Local Pride Alliance Comes Together to Support LGBTQ+ Community

BDO’s Pride Alliance embodies our core purpose, helping people thrive by providing networking and community outreach opportunities to LGBTQ+ professionals and their allies. As part of this mission, our Bay Area Pride Alliance, comprised of individuals from San Jose and San Francisco, organizes an annual auction to support their local LGBTQ+ community. This event not only raises crucial funds but also fosters a sense of unity and support within the community, reflecting BDO's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

A total of 70 professionals participated in the most recent auction, coming together virtually and in person to bid on items and experiences such as tech devices, Airbnb stays — and even a home-cooked dinner hosted by a local principal.

This year, the group event set a new fundraising record. Tax Senior Manager Nicole Miller, Assurance Experienced Associate Alicia Ng and Assurance Director Frank Wiggins leaned on the firm's Matching Gifts program to increase the donations raised from the event. The program is part of BDO’s recently refreshed social impact strategy.

The Matching Gifts program was established in 2023 to support our people in their charitable giving. BDO professionals can make a monetary contribution to a nonprofit organization of their choosing and the firm will match the donation dollar-to-dollar — doubling our people’s giving power. As a result, the auction raised a total of $9,600.

“The Matching Gifts program is a testament to BDO’s genuine commitment to helping our communities thrive,” says Tax Principal and Pride Alliance National Leader Jeffrey Baron. “I'm excited to see how professionals will fully embrace the program in the future to drive lasting change together.”

Each year, the Bay Area Pride Alliance chooses a local charity to receive the proceeds from the auction. This year, proceeds went towards the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center, a San Jose nonprofit organization that provides affirming services and support to LGBTQ+ community members in need.