SAY A BIG, GAY “I DO” TO A CHARLESTON DESTINATION WEDDING

LGBT Social Justice Organization Auctioning Off A Truly Historic Celebration

CHARLESTON, SC – JULY 10th, 2014 Gay marriage may not be legal in South Carolina (yet), but there’s one thing practically guaranteed by state charter: Charleston, SC throws historic parties.

This summer, the city’s leading LGBT rights advocacy group is offering one lucky couple a wedding their guests won’t soon forget. The Alliance For Full Acceptance has pooled the city’s top wedding professionals to create an on-line auction for a complete destination-wedding package.

Charleston – one of the world’s top 5 wedding destinations - will roll out the rainbow carpet for an LGBT couple who offer the winning auction bid. Valued at over $45,000, the package includes wedding and event planning, hotel discounts, limo service, live entertainment, the cake and more.  (Every one of the 20-plus providers has donated their services to the cause.)  

Bidding will take place from July 10 to August 8, 2014 at Bidding for Good. All funds raised will help AFFA extend its reach, advocating for the rights of LGBT individuals in South Carolina.

Organizers note that while Charleston is evolving into an accepting community, marriage equality strides made elsewhere have not emerged in the South. “Tourism is the #1 driver of the local economy, and we are constantly ranked as one of the friendliest, with the most mannerly residents,” said AFFA Executive Director Warren Redman-Gress. “So we think it’s time for Charleston to show what we’re really made of: acceptance for all.”

The prize package is a wedding for 50 guests, to be held January 24, 2015. Same sex couples will need to arrive in Charleston with a marriage license in hand. Package partners include:

The American Theater

Berlins for Women

Croghan’s Jewel Box

Crosby’s Dock

D&M Productions

JMC Charleston

David’s Tuxedos

Rick Dean Photography

The Event Cooperative

Francis Marion Hotel

GoCo Events

Limos For Less

Lotus Flower

MIX Premier Bartending

Palmetto Carriage

Patrick Properties

The RSVP Shoppe

Salthouse Catering

Leah Suarez & Jazz Ensemble

Sugar Bakeshop

Uniquely Charleston Tours

Unitarian Church of Charleston

Interested parties can go to www.affa-sc.org for more information on the Alliance For Full Acceptance and click here for package details and bidding.

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Media Contact:

Kerry Welch

808.429.0548