Thank you, Kevan Gardner!
Kevan Gardner
After 11 years as Pride Foundation’s Regional Director, Kevan Gardner is leaving Pride Foundation. Please help us thank Kevan for building community all over the Northwest. Learn more about this job transition here.
For so many people, Kevan Gardner was the first person they met at Pride Foundation. In his job as Regional Director Kevan roamed the Northwest, and many years he literally drove as many miles as it would take to circle the earth. People he visited always noted how much his frequent visits to their community meant to them, as this signified Pride Foundation’s commitment to working outside of urban centers. Kevan took our Regional Outreach program and led it through incredible change transforming it from a pilot program, an essential core of how Pride Foundation operates and thrives.
In his 11+ years Kevan met with hundreds, if not thousands of people, from small organizations just starting out in need of advice, to seasoned volunteers who were leading their communities’ efforts for equality. He always worked passionately and tirelessly to raise the visibility and leadership of our LGBT communities. He has inspired us with his encouragement, creative flair and his sense of humor.
A familiar sight- Kevan tabling at a pride celebration
Please join us in thanking him for his work and leadership by leaving a comment below. Share about a time you met with Kevan, or the ways that he inspired you. Or just simply say ‘thanks’ for his incredible work. To get us started we have some thoughts from some volunteers who worked with him.
“Kevan — Kevan —Kevan! We are going to miss you so much! You have brought so much enthusiasm and encouragement to our community, and shown us that a small group of positive individuals can make a difference! You inspired us to reach out and feel confident when advocating for the GLBT community and our loved ones! You sang, you danced, you shared so many wonderful stories and events with us! You are such a caring and positive person and you have touched so many. You’ve been a friend as well as a mentor to us all! Thank you, Kevan! We wish you wonderful opportunities down the road, and hope you will stay in touch with us!
You truly live up to the saying, ‘The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.’ ”
Best wishes and hugs, Sherry and Hank Pangborn, Kitsap County
Kevan with regional leaders
“When I met Kevan he was a ray of sunshine who came to Montana with plans to help us help ourselves create a stronger LGBTQ community. He understood that we were used to organizations coming in for a time and then leaving. He understood the dynamics of our state and could relate to the experiences we were having. He brought the face and the love of Pride Foundation to Montana. He embodied the generosity of spirit of a true philanthropist. And he didn’t leave.
For me, he did the same. He brought love, understanding, support, and inspiration. He brought me the role models I always craved through knowing the amazing people at the Pride Foundation. He brought me friends who are now family. He challenged me to do more, to be more as a person. He believed in me and asked me to reach higher for myself in a way that made me sure I could do it. His inner light and passion for the fabulous spark creativity, joy and compassion. We love you Kevan!“
Shelley Hayes, Billings, MT
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[...] We have been incredibly lucky to have Kevan Gardner as our Regional Program Director for over a decade. Under his watch the program has grown tremendously. I hope you join us in thanking him for his incredible devotion and work. [...]
I remember hearing Kevan before we met… that booming and joyous laughter! The smile that could fuel a city… and that he broke in to song with great ease… We chatted about show tunes, naked cowboys, recipes and travels… but – most important – Kevan’s incredibly unique joie de vivre always has inspired me to ask if there might be a different way, a more creative option, a chance to (literally and figuratively) add some sparkle.
I will miss you Kevan and thank you for the incredible legacy you leave the community!
With affection and a little bit of glitter in my pocket, Jody
Kevan has done more to build the 5-state outreach for Pride Foundation than most of us even know. His journeys in and around the region have always had the same impact–building loyal friendships and enhancing community for Pride Foundation. He is pure joy to be with and was one of the people that so warmly welcomed me (an ally*) to Pride Foundation early on. Kevan is very smart, and very intuitive and feeling, skills that have really helped Pride amp up its regional programs. Kevan, I love you, I already miss you, and you know you always have a place to stay in Tacoma–with me!
Jackie O
Kevan, I so loved seeing you “at work” when you MCed a wonderful party in Mt. Vernon this past year. I loved the warmth and the comfort in your leadership at the mic. I particularly loved the way you could spout numbers of dollars to Skagit and Whatcom county through the years and your ease in introducing some of those impacted by PF investments. You are a gem and I am committed to ensuring the board continues to look and act beyond King County. We all must travel more, but we can never match your Montana ventures – oh my, the miles you put in!!!
I wish you the best and then some.
Joyce Allen
There’s a big hole in my heart now that you are no longer a co-worker. I remember the first time I saw you. You were in drag and emceeing a program celebrating Audrey. I wondered who is this crazy drag queen. Little did I know you were the incredibly talented Pride Foundation Regional Organizer. It has been a great ten years. We owe you a lot for stewarding this program and for being so fun. I plan to stay in touch.
Dear Kevan: I still remember the first time we meet at the GSBA awards in Seattle just as I was moving east and you were presenting as Auntie Bijou. You made me feel so welcome and comfortable with the big move. It has been a pleasure to see you every year in Prosser and I admire and thank you for all your amazing support of my house parties, grants and scholarships.
Do come and visit! You are welcome anytime you need a getaway in the wine country.
Love and big hugs – Alex & Clif
Kevan-
My spiritual warrier. The journey ahs been filled with awe and wonder. You will always be a part of my committment. Merry meet
Love from the Joseph witch
Kevan,
I will miss working with you! You’ve done tremendous work in the state of Montana and we appreciate your service to our LGBT community. Best of luck!
Caitlin Copple
Missoula, MT
Kevan,
I think I met you for the first time in Missoula around 1998…you instantly became a friend and mentor for me and I will always appreciate your kindness, gentle patience and encouragement to me as a community builder, organizer, grantee, Pride Foundation volunteer and donor. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your many years of service to the LGBTQ community, and to you, I offer great hope to whatever lies ahead for you.
Hugs, Cat
Kevan,
We met at Pride in Olympia when you were our amazing MC, and at Pride Foundation grant and scholarship meetings. Working with you has been a pleasure.
Wishing for the best whatever your future brings!
Gabi
Oh Kevan, please stay in my life. It must be 20 years ago we met.. maybe in my living room when you and your Mom came to the PFLAG Holiday Party in Spokane. Your talents and energy have been transformative and I can imagine you going on to facilitate major changes to improve the lives of our loved ones. You will be missed at Pride but you will be a great gift wherever you are. Much love, marion