The citywide series of events throughout June reflects a growing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, visibility and inclusion.

DENVER, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Denver Pride returns this June with an expanded, month-long celebration that emphasizes the city’s deep and ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

What began in 1974 as a gathering of roughly 50 people in Cheesman Park has evolved into one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country. Denver Pride is now produced by The Center on Colfax, the Rocky Mountain Region for safe and affirming programs, services and spaces tailored to the queer community. To learn more about the history of Denver’s Pride as well as Denver’s queer community, check out History Colorado’s website and the The Colorado LGBTQ History Project webpage.

This year’s programming begins June 1 and spans every corner of Denver, offering inclusive, accessible events for everyone, and many of them free to the public. From community gatherings to large-scale signature events, Denver Pride 2026 will further showcase the Mile High City as a hub for the queer and ally community.

Below is a roundup of Pride events. To learn more, check out the Visit Denver website.

Pride Night at the Rockies (Friday, June 5, 2026) – Celebrate Pride at the ballpark as the Colorado Rockies take on the Milwaukee Brewers. Special ticket packages include a limited-edition Rockies-themed Pride sleeveless jersey, and a portion of each ticket benefits The Center on Colfax and One Colorado.

Mutt Strut (Saturday, June 6, 2026) – Dress up your pup and head to Skiptown for a playful day of doggy drag and off-leash fun. Dogs can take part in themed runway shows while humans enjoy the indoor/outdoor park and full bar. Nail painting, tail dyeing and photo booths add to the festive atmosphere for this Pride celebration designed for pets and their people.

Smutty Scholastic Book Fair (Saturday, June 13, 2026) – Presented by Awakening, Spicy Librarian and Denver Pride, this adults-only twist on the classic book fair features romance reads, playful performances and interactive experiences. Browse a curated selection of spicy literature, shop cheeky goods from local artists and enjoy a nostalgic — and decidedly grown-up — celebration of books.

Queer Hiking (Sunday, June 14, 2026) – Presented by Mile High Queer Club and Denver Pride, this outdoor adventure invites participants to spend the day exploring Staunton State Park. Multiple hiking options are available for a range of abilities, including an accessible route supported by the park’s Track Chair program. After the hike, the group returns to Denver for a brewery happy hour to close out a day of fresh air and Pride celebration.

For the Culture Cookout (Friday, June 19, 2026) – Presented by Love Vibes and Denver Pride, this Juneteenth gathering celebrates connection and community with an all-ages event at Cheesman Park. Enjoy food, live music and DJs, local vendors, community resources and a Vogue Night as part of the festivities.

Tea Dance – Neon Nineties (Saturday, June 20, 2026) – Join Champagne Tiger and The Center to kick off the start of Pride Week on the patio! This special edition of Tea Dance is Neon Nineties themed so break out that wind breaker, put that scrunchie in your hair and get ready to dance and celebrate the beginning of official Denver Pride. DJ Buddy Bravo will be spinning all 90’s classics with plenty of drink and food specials.

Gettin’ Sticky (Thursday, June 25, 2026) – Presented by Love Vibes and Denver Pride, Gettin’ Sticky is a high-energy night featuring music, dancing and playful Jell-O wrestling competition hosted by Syre. Guests can enjoy the neon-lit atmosphere and join the fun as Pride weekend kicks off.

Pride Weekend Kickoff Party (Friday, June 26, 2026) – Denver Pride and PlayHaus are partnering for a new dance music experience. Details are coming soon!

Bubbles and Boas (Saturday, June 27, 2026) – Celebrate Pride with a brunch in the park featuring 15-plus food trucks, mimosas and mocktails, local coffee, drag performances and local vendors. General admission includes drink tickets, brunch bites and a Pride boa, with an early-entry option at 9:30 a.m. Guests can also run a 5K that finishes at the event or cheer from the sidelines.

Pride Music Festival (Saturday, June 27, 2026) – Denver Pride and PlayHaus are partnering for a new dance music experience. Details coming soon!

Pride 5K (Saturday, June 27, 2026) – Walk, run, roll or sashay in this joyful Pride Month tradition. Join 4,000 participants for a morning of movement, celebration and community spirit.

