Putnam Pride Initiative members choose officers

Interim board members of the Putnam Pride Initiative gathered Sunday, Jan. 21 at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion on the campus of DePauw University. It has been a goal of the group to solidify the presence of the Putnam Pride Initiative (PPI) in Putnam County by moving the board from interim status after a year in existence, to appointing officers and board members.

Members of the board chose Denise Thede to serve as president, Tim Wait as vice president, Dana Dudle as secretary and Jennifer Hayes as treasurer. Other board members include Joel Bottom, J.D. Grove and Kim Fidler.

The mission statement of the Putnam Pride Initiative was updated during the meeting to read as follows: “Putnam Pride Initiative educates and builds bridges of awareness, acceptance, and support of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies in Putnam County.”

The initial year of the Putnam Pride Initiative resulted in two picnics at Robe-Ann Park that were well attended. The group volunteers at the non-food pantry. PPI members participated in the Putnam County Fair Parade and tabled at the Putnam County 4-H Fair.

PPI is working to have a stronger presence throughout the county. Putnam Pride Initiative welcomes everyone to attend a PPI meeting, volunteer with PPI, and participate in PPI events and activities.

“I am honored to have been elected as the president of Putnam Pride Initiative,” PPI President Denise Thede said. “It was a very successful first year for Putnam Pride Initiative, and I was glad to be there from the very beginning with several of my friends. I hope to lead the group to continue all the successful events and endeavors we have already begun. I look forward to Putnam Pride Initiative being more visible this year. We want to reach out to work, play and enjoy life within the community to make it better for everyone — those within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community.”