The Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball Association (CLGSA) announced today that their annual fundraiser, Bat-N-Rouge™ – a drag softball game, which is one of the oldest annual charity events in Columbus – had record attendance and raised in excess of $36,000 to support the operation of the softball league. From the proceeds, CLGSA will donate $14,460 to be split among three local charities with each receiving $4,820.
The three charities that will each receive the donation are: Kaleidoscope, AIDS Resource Center (ARC) – Ohio, and Stonewall Columbus. CLGSA’s charitable contributions total more than $250,000.
Bat-N-Rouge™ has grown significantly over its 29 years of existence, and in 2012, became internationally trademarked. The event’s growth is due in large part to the tremendous support and partnerships CLGSA receives from the Columbus community, the city and corporate sponsors. More than 100 volunteers helped put on the event this year. The Columbus City Mayor’s office, Columbus City Schools, and the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department have been instrumental in ensuring the continuance of the event over the years. Additionally, Bat-N-Rouge™ has title sponsors – Miller/Coors & Svedka – who are essential to the event’s success.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
History
29 years ago no one would have ever guessed a fun softball birthday party would turn into one of Columbus, Ohio’s largest and oldest Charity Fundraisers. Bat-N-Rouge™ is owned and operated by the Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball League (CLGSA) and is the Official closing event of Columbus Pride Celebration every year. Bat-N-Rouge™, in a nut shell, is where the CLGSA players dress in Drag characters, of current affairs and play a softball game for charities. Players that have adorned the field have been such characters as Mackie-O, Andora and Endora, Hell-in Bedd, Mary Katherine Gallagher, Nina Worst, Storm, Oprah, The Princesses of Whales, Patsy and Adina, The Golden Girls, and of course Miss Georgia World, Suzanne Sugarbaker. All cheered on by the Hygiene Cheerleaders and the Monistat Cheerleaders.
Nina West and Virginia West are the current hosts of Bat-N-Rouge™ and before these two incredible hosts were stars like Peg-A-Go Go, Action Jackson, Brazon, Sable Coate, Vivie Vellure and Paige Passion.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, please contact Dallas Aldridge, CLGSA Commissioner, commissioner@clgsa.com or Sam Schisler, New Business Development Director, sschisler@unioncafe.com .
