, we need a great turn-out and a show of support to face the battle ahead. Very soon, because of this case, Michigan may be the next state to enjoy marriage equality.
This fundraising event will feature Keynote Speaker nationally renowned journalist and NPR Commentator Jack Lessenberry.
Proceeds will go toward the substantial trial-related costs in the fight to overturn Michigan’s ban on same sex marriage, as the trial begins February 25 in Federal Court in Detroit. Michigan’s Attorney General, Bill Schuette, is arguing that LGBT
Full buffet dinner includes Chicken Scallopini, tossed green salad, green beans, fresh baked rolls and desserts. Coffee, tea and soft drinks included, cash bar.
Ticket prices for the event are: Gold Level $500 (includes champagne VIP reception with Jack Lessenberry at 6:00 pm), Silver Level $250, Bronze Level $100, Guest $50, and a special Student Price of $25 (with valid student ID)
You may purchase your tickets online safely and securely at: http://www.gofundme.com/MarriageEqualityMichigan. If you would prefer, you may make checks payable to Deboer/Rowse Legal Fund, and send c/o Mary Barr, Treasurer, 12864 Glenview Drive, Plymouth, Michigan 48170 Please include your email address and/or contact phone number for ticket confirmation if paying by check.
Together we can make marriage equality a reality in Michigan!
A copy of the invitation can be viewed by clicking HERE.
