By Dallas Barnes

The Pride Calgary Planning Committee, along with sponsors Gay Calgary and Edmonton Magazine and The Calgary Eagle, would like to invite you to its first fundraiser of 2010. The First Annual Lusty Lasagna Contest will be held on February 7th from 6 to 10pm at the Calgary Eagle.

Morgan Worth, Special Events Coordinator with Pride Calgary could not be more excited. “Not only is Italian food sexy, we are hoping this event will promote Pride’s dedication to Calgary’s GLBTA community.”

If you have ever taken part in The Calgary Eagle and AIDS Calgary’s Chili Cook-off you will be familiar with the format of Lusty Lasagna. Anyone is able to enter the contest. You will need to get a copy of the entry form which can be found on The Calgary Eagle’s website or by visiting the Calgary Eagle in person. The entry fee is $20.00 and they must be received by February 6th.

If you would rather sit back and enjoy what these culinary geniuses have created, simply head down to the Calgary Eagle on the 7th with and empty stomach and an open mind. Each generous sample of lasagna will run you a mere $3, or try 5 for $10, with all proceeds going to Pride Calgary’s 2010 Celebration on September 6th. Judging the competition are some local Calgary celebrities that will be revealed the night of the event.

Both Morgan and Sam Casselman, President of Pride Calgary are determined to make sure that Lusty Lasagna is the first of many Pride fundraising events that bring together Calgary’s GLBTA Community. “PCPC is excited to kick off the New Year with a fun, inclusive event, all in support of Pride Calgary,” Casselman states.

Worth is optimistic about what these fundraising events can do for Pride 2010. “We can make it even bigger and better than Calgary Pride 2009.” Considering last year was the best turnout Calgary Pride has ever had, Pride 2010 is definitely something to look forward to.

Worth and the rest of the Pride Calgary Planning Committee are on working on a special fundraising event for next spring as well. Details are still under wraps, but be ready for a fabulous event not ever seen before in our community.

Casselman would like to reinforce the inclusivity and community involvement that Pride Calgary is focusing on for 2010. “We are making strides to visit every GLBTA establishment and community organization this year in an effort to have more involvement in Pride celebrations and special events.” She also encourages all community organizations and interested individuals to contact Pride Calgary if they would like to partner up for an event, or have any ideas on future Pride events.

In order to make Pride Calgary 2010 something Calgarians can be proud of, and that represents the entire community, Pride Calgary Planning Committee truly appreciates the support of events like Lusty Lasagna. They have worked tirelessly to make it a fun event for everyone, and the Calgary Eagle has graciously donated a welcoming space for it. Come out and support your fellow culinary queers, or perhaps prove to everyone that your lasagna reigns supreme.