Pride Weekend at Larimer Square (Friday, June 27-Sunday June 28, 2026) – Larimer Square hosts a weekend of Pride festivities, including a Friday block party with live music from DOGTAGS, Alysia Kraft and May Be Fern; Saturday DJ sets and pop-up sidewalk bars; and a Sunday Drag Brunch at Osteria Marco featuring an al fresco dining experience to close out the weekend.

Vizzy Denver Pride Parade (Sunday, June 28, 2026) – We had so much fun on 17th Ave that we decided to run it back. The Vizzy Denver Pride Parade is a celebration of fearless self-expression, joy, and community. Local businesses, activists, and families all march together to imagine and create a future of queer liberation for everyone. Floats, performers, and a crowd of locals and visitors flood the streets with vibrant, unstoppable energy. This is more than a parade – it’s a moving, living celebration of Pride and the power of community.

Denver PrideFest (Sunday, June 28, 2026) – Same Pride, new place! This year, we’re taking over downtown and bringing the party to 16th Street. Since 1974, Denver Pride has created a space where the LGBTQ+ community, allies, families, and local businesses come together for a day of joy, celebration, and protest. With our move downtown, you can expect all the Pride classics you know and love like Latin Stage, The Gayborhood, and the youth and family area. See you there!

For over 50 years, Denver PrideFest has been an important celebration of Denver’s queer community focusing on inclusion, belonging and allyship. For more information and a complete list of events, check out the Visit Denver website.

About Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau 

Celebrating 117 years of promoting the Mile High City, Visit Denver is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. Denver welcomed more than 37.1 million visitors in 2024, generating $10.3 billion in spending, while supporting tens of thousands of jobs and making Tourism one of the city’s largest industries. Learn more about Denver at Visit Denver or Tourism Pays Denver. Follow Denver’s social media channels for up-to-the-minute updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About The Center on Colfax

The Center on Colfax opened in 1976 and has grown to become the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Rocky Mountain region, giving voice to Colorado’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities and playing a pivotal role in statewide initiatives to reduce harassment and discrimination. Today, The Center is focused on fulfilling its mission by ensuring that every member of the LGBTQ+ community has access to the programs and resources to live happy, healthy, and protected lives. For more information, visit lgbtqcolorado.org.

With press or photo inquiries, please contact:
Taylor Shields, Director of PR & Communications
Caroline Campbell, PR & Communications Manager
Natalie St. Hilaire, PR & Communications Coordinator
Press@visitdenver.com

Assets: Denver Pride
Photo Credit: Visit Denver

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SOURCE VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau

The article outlines how Montessori classrooms adapt to each child’s pace, learning style, and developmental readiness.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Can a school environment truly adapt to each child’s unique pace and personality? That’s the question answered in a HelloNation article that features Montessori Education Expert Madelynn Van Den Heuvel of Santa Cruz, CA. The article explores how Montessori classrooms are intentionally designed to support individual learning needs through observation, flexibility, and respect for child development.

The Montessori personalized learning approach begins by meeting each student exactly where they are. In the article, Van Den Heuvel explains that children enter the classroom with different skills, interests, and emotional readiness. Rather than trying to move everyone at the same pace, Montessori is structured to allow students to advance as they are ready. This individualized progression supports long-term academic growth without placing unnecessary pressure on the child.

Central to this model is the Montessori guide’s role in observation. Guides in Montessori classrooms observe how children engage with their environment before intervening with support or instruction. By focusing on what each child shows through behavior and interaction, guides can align lessons with current needs. This reinforces the Montessori personalized learning approach by responding to cues rather than adhering to rigid schedules.

Mixed-age classrooms further support Montessori for different learning paces. Older students reinforce their skills by helping younger peers, while younger children learn by observing more advanced work. This approach reduces the likelihood of labeling children as “behind” or “ahead” and instead focuses on natural child development. The result is a classroom where learning is driven by readiness and curiosity.

Van Den Heuvel also highlights the importance of Montessori materials in adapting to individual learning needs. These hands-on tools are designed to be self-correcting, allowing children to recognize and fix mistakes independently. This structure builds persistence and problem-solving skills, while offering opportunities to revisit concepts without external judgment. Children who are ready for more advanced work can explore deeper levels without waiting for group instruction.

