Equality Punta Gorda was formed in 2010 when Vonnie Holder and Dar Ward were discussing the lack of LGBTQ+ community in Punta Gorda.  They decided they'd put together a party with a list of a few emails of friends and invited those friends to invite other friends for a "gay'la" party.  Well, those friends told friends, and they told other friends... and the rest is history! 

 

On March 20, 2010, the date of the first-ever  Equality Punta Gorda Gay'la, 54 people showed up at Jack's ONE ELEVEN Martini Bar for the EQUALITY PUNTA GORDA's  GAY'LA event.  

 

EPG had wonderful support from the non-LGBTQ+ community!  After several successful events in 2010, it became evident this group was growing - fast.  Vonnie formed a Steering Committee of nine members to help move the organization forward.  This board accomplished various tasks, among them writing a mission/vision statement.  With the help of the Steering Committee, it was decided that Equality Punta Gorda would not only facilitate parties, but would dedicate itself to helping the community by organizing fundraisers, establishing an LGBTQ+ Business Directory, and encourage non-gay businesses to support their "equality" efforts in the local community.  

 

 

When Equality Punta Gorda held their first-annual MISTLETOE GAY'LA, there were more than 130 people in attendance!  The non-gay community and local businesses stepped up handsomely as the Mistletoe Gay'la had a total of twelve corporate sponsors for this very successful event! 

 

EPG had several very successful events:  We crewed a Dragonboat for a race, we “biked for Peace River Wildlife”, we had a Valentines Day party, a Black & White party, we kayaked the Peace River, and participated in several other fun events. 

 

One of the most successful efforts of EPG was the creation of the Partnership Registry, managed by the City of Punta Gorda.  Prior to the gay marriage law, which was implemented during the Obama administration in 2015, LGBTQ+ residents had no formal partnership standing. Over 300 residents and EPG members attended a PG City Council meeting (with attendance overflowing onto the street) to request a formal Partnership Agreement to be recorded and maintained by the City.  Erica Raffel was Vonnie’s partner, and she was also the Assistant District Attorney for Charlotte County.  She drafted a plan for a registry that was presented to the City for a vote.  The vote was unanimous, and the partnership registry was added to the City Clerk’s roster and is still in effect today. 

See it here:  https://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/government/city-clerk/domestic-partnership-registry

 

 

The COVID era had an effect on EPG, and in 2021, Nancy, Deanne, Curt & Mike had volunteered to  make the effort to keep EPG going (Dar had passed away, and Vonnie moved to St. Pete).  After a couple of successful get-togethers at The Captain’s Table, Unwined opened, and owners Luis and Marina graciously offered to open their restaurant on Sunday afternoons for our private events.   

 

In 2025, Curt and Mike left PG permanently for Michigan, and Nancy and Deanne were traveling quite a bit, so, the recruitment for new help was underway. 

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In May 2025, Nancy and Deanne chose to step back from leadership and pass the torch to others eager to serve the group in new ways. Ed Peterson shared that we were honored to help carry this important work going forward, and Rick Cloutier and Ron Tolan soon joined the leadership team. In April 2026, the official Board of Directors was formed, with Ed Peterson as President, Nadine Campion-Thomas as Secretary, Rick Cloutier as Treasurer, Harry Mcconchie as Director of Outreach, and Ron Tolan as Director of Events. At the same time, the Equality Punta Gorda Board began the process of becoming a 501(c)(3). Together, we remain committed to building community, honoring our shared legacy, staying connected with friends and allies, and offering support to all.