Every year, Bolingbrook Pride’s Pride Picnic and Puppies brings together over 2,000 people for a day filled with joy, connection, celebration, and community service—and we’d love nothing more than to do it again this year. But this time, we can’t do it without your help.

As a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we’ve always kept our event completely free and open to all. No admission fees. No barriers. Just love, laughter, and a whole lot of puppies.

Characters from Star Wars with interact with guests at Bolingbrook Pride's Picnic. Many rainbow decorations and flags appear

This year, however, our venue has increased its rates and now requires full payment upfront. Unless we raise at least $10,000, we simply won’t be able to host the Pride Picnic in 2025. We know how much this event means to so many, and we’re holding onto hope that our community will rally to make it happen again.

If you’ve ever attended, you know this event is more than just a picnic:

It’s the only fully wheelchair accessible Pride event in the Chicago suburbs
It’s the only local Pride where you can bring your dog
It features free HIV testing from the Will County Health Department
It offers free bounce houses, yard games, and face painting for all ages
It supports local dog rescues helping animals find forever homes
It collects and donates hundreds of items to area food pantries
It provides a welcoming space for affirming churches, LGBTQ+ organizations, and allies
It creates an atmosphere where everyone feels seen, supported, and celebrated

It’s a day full of smiles, support, and sometimes life-changing conversations.

But it only exists because of you.

Please donate whatever you can to help us bring the magic back this year. If a monetary gift isn't possible at this time, please help us by sharing this fundraiser. Every bit of support helps more than you know.

If we are unable to raise enough funds to host the Pride Picnic this year, your donations will still support our community, including our annual Friendsgiving event, which brings people together in warmth, welcome, and chosen family.

We’ve done big things before with just a small but mighty group of people. We believe we can do it again, with you by our side.

Let’s bring Pride home to Bolingbrook.
Thank you for believing in us. We’re proud to do this with you.

With love and gratitude,
The Bolingbrook Pride Team

Help Us Bring Back the Picnic, the Puppies & the Pride!

By Bolingbrook Pride

Help Us Bring Back the Picnic, the Puppies & the Pride!