Learning styles also play a central role in how Montessori education supports diverse learners. Some children may prefer quiet, solitary work, while others thrive through movement or collaboration. Montessori classrooms allow for choice and flexibility in work, giving students the space to understand how they learn best. This freedom supports the Montessori personalized learning approach and ensures that learning remains meaningful for every student.

In the HelloNation article, emotional and social development are presented as equally important to academics. Lessons in grace and courtesy are integrated into daily routines to help children navigate conflict, express themselves, and build relationships. By observing how children interact and guiding them through those moments, Montessori guides help students develop emotional awareness and resilience—essential components of long-term child development.

For families wondering whether Montessori can accommodate both fast and slower learners, the article confirms that the model is built for just that. Guides can offer additional challenges to children seeking more, or give more practice and support to those who need time. In both cases, there is no stigma; there is only encouragement to learn and grow.

Over time, this approach nurtures self-aware learners who understand their strengths, work through their challenges, and take ownership of their progress. Through flexibility, structure, and respect for the individual, Montessori education continues to show its strength in supporting every child’s path.

Meeting Your Child Where They Are: How Montessori Supports Individual Needs features insights from Madelynn Van Den Heuvel, Montessori Education Expert of Santa Cruz, CA, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

NEW ORLEANS, April 14, 2026 /3BL/ – One year after awarding $3.5 million in grants to 65 nonprofit and community-based organizations, Impact 59 Powered by Entergy, the official Super Bowl LIX Legacy Grant Program, is delivering on its promise to build a lasting legacy. The program enabled participating agencies to serve more than 268,000 individuals and leveraged an additional $1.5 million in funding from other sources to benefit the Greater New Orleans region.

The program – a legacy initiative of the NFL managed by the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, included significant donations from the NFL Foundation, Entergy, the New Orleans Saints, Ochsner Health, Venture Global, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, and the NOLA Coalition – has proven to be a catalytic investment, multiplying resources, empowering local organizations, and producing visible change throughout the 10-parish region.

“Impact 59 is proof the Super Bowl can be more than a game,” said Marcus Brown, Chair of the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee and Executive Legal Advisor for Entergy. “It can be a catalyst for opportunity, equity, and real change in people’s lives.”

A study performed by the United Way of Southeast Louisiana confirmed the funds have reached more than 268,315 individuals across 65 organizations, with many leveraging Impact 59 grants to secure additional funding and partnerships. Grant recipients used the funding to reach their specific programming goals including renovating facilities, purchasing essential equipment, expanding food banks and pantries, enhancing workforce training and providing life-changing services to the Greater New Orleans region.

“These results prove that when we say, ‘It’s what we do,’ we mean it,” said Jay Cicero, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee. “Impact 59 Powered by Entergy is not only meeting urgent social needs today but laying the foundation for stronger, healthier communities long after New Orleans hosted its record-tying 11th Super Bowl on February 9, 2025.”

The Impact 59 portfolio reflects a comprehensive investment in the region’s future. The grants awarded through Impact 59 Powered by Entergy have been allocated to nonprofit organizations focused on programs that foster positive change in youth development, workforce training, education, health and wellness, and equity and inclusion. These organizations are receiving critical support for their efforts to improve lives in New Orleans and the surrounding parishes of Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes.

Across the 10-parish region, Impact 59 grant recipients are translating investment into measurable results. For example, YouthForce NOLA engaged more than 1,300 students in hands-on learning through STEM Fests; Travelers Aid Society served 1,184 locals in need; NextOp placed 155 veterans into high-quality careers; Rebuild Together New Orleans installed 59 new roofs; Reconcile New Orleans enrolled 178 youths in workforce development training; and Second Harvest Food Bank distributed over 36,000 pounds of fresh food among other significant accomplishments by all partner organizations.

“The Super Bowl Legacy Grant Program ensures that the NFL leaves a positive community impact that endures long after the final whistle of the Super Bowl,” said Alexia Gallagher, NFL Vice President of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. “We are excited to see the positive results of the program so far and look forward to continuing to deliver on our promise to create a lasting philanthropic legacy across the New Orleans region.”

As the impact from the Super Bowl continues, the Host Committee and its partners reaffirm their commitment to leveraging the world’s biggest stage for the long-term good of Louisiana, New Orleans and the surrounding parishes.

