Core Events

CORAL hosts or participates in the following core events each year:

The Ritz

The Ritz gala dinner is one of the largest events held annually for the central Illinois lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. In its eighth year, The Ritz is a casually elegant affair that features a three-course dinner, an evening of dancing, and a celebration of the progress made by the LGBT community during the past year. The theme for 2023’s event is 'Together, Building Community' in recognition of the importance of every ally, partner, and supporter that have helped to gain and maintain the freedoms the LGBTQ deserve.

2023 Ritz - Together Building Community

Pridefest

2023 Pridefest Booth

CORAL has participated as a sponsor of Springfield Pridefest several years. Pridefest is an event that honors the activists and celebrates the community of families who have worked for equality. While you are there, you'll find numerous vendors selling items of interest. Some of the participants have free gifts for those who visit their booth. Many use this as an opportunity to demonstrate what their LGBTQ friendly organizations can do for you or why you should be involved with them. There is much to see and do. Be there to enjoy the fun, make new friends, and reunite with old ones. There will be plenty of food and beverages to keep you energized. While you are there, stop by the CORAL booth and say 'Hello.'

Pride Night

CORAL has joined with the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes baseball team to celebrate a seldom seen partnership between the LGBTQ community and the sporting world. Pride Night is an opportunity to combine a good old fashion night at the baseball diamond and showing your true rainbow-colored identity. While rooting on the home team, you can enjoy the traditional baseball cuisine of hot dogs and beer, and in between innings, watch the many festivities CORAL provides to commemorate the pride deserving of the LGBTQ community that evening. The event includes a parade at the beginning of the game and games involving the fans throughout. The Lucky Horseshoes do their part by bedecking the stadium with Pride décor and selling their t-shirts designed specifically for the evening in pride attire.

2023 Pride Night

Pride Picnic

Everyone is welcome at the annual LGBT Pride Picnic sponsored by CORAL. This event, which has been a tradition since 1982, continues the celebration of Pride and honors those who have made strides towards equality. CORAL provides fried chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, lemonade, and iced tea. You are encouraged to bring a side dish to share and any outdoor games to challenge the skills of those who play. The event is traditionally held in Lincoln Park during June.

2022 Pride Picnic

Thanksgiving Dinner

As the days get shorter and the calendar moves towards the holiday season, we think of dear friends and seek to share with them. We invite our families and friends to join us for the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. CORAL provides the turkey and dressing, ham, mashed potatoes, and drinks for the dinner. Those attending are encouraged to bring a dish to share and/or a food item for a local food pantry. After food and fellowship, we encourage other groups to announce their upcoming events and activities. It's a wonderful way to express our thanks for the gifts we have shared. This event has been a tradition since 1982.

2022 Thanksgiving Dinner