About FLoatarama
From spontaneous start during COVID to 501(c)3 non-profit with strong philanthropy focus.
From an impromptu start during the COVID lock-down, FLoatarama has grown into a fully-fledged 501(c)3 all-volunteer non-profit organization, with a strong philanthropic focus, and a clear purpose to lift up LGBTQ+ Youth.
The 4th Annual FLoatarama was held Saturday 10th June 2023. FLoatarama-2023, presented by Hunters Nightclubs, included the signature Flotilla of proudly decorated vessels led by the 130-foot Sun Dream Yachts M/Y Catalina. Grand Marshal Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and 400 celebrants were on board.
FLoatarama-2023 raised $75,000 for the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund benefiting LGBTQ+ Youth (managed by our philanthropy partner, The Our Fund Foundation), an increase of 50% over 2022.
Grants were presented at the Check Awards Party on Thursday 12th October to six recipient agencies:
1. The Humanity Project ($5,000 funding school bullying prevention)
2. Thinking Cap Theatre ($10,000 funding LGBTQ+ youth arts)
3. Stonewall National Archives, Museum & Library ($10,000 funding SNEP program)
4. National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment($15,000 funding AFFIRM program)
3. South Florida Pride Youth Band($15,000 funding youth band & soloist scholarship)
4. SunServe ($20,000 funding health & wellbeing services for LGBTQ+ youth)
FLoatarama-2022, the 3rd annual event and first under our own 501(c)3 status, was on 11th June 2022. The Flotilla, with Grand Marshal NBC6 Meteorologist Steve MacLaughlin, was followed by the Sailor’s Dance & Pool Party, hosted by San Francisco DJ Matt Consola.
FLoatarama-2022 raised $50,000 for the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund, benefiting LGBTQ+ Youth - grants were presented on 22nd September 2022 to four recipient agencies:
1. South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble ($10,000 to support Youth Band & Scholarship)
2. YES Institute ($10,000 funding education on suicide prevention & discrimination)
3. Pridelines ($15,000 to fund their CampOUT initiative)
4. SunServe ($15,000 to address increasing waitlist for critical services)
In our 2nd year, FLoatarama-2021 included a Flotilla of 34 registered boats, and a sold-out Sailor’s T-Dance with legendary San Francisco DJ Matt Consola. Our Grand Marshal was Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. FLoatarama-2021 donated $17,134 to Pride Fort Lauderdale’s GED/Scholarship program.
Our first year was spontaneous – an impromptu, socially distanced, grass-roots Pride boat parade of 20+ private vessels during the COVID lock-down in June 2020.
Philanthropy Partner
The Our Fund Foundation
FLoatarama’s philanthropy partner is the The Our Fund Foundation, a leader in the LGBTQ+ philanthropic community and the 3rd largest LGBTQ+ foundation in the country. The Our Fund Foundation grants $2M+ annually to worthy non-profit agencies advancing LGBTQ+ causes in South Florida.
Our partnership with The Our Fund Foundation ensures the funds we raise achieve the greatest impact in the community. Funds raised by FLoatarama will go to the “FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund”, managed by The Our Fund Foundation and directed by FLoatarama.