“Impact 59 Powered by Entergy shows the power of what’s possible when philanthropy and partnership move in the same direction – real, lasting change,” added Michael Williamson, President and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana. “In just eight months, we’ve seen investments multiply, organizations grow stronger, and families across our region feel the difference in their daily lives. On behalf of United Way, we express our sincerest gratitude to the host committee, Marcus Brown, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and all who made this extraordinary impact possible.”

About the New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee

The New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, is responsible for planning, executing, and hosting the City’s record-tying 11th NFL Championship game on February 9, 2025. The Host Committee works in partnership with the National Football League to deliver a successful Super Bowl LIX while driving lasting social and economic impact in the Greater New Orleans area. 

About The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation

Organized in August 1988, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation (Sports Foundation) is a non-profit 501(c) (4) organization whose mission is to attract and manage sporting events that have a positive economic impact on Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area. Throughout its 37-year history, the Sports Foundation has been awarded and managed hundreds of events and turned a $50 million public investment into more than $4.2 billion in economic impact for the State of Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area. Learn more about the Sports Foundation at gnosports.com.

Super Bowl LIX Media Contacts:
Ainsley Coleman, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, (318) 588-0651, acoleman@gnosf.org
Lenox Hill, The Ehrhardt Group, (504) 352-5910, lhill@tegpr.com

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MINNEAPOLIS, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Boyer, a premier Microsoft Solutions Partner, today announced a high-velocity strategic shift with the launch of the AI Agent Strike Force. This unit is engineered for one purpose: delivering rapid, tangible AI Agent victories across the enterprise landscape. To spearhead this offensive, Boyer has appointed software executive and strategic advisor Rob Kline to lead the firm’s AI Strategy and Go-to-Market (GTM) efforts.

Proven Execution: Over 50 Live Copilot Agents and Counting
While much of the industry remains in the “proof of concept” stage, Boyer is delivering results in real-time. The AI Strike Force is backed by a proven track record of over 50 live AI Agents, with dozens currently deployed across our customer base today. We aren’t just talking about the future of autonomous work; we are delivering active wins and measurable ROI for clients today.

Speed to Value: The AI Agent Strike Force
In a market saturated with AI theory, Boyer’s Strike Force is built for execution. This specialized team moves beyond traditional, long-cycle consulting to focus on the immediate deployment of autonomous agentic AI. By targeting high-impact workflows within complex business systems, the Strike Force transforms AI potential into “Day One” operational wins, ensuring clients see value in weeks, not years.

A Strategic GTM Built on Seller Trust
Boyer’s new GTM strategy is specifically designed to reinforce the trust and confidence of the Microsoft field. Recognizing the demand on Microsoft sellers to provide sophisticated, market-ready AI solutions, Boyer offers a “plug-and-play” tactical partnership.
“The marketplace is past the point of experimentation; organizations need agents that drive outcomes now,” said Rob Kline, Senior Director of AI Strategy. “Our strategy is built to be the secret weapon for Microsoft sellers. We provide the tactical edge they need to walk into any complex environment with the confidence that we will deliver an immediate win and solidify their standing as the primary strategic partner, securing the ‘first-agent-standing’ position within their customer base.”

Winning the Enterprise with Microsoft
The AI Agent Strike Force provides Microsoft sellers with:

  • Tactical Execution: A high-speed framework for identifying and deploying AI Agents that solve real-world business friction.
  • Strategic Domain Depth: Decades of experience managing mission-critical business systems, ensuring AI Agents are integrated into the core of the enterprise.
  • Market Momentum: A specialized GTM motion that quickly converts AI interest into closed deals and successful deployments.

“With Rob leading this charge, we are moving faster than the market to bridge the gap between AI’s promise and its practical application,” said Lee Witkop, CEO of Boyer. “Our AI Strike Force is the most reliable resource for Microsoft sellers who want to secure the ‘Agent win’ and lead their clients through the next era of digital transformation.”

About Boyer & Associates

Boyer is an award-winning Microsoft Solutions Partner specializing in high-impact Business Applications and AI. By combining deep strategic expertise with a relentless focus on market execution, Boyer helps organizations leverage Microsoft Copilot and autonomous agents to revolutionize their business systems and achieve sustainable growth.

For details on Boyer’s AI services, visit their website.

