Roanoke7 was honored to be named among the Top Ten Finalists for the 2003 Subaru Rainbow Leadership Award and accompanying $10,000 contribution.

The Subaru Rainbow Leadership Award, was introduced in 1996, by Martina Navratilova, Nancy Becker and Pam Derderian. The award is to serve, as a meaningful way to further their commitment to help fund causes of importance to the lesbian and gay community.

The award committee carefully reviewed each and every applicant and then narrows the list of candidates down to ten. The ten finalists and a brief description of their work will be posted on www.advocate.com for

the public to vote on, from April 18 through June 1, 2003. The community at large will choose this year's Leadership Award recipient, and the winner is notified in writing the week of June 1st, 2003.

In an announcement received by Roanoke 7's, it stated that, "Should we, Roanoke7, be fortunate enough to place 1st, their goal is to contribute to local organizations (Pflag & the MCC Church building fund), and to our statewide organization, Equality Virginia (formerly Virginians for Justice. A portion will also go to fund a National Hate Crimes Needs Accessment Project. Through this effort, we hope to identify resources available specifically for the emergency needs of hate crime victims. From there, we will begin the process of finding ways to fill some of the voids.

Tampa Bay Coalition, has proudly supported and worked closely with Roanoke7 for many years . Their outstanding dedication and tireless efforts in fulfilling their mission of "Building Stronger-Safer Communities by educating groups and individuals about the harm which comes to society due to intolerance; offering comfort and assistance to those affected by differences such as race, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, & sexual orientation". Has make a positive difference for not only the members of the Roanoke community, but, for members of communities nationwide. After enduring one of the most horrific and violent events in our GLBT history, "The Backstreet Cafe Shooting." Roanoke7, has done much to educate others as to the devastating effects that hate inspired violence does cause. And, have gotten people across the nation, both

I would ask, that you join together with Tampa Bay Coalition, the many other people and organizations who have acknowledged the dedication and tireless efforts put forth by the members of Roanoke7. Please, let

the award committee know by visiting the Advocate website at http://www.advocate.com, between April 18 through June 1, 2003. Cast your vote for Roanoke7, to be the recipient of 2003 Subaru Rainbow Leadership Award.

Learn more about Roanoke7, by visiting their website, using this link: http://www.roanoke7.com. Or visit Tampa Bay Coalition's Website Section: "Honors Roanoke7 & Backstreet Cafe Shooting Victims".