This blog is dedicated to our volunteers, Primate Awareness Network (PAN), and the walking participants. We could not have done it without your help!
Though my main role at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest is a chimpanzee caregiver, but I am also the Outreach Coordinator. I help organize the Summer Visitor program for our donors, as well as organize table events year-round. We participate in many tabling events in hopes to share our mission, educate people about the chimps, connect with potential donors, and maybe even spark interest in new volunteers. However, my personal favorite events are when we get to be engage with our community. As a closed-to-the-public sanctuary, we often fly under the radar, even in our own backyard. Because of this, being a part of something like the Pride Parade is so meaningful to us! We love being able to show up and support.
Last year was our first year we participated at the Kittitas County Pride parade. We only had a handful of people and carried a sign while handing out stickers, but it had a big impact on us. Experiencing the parade for the first time actually made myself and a few others emotional, rounding the corner of our downtown to see hundreds of people cheering in support. That moment made me feel such a deep sense of pride for our little town, and it reminded me how powerful community can be.
This year, we wanted to do more! With the help of our volunteers and PAN (Primate Awareness Network) we were able to build a float and get more people involved! We would not have been as successful without their creative minds, time, and effort. Personally, one of my favorite moments was having all the volunteers come over to my house the night before, to plan how we wanted to decorate our float. They all got to work right away making hearts and troll dolls out of cardboard while painting them to represent different flags. The team worked until sun-down and then showed up at 9:30 am the next morning to finish decorating! Their dedication is truly inspiring. What touched me the most, though, was how deeply they cared—not just about representing the sanctuary, but about showing up for the LGBTQ+ community. Their energy, compassion, and commitment make me incredibly hopeful for the future.
Being part of Kittitas County Pride reminded us just how powerful it is when we all show up for one another.
The night before:
Day of parade:
Benny (JB & Diana), Birdie (mine), Poppy and Tucker (Erin)
Our crew:
Downtown:
THANK YOU for doing this! For some reason it brought a tear to my eye and I felt so proud of CSNW and all of you. I don’t think I’ll live to see the day when we’ll just be a standard part of society. Support from loving, caring people is heartwarming, and underscores what CSNW is about, in spades.
Wow that looks like a fun thing to do. Thanks for introducing the residents and sanctuary to the local community.
Great float and I love the big group effort! Warmed my heart to see Benny, Birdie, Poppy and Tucker joining in the fun. I wish I was there with you because, as you stated, it is powerful when we all show up for one another.
Love the float! The giant picture of Bubbie is also lovely. Happy pride!!!
So proud of you all to recognize and support people that are normally under attack. I have my Pride flag flying proudly at my home in St. Petersburg, FL. St. Petersburg is another town that celebrates the diversity that makes us all human and connected. Wishing everyone a great Pride month. Keep smiling!
Great team effort, smashing float, great weather and a beautiful town! I hope the chimps get to see the video too and I wonder if they will be able to spot their team on the screen!
The float looks AWESOME! I love all the heart garlands, and the stuffed chimpanzees made me laugh. Guess you couldn’t bring one of the Santuary residents, could you!? 😉 Also happy to see the pups got to partake in the fun. Looks like you had a beautiful day for it, thank you for supporting your community (and hey, maybe get the attention of some new supporters, donors and/or volunteers!?)