The Gay Auckland Business Association (GABA) is back after a blisteringly successful 2011, ready to give out a stack of cash to needy GLBT causes.


Tens of thousands of dollars were raised for the GABA charitable trust last year when GABA hosted GABA Gold at the Langham Hotel in Auckland. The night, hosted by TV’s Alison Mau, drew hundreds of happy bidders who donated around $26,500 to the organisation.


The biggest ticket on the night was a Ross Watson print, Soldiers, Off Set, which was picked up for $2200.


A huge number of items were donated to GABA for the event, meaning the bulk of the night’s takings can now be distributed to GLBT community causes through grants in 2012.
GABA communications manager Pam Ford says applications for grants will open after the first Fruits After 5 meeting at Auckland’s DNA Bar on Wednesday 01 February.


“The trust is extremely happy to announce that grant applications will be taken from this first meeting on 01 February,” says Pam. “We don’t have any idea how many grants will be given out at this point – as it depends on the number and calibre of applications – but we know that this money will be gratefully received by a number of community groups out there.”


Pam says the auction capped off a great year for GABA, and that grants should set the ball rolling for another cracker.
“We’re really excited about the year ahead and have a number of great initiatives being rolled out at this time.”


One of these projects is the new GABA website, www.gaba.org.nz, which just had its first soft launch. The site will be your place to find information on GABA members, how to join GABA and what events are coming up for the community.


“We hope the events section will be comprehensive,” says Pam. “It’s a free service for anyone in the community to use and view, so we’re hoping people will take up the opportunity to publicise their events in this way.


“We were really lucky to get a good web designer to work on this project and are really happy with the way the tendering process played out. We’re really getting off to a great start this year!”


GABA is also part of the team putting together the hospitality tent at this year’s Big Gay Out. 
“It’s open to members and people interested in becoming members,” says Pam. “Join us for nibbles, Kim Crawford Wines and a few smiles from the staff of DNA, who will be running the tent.”


To check out GABA’s new website, visit www.gaba.org.nz.