Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Parson.
Hi Richard, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
I was inspired to start Round Rock Pride when I attended the first Taylor Pride in June 2021. They had such enthusiasm, community support, and support from their City Government. I knew we had to have a Round Rock Pride! Remember that I went to Taylor with no such thing in mind!
After that weekend, I went directly to the office of Round Rock’s Art and Culture Department and sat down with my good friend Scot Wilkinson, the Director of the Dept. After I told him my inspiration, he asked, “When did I want to do this?” I said, “June 4, 2022,” and after looking at his calendar, he said, “Done!” And just like that, we had secured the Centennial Plaza. I now had a venue and a date. My next stop was my Mayor’s office. I wanted to have the full support of my city behind this project. And I was not disappointed. After sitting down and sharing my vision, Mayor Craig Morgan assured me that I would have full support. I was overwhelmed, knowing that I could proceed with confidence and clarity. From there, I immediately called friends and community contacts for donations. I have been volunteering in Round Rock on Boards, Commissions, and Committees for about 12 years, so I know many people. And to my surprise, my enthusiasm was contagious. Money started pouring in! I now had a vision, a venue, City support, and money! We now had a Festival to do!
From our inaugural 2022 Pride, we have grown to a board of nine with Richard Parson, President. Ben Hilliard, Vice President; Sharon Eskenazi, Secretary; and Bryan Babbs, Treasurer. Additional Board Members are Julio Palacios Azero, Jose Parra, Rodney Almodovar, Ashley Taylor, and Zoons White.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Our team has had a relatively smooth journey compared to other Pride organizations. We were overwhelmed with enthusiasm and support.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Round Rock Pride’s mission statement sums it up. “Round Rock Pride was founded to celebrate the diversity in our community and to provide a place for all to gather in safety, acceptance, and love.” We have been fortunate to have so much love and support; we don’t take it for granted. Our next Festival will be at Centennial Plaza in Round Rock Saturday, June 3, 2023, 3-8 p.m.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Believe in yourself, share your vision, and recruit the community!
Pricing:
- Purple Sponsorship – $100: Social media post, yard sign, sticker, and posting on the website.
- Blue Sponsorship – $250: A booth (10 x 10) at Pride, spot on sponsor banner, Social media post, yard sign, sticker, and posting on the website.
- Green Sponsorship – $500: 2 VIP lounge passes, Booth (10 x 10) at Pride, spot on sponsor banner, Social media post, yard sign, sticker, and posting on the website.
- Yellow Sponsorship – $1000: 4 VIP lounge passes, Booth (10 x 10) at Pride, spot on sponsor banner, Social media post, yard sign, sticker, and posting on the website.
- Rainbow Sponsorship – $5000 +: Stage or tent banner with your logo, 8 VIP lounge passes, Booth (10 x 10) at Pride, spot on sponsor banner, Social media post, yard sign, sticker, and posting on the website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RoundRockPride.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/roundrockpride/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/roundrockpride/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/roundrockpride
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@roundrockpride
Image Credits
Round Rock Proclamation Photo: KXAN Photo by Kelsey Thompson https://www.kxan.com/news/local/williamson-county/its-historic-round-rock-to-host-first-ever-pride-festival/
