Wilton Pride, in partnership with the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, is bringing back the Pride Adopt-A-Shop program for a second year. The initiative is designed to showcase support for the LGBTQ+ community in local businesses, to foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere throughout Wilton to celebrate Pride Month in June 2024.
Similar to the practice of painting store windows in celebration of various holidays, organizers said the Adopt-A-Shop program allows community groups such as families, faith groups, sports teams, theater groups, Scouts, and others to decorate the storefronts of participating businesses with Pride-themed decorations and embellishments.
Chamber and Pride officials said in a press release that “their partnership marks the continuation of tradition to a growing list of noteworthy collaborations that endorse Wilton Pride and its mission to support our LGBTQ+ community and allies. Pride Adopt-A-Shop illustrates the potential to engage the whole community in bringing festivities and decorations to our streets for everyone to enjoy.”
Wilton Pride President Farah Masani called the program a “win-win-win opportunity for all.”
“Our town organizations get to celebrate Pride in a creative and fun way and participating shops are likely to see a lift based on our research that shows LGBTQ+ friendly businesses enjoy higher revenues and more customer loyalty. Plus our town will look awesome,” Masani said.
Camille Carriero, the executive director of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, said the return of the Adopt-a-Shop initative gives the chamber an opportunity to connect her member businesses with Wilton Pride.
“The Wilton Chamber of Commerce strives to collaborate with local organizations whose overall mission is to produce a better community for our residents, town and businesses. Adopt-a-Shop is a channel to engage and connect members of our town so that we can create a welcoming environment and celebrate all members of our community,” Carriero said.
According to the press release, local businesses have been asking if the initiative would be returning and a number have signed on to participate.
How Adopt-a-Shop works:
Wilton Pride will asking for support from community organizations that want to fund and decorate a storefront in Wilton. Storefronts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All displays will be designed and executed with guidance and instruction from Wilton Pride and the Wilton Chamber.
Online forms are available for interested organizations and for Wilton businesses.
