The 2015 Dance for Equality Fundraiser

The Dance for Equality, North Jersey Pride's signature fundraiser, is the event that enables us to produce a full week of community-building events at little to no cost to attendees, and to keep the North Jersey Pride Festival free and accessible to all. It also helps to fund our work in the community all year long. NJP is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit. Tickets are 80% tax-deductible. 

So come party with us at the beautiful Club at Orange Lawn! We promise—no speeches, no testimonials, no sitting quietly. Just a whole lot of crazy fun! Enjoy a bountiful buffet of finger foods (why carry around cumbersome plates and forks?); order from a full bar, including top shelf, at happy-hour prices; dance with the always awesome DJ Mike who will keep things hopping til 1AM; hang out in the sleek Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams lounge; bid on exclusive items at our incredible silent auction, including Broadway tickets, sporting events, spa visits, vacations, jewelry, unique experiences—plus raffle, 50/50 and more! (For more info, see our FAQ below!)

We are offering TWO ADMISSION LEVELS this year:

NJP SUPPORTER TICKET ($100): Your 80% tax-deductible ticket price includes admission at 8PM, delectable hors d’oeuvre and dessert, and a full bar at happy hour prices. 

VIP PATRON TICKET ($150): Your ticket includes everything above, PLUS complimentary valet parking, two premium drink tickets, 5 raffle tickets, listing on our Patron Supporter signage, and the satisfaction of knowing you've given that much more to a very worthy cause. 

GROUP RATE DISCOUNT: Purchase 10 tickets for the price of 9 with our group rate. Get a great discount with all the same perks and have a gaggle of friends to party with you at the Dance! 

We do expect the “Big Gay (and Ally) Dance” to sell out again, so get your tickets fast. Must be 21+. North Jersey Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit; 80% of ticket price tax-deductible.

Sponsored by:

The Big Gay (and Ally) Dance Official FAQ

So what is this shindig?

You must be new in town! The Dance for Equality is an incredibly fun annual party that takes place during North Jersey Pride Week, the night before the Festival, to celebrate Pride, equality, community and queerness for all! 

Is it only for gay people?

Nooooo...we LOVE our allies and welcome all LGBTQQIAA and other consonants to join in this celebratory night. Plus, we truly believe there really ought to be one night a year where people from all walks of life, all sexual orientations, all identities, can come together and just...be gay. 

So it is a party or a fundraiser?

Both! But most importantly, the Dance for Equality is our key fundraiser for Pride Week and the Festival. Dance proceeds enable us to produce a lineup of incredible events for little to no cost to attendees, and to keep our Pride Festival free and open to the public—because no one should be turned away from Pride because they can't afford the price of admission. Any additional surplus funds will be reserved for our LGBTQ youth programming and "Stand Up, Speak Out" middle and elementary school program.  

Wow, I'm impressed with what you all are doing for the community. Can I give more to the cause? 

Absolutely! Donations to North Jersey Pride, a 501(c)3 organization with federal recognition as a charity, are fully tax-deductible. If you would like to allocate your donation to a specific event or area of our work, please let us know your interest and we'll designate your contribution. For more on that, please contact our ED, C.J. Prince at cjprince@northjerseypride.org.

Can I contribute to the silent auction? 

Yes! We are always on the lookout for donations of luxury items, sporting event/concert tickets, celebrity memorabilia, vacation timeshares, jewelry, spa packages, unique experiences, etc. We will list you as the donor of the item so that everyone can accost you and thank you at the event! It's a great way to make friends or advertise your business to our loyal party-goers.

Is this event kid-friendly?

Umm, no. Unless your kids are over 21. Then it’s up to you to decide whether you want them watching you on the dance floor.

What is the attire?

We tell people, "Wear what you'd wear to a New York City club on a Saturday night." 

Then they respond, "I moved out of the city 10 years ago to the suburbs where I've been raising kids, taking care of pets, grocery shopping, commuting for my job and/or mowing my lawn. Who the #@$! has time to go to a dance club in the city??"

That's when we tell them, dress festive! Wear something YOU feel fabulous in and you can't go wrong! 

Is there parking at the venue?

Yes, the Club at Orange Lawn does have plenty of self-serve parking on the lawn down the hill (there will be signage). Don't feel like hoofing it? Take advantage of valet parking for $15. Or purchase the VIP ticket, which includes valet, among other amenities. 

I live in the city. How big of a trek is this?

Depending on where you live in the city you'll find the drive is about 30 minutes from Manhattan. You can also take the midtown direct train from Penn Station to Mountain Station in South Orange. It's a lovely mile walk from there (although we're lazy and therefore, we recommend Uber from the station). Check NJ Transit for the schedule deets.

What's the drinks situation?

There will be a full bar available with drinks at happy hour prices and you can pay in cash or credit card. If you purchase VIP tickets, your package includes two premium drink tickets. All attendees must be 21 or older.

How about food?

We're not calling it "dinner," but there will be heavy hors d'oeuvres available throughout the night. You won't leave hungry! 

This sounds awesome! What can I do to help?

You are a true samaritan. We need volunteers! If you are available for shifts before and during the event, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Deborah Goldstein, at volunteer@northjerseypride.org.

What’s in it for me?

Aside from the deep and lasting satisfaction you will have from helping a wonderful organization in need, you also get a NJP T-shirt and one free drink ticket.

Any other advice you can give me?

Be sure to get your tickets early! The Dance for Equality has sold out every year since it started, so no time like the present to reserve your place at the event of the year!

Have more questions? Send them to events@northjerseypride.org.