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SOURCE Boyer and Associates

Alabama’s Rural Hospitals

  • 84% of hospitals in Alabama operate in the red.
  • 42% of the state’s population lives in a rural area.
  • 7% out of the state’s 67 counties don’t have a hospital.

ATLANTA, April 14, 2026 /3BL/ – In the midst of widespread funding shortfalls for most rural Alabama hospitals, Georgia-Pacific operations in Escambia and Monroe counties are helping hospitals there with a much-needed funding boost.

Georgia-Pacific’s Brewton Containerboard and Alabama River Cellulose facilities donated a total of $500,000 to three rural hospitals in Alabama. The funding will help local hospitals provide critical health services to the community.

Many U.S. hospitals in rural communities have been forced to cut or eliminate essential medical services due to financial strain. According to the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), more than 140 rural hospitals have closed in the past decade. The Alabama Hospital Association states that 84% of Alabama’s hospitals operate in the red, and nearly 90% of women living in rural areas are more than 30 minutes from a birthing center. Alabama’s Rural Hospital Investment Program (RHIP) tax credit is designed to address these challenges.

The Monroe County Hospital (MCH) in Monroeville, Ala., received $225,000. The D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton, Ala., received $225,000, and the Atmore Community Hospital in Atmore, Ala., received $50,000.

“Monroe County Hospital thanks Georgia-Pacific’s Alabama River Cellulose for their investment through the Rural Hospital Investment Program. Thanks to operations and tax-credit incentives, investments like this help strengthen our financial foundation, stabilize operations, and ensure we can continue providing critical healthcare services close to home,” said Laura Harris, MCH’s public relations director. “This support preserves access to care for our community while strengthening the infrastructure and workforce needed to serve Monroe County for years to come. We are grateful for Georgia-Pacific’s partnership in supporting rural healthcare.” 

“Atmore Community Hospital is grateful for Georgia-Pacific’s support through the Rural Hospital Investment Program. The tax credit allocation comes at an important time and will help the hospital strengthen its financial stability and support critical operational needs,” said Drew Citrin, Atmore Community Hospital administrator. “This investment will make a meaningful difference in helping the hospital continue its mission of providing excellent care to patients close to home. We appreciate Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to rural healthcare and its investment in the future of our hospital and the community of Atmore.”

Atmore Community Hospital in Atmore, Ala.

Atmore Community Hospital in Atmore, Ala., received $50,000 from Georgia-Pacific’s Brewton operations. A part of the community for more than 50 years, Atmore Community Hospital serves Atmore and the surrounding communities. The facility and its healthcare providers work to provide the community with safe, quality care that exceeds all expectations.

Stacey Hines, administrator for D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, said, “We are incredibly grateful to Georgia-Pacific for their generous contribution through the Rural Hospital Investment Program. Their support is an investment not only in our hospital, but in the health and well-being of the entire community we serve. Their generosity helps us continue caring for our friends, neighbors, and families close to home, and partnerships like this strengthen not just our hospital, but our entire community.”

 D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton, Ala.

Georgia-Pacific’s Brewton operations donated $225,000 to D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton, Ala. The funding will help with the hospital’s mission to provide quality healthcare services while treating patients respectfully and with compassion.
Georgia-Pacific partners with the communities in which it operates to create long-term value and support initiatives that protect the community’s health and well-being.

“Supporting our local hospitals is an investment in the people and families who make our community strong, and strong communities start with access to quality healthcare,” explained Wes Greeson, vice president, Brewton Operations. “This donation underscores our values and our responsibility to support organizations that care for our neighbors when they need it most.”

“Georgia-Pacific pulp and paper mills primarily operate in rural settings, and Alabama River Cellulose is no exception,” said Jeff Vermilyea, vice president, Alabama River Cellulose. “We see our rural setting—especially the workforce that comes from it—as a key strength. Giving back to the area that’s given so much to us was an easy choice. This donation helps our local hospital, Monroe Co. Hospital, continue providing our community access reliable, high-quality healthcare locally.”

Georgia-Pacific is a leading employer in Alabama, creating a combined 12,000 direct and indirect jobs, and more than $760 million in wages and benefits. Over the past decade, the company has invested nearly $2.5 billion in its Alabama operations and recently announced an additional investment of $800 million in the Alabama River Cellulose operation.

Learn more about our stewardship initiatives here.

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