Delta Foundation Of Pittsburgh Dissolves After Losing Revenue From Cancellation Of Pittsburgh Pride
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Delta Foundation is officially dissolving, a spokesperson for the organization confirmed Sunday.
Most known for its annual Pittsburgh Pride event, the Delta Foundation is dissolving after 24 years of operation. The organization also confirmed the news on their Facebook page late Sunday afternoon.
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The LGBTQ+ organization is one of the largest of its kind in Pennsylvania but has dealt with a series of challenges in recent years.
A representative from Allegheny County issued the following statement about the latest development from the Delta Foundation:
"We are sorry to hear that the Delta Foundation is dissolving, but understand that the impact of COVID on its revenues, particularly the cancellation of PRIDE this year was just insurmountable. Delta's work brought together more and more people each year to celebrate diversity and inclusion in our community. To have public officials, corporations, universities, labor unions and others participating in events made this community a welcoming one. We hope that Pittsburgh Pride returns like so many other activities and events in this community when COVID has dissipated and we can get back to a new normal."
Early this year, the organization's former president, Gary Van Horn, resigned after he was arrested and accused of falsely representing himself as an Allegheny County Sheriff's Deputy, putting police lights on his car and forging a county sheriff's signature.
Just a few weeks ago, the Delta Foundation asked the District Attorney's Office to investigate its finances under Van Horn.
One of the more public signs of financial issues within the organization came in 2018, when they brought pop-star Kesha to Pittsburgh for a concert. KDKA reported over a year later the organization still owed the singer nearly $200,000.
Anyone that's apart of the LGBTQ+ community or are ally's that are available tomorrow at 12noon, meet us downtown at the city county building. We have a major announcement and we need your support! This is your call to action!! @transyouniting @TrueTPgh @PGHEqualityCtr pic.twitter.com/Ygst8xRIzH
— PGH LGBTQ+ Coalition (@Pghlgbtq) August 24, 2020
Though Pittsburgh Pride no longer has a notable host organization, the Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Coalition says they will be making an announcement tomorrow.