Community reacts to postponement of inaugural Equality Walk tied to Silvercrest
Gavin Nguyen
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Pride confirmed Monday that the postponement of its inaugural Pride Equality Walk was tied to Silvercrest Advertising, the key sponsor for the event.
Originally set for Saturday, October 25th, the postponement is the latest outcome of the arrest of Silvercrest Advertising’s CEO, William Rodriguez.
Greater Palm Springs Pride added to its statement on Monday, which referenced the organization’s decision to cut ties with the company last Friday:
“When we suspended active promotional activities tied to the presenting sponsor of the Walk, we understood we would not be in a position to secure another sponsor. We stand by our decision. We fully understand actions have repercussions; postponing the Walk is the cost of our decision. The Walk will be stronger when it returns. We are grateful for those who support us and are committed to a successful Walk in 2026.”
Ron deHarte, President & CEO of PS Pride
The walk was set to take the place of the annual DAP Health Equity Walk, which ended after nearly 40 years last October. Palm Springs Pride said funds raised during the walk would have been used to help keep its November Pride Festival free to attend.
News Channel 3 is gathering reaction from the community tonight. Stay with us for the latest.