A Garden of Hope.
Springtime 2027 Details Coming Soon!
Springtime is Side by Side’s annual fundraising gala - a joyful, community-centered brunch celebrating our work to support LGBTQ+ youth. This isn’t just an event. It’s gathering with purpose, giving with intention, and directly investing in the programs and support that LGBTQ+ young people across Virginia rely on every day.
When you join Springtime, you’re helping sustain life-saving, affirming spaces and experiencing that impact firsthand.
What to expect:
Powerful stories from alumni and former youth who have been part of Side by Side
A program highlighting the real impact of our work
A silent auction featuring curated items and experiences
Live entertainment, including a drag performance
Music, celebration, and community connection throughout the day
Tickets include brunch and complimentary beverages, including soft drinks, beer, and wine. Mixed drinks and specialty cocktails are available for purchase. Whether you attend as an individual, gather friends for a table, or join as a sponsor, your presence directly supports LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in our community
Ways to Support
🎁 Donate an Item to the Silent Auction
Have a product, service, or experience you’d like to contribute? Our silent auction features curated items that help raise critical funds for LGBTQ+ youth—and your donation can make a meaningful impact. From gift cards and local experiences to art, services, or packages, every item helps us create an engaging and successful auction. Simply email Jason at Jason@sidebysideva.org to coordinate your contribution.
🌟 Become a Sponsor
Align your brand with our mission and be recognized as a champion for equity, safety, and celebration. As a sponsor, your brand will be recognized throughout the event and associated promotions, highlighting your leadership and values to a community that cares. 👉 Contact Jason@sidebysideva.org for more information.
💖 Make a Donation
Every gift fuels life-saving programs, affirming spaces, and year-round support for LGBTQ+ youth. Your generosity helps ensure young people are never alone—and always celebrated.
🤝 Volunteer at Springtime
Want to be part of the magic behind the scenes? We’d love your help! From guest check-in and event setup to supporting activities throughout the day, volunteers play a vital role in making Springtime a welcoming and meaningful experience for all. Reach out to page@sidebysideva.org to learn more.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Jubilee Sponsor
Festive Sponsor
Joyful Sponsors
Cheer Sponsor
Lisa Halberstadt & Jeffrey Lacker
35 Years of Impact Legacy Supporters
As part of Side by Side’s 35th anniversary celebration, our Legacy supporters help honor the generations of LGBTQ+ youth, families, and advocates who have shaped our community while investing in a future where every young person can thrive.
This year, we are honored to present the Legacy Award to Williams Mullen in recognition of Gregg Johnson and John Atkins, whose generosity, leadership, and longstanding support have left a lasting impact on Side by Side and the Richmond community. As a former group facilitator and dedicated supporter of the organization, Gregg has helped shape and strengthen our work with LGBTQ+ youth for many years. We are proud to celebrate his legacy and grateful for the care, compassion, and commitment he has shown to our community.
Thank You Community Partners:
For 35 years, Side by Side has been a place where LGBTQ+ youth and young adults can define themselves, belong, and thrive.
It all began in 1991 when a group of local advocates came together to form the Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth (ROSMY) to create supportive space for young people whose identities weren’t being affirmed anywhere else. At that time, “sexual minority youth” was the phrase people used to describe young lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, and ROSMY quickly became a lifeline for those who felt alone or unseen.
As language evolved and our work expanded to better reflect the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ youth we serve, ROSMY became Side by Side—a name that reflects our commitment to walking with young people, not ahead of them, and never leaving them behind.
Every young person who walks through our doors brings a story — of courage, curiosity, fear, strength, pain, and discovery. For many, Side by Side is the first place they’ve ever been told: You are seen. You belong. And you matter.
Thanks to generous supporters like you, Side by Side provides:
Free, affirming support groups and drop-in support
Provide free one-on-one clinical counseling services
Youth leadership development
Housing navigation
Educational training for schools, community partners, and youth professionals
These programs don’t just make youth feel safe — they help them grow with pride and claim their place in the world. As we celebrate 35 years of impact, we’re also meeting a growing need. More youth are struggling with isolation, mental health challenges, rejection, and uncertainty than ever before. Your gift ensures we can continue showing up with compassion, with consistency, and without judgment for every young person who needs us.
When you give, you’re not just funding programs.
You’re nurturing confidence.
You’re planting hope.
You’re helping young lives flourish.
Thank you for standing alongside Side by Side and LGBTQ+ youth across Virginia. 💙