A raffle fundraiser in support of an education bursary for members of the LGBTQ+ community will feature at a brunch event this weekend.

Love Is Love BDA is hosting the gathering, where performer Marcus Smith is expected to bring “entertainment, energy and excitement”, the group said.

Several businesses have donated prizes for the raffle and all proceeds from the draw will be donated directly to OutBermuda’s 2024 education bursary.

Love Is Love BDA said its support for the programme was thanks to the generosity of several sponsors.

Raffle prizes will include a Shy Creation 14k rose gold ring as well as vouchers for Belco, Crisson Jewellers, Northshore Medical & Aesthetics Centre, Island Restaurant Group, The Booth and Harbourside Holdings.

Donations were also made by Bermuda Bookstore, Flying Colours and Uplift.

Jameka Smith, an OutBermuda board member, said on behalf of the charity’s education bursary committee: “OutBermuda expresses its thanks to Love Is Love BDA for their support of our education bursary, which is a programme committed to promoting and supporting the wellbeing, dignity and success of the LGBTQ community in Bermuda.

“Support of this programme in the form of donations and sponsorships such as this, allows OutBermuda to continue this education bursary into the distant future.”

Christina Arden, who was the recipient of 2023’s bursary, added: “Receiving OutBermuda’s education bursary is an honour and personally important as it provides indispensable financial support that allows me to continue my education in an economic environment where the cost of living has increased, and pursuing an education can seem like a luxury as thousands of Bermudians are working just to survive.

“I feel this bursary is important because it celebrates and unites many of my identities that are not often connected.

“Everyone holds different identities connected to their race, gender, religion, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity.

“This bursary is a wonderful way to advance diversity and inclusion in education while also promoting a sense of belonging and inspiration within Bermuda’s LGBTQ community.”

Attendees at the buffet brunch at Thyme restaurant in Paget on Sunday, will be treated to performances by Mr Smith before he emigrates to Britain.

The entertainer featured in Bermuda Pride events last year, played the part of Donkey in Gilbert & Sullivan Society's Shrek the Musical at Earl Cameron Theatre in October, and Buttons in the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society’s Cinderella in December.

Love is Love BDA encourages all brunch attendees to wear red, pink, white or silver “in celebration of love” ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Tickets for the event, which offers seating options at 10am and 1pm, were available on ptix.bm.